272 THE MURjENA. 



The Sharp-nosed Eel, represented in the engraving on page 271, derives its name from 

 the shape of its head, and by that structure maybe distinguished from the second species. In 

 their habits the Eels are so similar, that the present species will be taken as an example of the 

 whole genus. 



Eels are found in almost all warm and temperate countries, and grow to a very large size 

 in tropical regions. They are, however, impatient of cold, and in the extreme northern or 

 southern parts of the world are not to be found. In many of the Pacific islands these fish are 

 held in great estimation, being preserved in ponds and fed by hand, and in New Zealand they 

 afford one of the staple articles of consumption. In some parts of the world, however, a 

 strong prejudice exists against Eels, probably on account of their resemblance to snakes, and 

 even a hungry man will not eat one of these wholesome and nutritious fish. 



The Eel is one of the most mysterious river fishes, and although much is now known that 

 formerly was involved in obscurity, there is still much to learn respecting its habits, and, 

 more especially, its mode of reproduction. It is probable, that difference of locality may 

 influence the Eel and cause difference of habit ; but it is certain, that, if a number of practical 

 observers set themselves to watch the Eel and its customs, their accounts would vary 

 in the most perplexing manner, and to build a theory upon so unsafe a basis is quite 

 impossible. 



The Common Eel (Align ilia rostrata) is abundant along the Atlantic coast, from Maine to 

 Mexico, ascending all the streams and resident in the Mississippi valley. 



The Broad-nosed Eel is at once to be distinguished by the greater breadth of its head, 

 bluntness of its nose, and soft unctuousness of its body. It does not seem to attain so great 

 a, size as its sharp-nosed relative. Besides these species, I mention a, third Eel, the Snig, 

 which is known by its olive-green back and the golden-yellow of the under parts. The Grig 

 is a term applied by fishermen to any Eel of a small size, and even the name of Snig is 

 employed in a very vague fashion. 



TriE well-known Conger Eel is a marine species, very common in our seas, and being 

 most usually found on the rocky portion of the coast. 



This useful fish has, of late years, come into more general use than formerly, and 

 its good qualities are more appreciated. The flesh, though not very palatable if dressed 

 unskilfully, is now held in some estimation, and for the manufacture of soup is thought 

 to be almost unrivalled. The fishermen can now always obtain a ready sale for the Congers ; 

 and those which are not purchased for the fable are mostly bought up and made into 

 isinglass. It often attains to a very great size, measuring ten feet in length, and weighing 

 more than a hundred pounds. 



The Conger Eel (Conger nigef) is the same in species, found in Europe and East Indies, 

 and on our Atlantic coast. In Europe it grows to a large size, and appears to be more 

 plentiful, weighing one hundred pounds and measuring ten feet in length. A strong diversity 

 of opinion exists concerning its value as food. In the fourteenth century it was prized, and 

 was reserved by the nobility. A special preparation of this fish formed an established trade 

 in the west of England in the time of King John. This preparation was dried Conger, called 

 Conger doust, or Sweet Conger, which was exported to Spain. 



The beautifully mottled Mer.en'a is tolerably common in the Mediterranean, but is scarce 

 towards the northern coasts. 



In former days the Mursena was held in great distinction by epicures ; and the wealthy 

 were accustomed to preserve them in ponds built for that special purpose. In these ponds the 

 Mursena were fattened, and several of the aristocrats labored under the imputation of feeding 

 them with an occasional slave, whenever an ill-fated domestic had the misfortune to offend 

 them. The flesh is very white in color, and of a peculiar and very delicate flavor. This fish 

 can live either in salt or fresh water, but appears to prefer the sea. 



The color is golden yellow in front and purple towards the tail ; and the whole body 

 is covered with bands, irregular rings, and spots of deep and pale gold, purple, and brown. 



