RIVER FISH AND FISHING. 875 
the flood-gates, &c., which impede the progress of other fish; 
sometimes the English millers put straw ropes for this 
purpose, up which the young eels swarm in myriads. While 
ascending the larger rivers they may be seen in a double 
column, one close to each bank, swimming with great 
power and speed. These young eels are from half an inch 
to an inch in length. The eel is a very voracious fish, 
and will feed upon all kinds of garbage, and upon small 
fish, frogs, rats, &c; it may be said to be the great scay- 
enger of our rivers. els feed chiefly by night, and they 
lie chiefly by day in the deep pools of rivers, or under 
stones or stumps of trees, or among the weeds or other 
impediments to the current of water, which they seem in 
all cases to dislike. 
“ via 
4 i ' 
eh 
THE LINE, REEL, AND HOOK. 
This, which is the essential part of all fishing-tackle, 
consists of a reel-line, varying in length, strength, and 
size, according to the nature of the fish which is sought 
after; of a reel to wind this upon, also varying in accord- 
ance with the line; and of a smaller and finer foot-length 
