146 ANGLING 



to be found in the waters whicli are adapted for 

 them." 



The eel is exceedingly voracious, and a most iadis- 

 criminate feeder. Nothing can be too delicate, and few 

 things too nasty, for his ravenous appetite. Many 

 instances of their voracity have been recorded from 

 time to time ; and many wonderful stories told about 

 the size, migrations, and miraculous powers of the 

 fish. 



This fish is no great favourite with the angler. On 

 the table he is delicious, but not a very pleasant affair 

 to take off a hook. 



Those who like angling for eels must use strong 

 tackle. A stiff rod, a strong line, and a large hook are 

 indispensable : a large red dew-worm will complete the 

 equipment. 



The eel requires considerable indulgence when he 

 bites ; but, as everybody who can brandish a rod knows 

 how to fish for him, we have only to suggest that as 

 soon as he is pulled out of the water, whether big or 

 little, the angler should stamp his foot across his body, 

 hold his line tight with one hand, and with the other 

 cut off its head. This is the only way to prevent the 

 slippery rascal from tying the line full of knots, and 

 twisting it inextricably round his body. 



Note to Chapter XI 



The inclusion of the dace, sandwiched as it were between the 

 gudgeon and the eel, would indicate that Blakey had not 

 an exalted opinion of this lively little cjrprinoid, but he recom- 

 mends him very justly as a desirable object for the young fly- 

 fisher to practise upon. Fly-fishing for dace, indeed, has become 

 a fine art, and is considered worthy of treatment with the dry-fly 

 by skilled anglers who have not the opportunity of coping with 

 trout, salmon, or grayling. The eel is scarcely a fish upon which 

 to comment from the sportsman's point of view, but the angler 

 has to try conclusions with it very often against his will. The 

 remarks in the foregoing chapter upon the eel are in the nature 

 of speculations propounded and quoted as to the manner in which 

 it is propagated. The most ludicrous ideas have from time 



