SLIPPERY AS AN EEL. 
ELS are found in almost all warm and temperate coun- 
tries, and grow to a very great size in tropical regions. 
They are impatient of cold, and hence do not exist in the 
extreme northern and southern parts of the world. In many 
islands of the Pacific Ocean they are held in considerable 
estimation, being preserved in ponds and fed by hand, but in 
many civilized communities a strong prejudice prevails 
against them, probably from their similarity to snakes, which 
prevents even a hungry man from caring to eat such whole- 
some and nutritious food. 
Not one of our river fishes is so mysterious as the Eel, and 
although much is now known that was involved in obscurity, 
yet there is still much to learn of its habits, especially the 
manner of its reproduction. Difference of locality, it is 
likely, may influence the Eel and cause a difference of habit, 
an opinion which seems warranted from the various and per- 
plexing accounts that have been given of its customs by 
numerous practical observers. 
During the hot, still and sunny days of June they are 
chiefly seen on top of the water, wherever masses of aquatic 
weeds may be found, either in the calm enjoyment of a sun- 
bath, or for the purpose of feeding upon the myriads of gnats, 
moths and flies that seek the plants for rest or food, and 
which by unavoidably damping their wings become easy prey 
to their ambushed enemies. At night, similar retreats are 
affected for like purposes. Floating masses of detached 
weeds that the eddying stream has wound and kept in one 
place are sought in warm, stilly weather, but in blowing, 
