122 FISHING GOSSIP. 
When learned men thus perpetuate calumnies, 
no wonder ignorance follows suit, and dubs, or 
rather daubs, the poor thing with the slang syno- 
nym of “snig.” His unworthy fate would seem to 
pursue him to the last. As all the world knows, he 
is skinned alive, broiled, fried, or stewed, and other- 
wise maltreated, even before it has been ascertained 
that the “ vital spark” has fled. 
"Tis true, I am free to confess, that there is a 
branch of the eel family which would seem to pro- 
voke this cruel treatment. These pariahs of the tribe 
are generally found in such filthy places as canals, 
drains, marl-pits ; and even make their way into the 
squire’s pet ponds. The Czsarean operation, per- 
formed upon these outcasts of the eel family, gives 
birth sometimes to strange results indeed. I have 
myself seen large frogs, young water-rats, and duck- 
lings that had wandered too far from the maternal 
wing, brought to light by the process. It is even 
said that these demoralised members of the family 
feed on drowned dogs, cats, and other animal impuri- 
ties found floating on their favourite haunts. But 
admitting the worst, it does not amount to a valid 
reason for condemning the whole race. Amongst 
most animals, individuals will be found “no better 
than they ought to be.” In the south of Europe, hares, 
which in this country are deemed rigid “ vegetarians,” 
are strongly suspected of carnivorous indulgences, 
