TENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 105 
the wandering eels begins to be very rapid after August and 
September, while in the earlier months of the year, in all eels of 
moderate size, the eggs were at the utmost but about 0.09 in dia- 
meter. In September of the same year, I found (as an average 
of numerous measurements) a diameter of 0.10; in October, 0.16; 
in November, 0.18 to 0.23, while the eggs showed other charac- 
ters connected with approaching maturity which earlier in the 
season were not to be seen. All the eels which were captured 
later—in December and in January—part of which came from 
rivers and harbors, part from the harbor of Putzig (Putziger 
Wiek) had eggs measuring from 0.09 to 0.09m™™, while, very 
exceptionally, some measured 0.16™, although among the fish 
examined were some which measured 3 feet in length. 
DO MALE EELS LEAVE THE SEA AND ENTER FRESH WATER. 
This problem is one of great interest, both to the biologist, 
and the fish culturist—it is in fact this one disputed point still 
remaining to be solved. Upon its solution appear to depend the 
final decision of the question still so warmly debated both in 
Europe and America. “Do eels breed in fresh water only, in 
salt water only, or in both fresh and salt water.” As has already 
been stated, the theory for a long time generally accepted, is 
that the eels are “catadromous”’ descending to the sea to spawn. 
This theory is, however, sharply contested by many observers, 
chief among whom on this side of the Atlantic is the Hon. 
Robert B. Roosevelt, President of the American Fish Cultural 
Association. It appears probable to the writer that the truth 
lies somewhere between these two extremes, and that it will be 
hereafter ascertained that the eel, like a majority of other ani- 
mals, has flexible habits, sometimes deviating from its ordinary 
custom, which appears to be to spawn in salt or brachial water. 
Male eels have been found in the following localities: 
(1.) In 1874 by Syrski, in the fish markets of Trieste; these mar- 
kets being supplied with eels from Chroggia on the Adri- 
atic, and to a lesser extent from the lagoons of Commac- 
chio. | 
(2.) In 1875, on the coasts of France, by Dareste. 
