CHAPTER XXI. 



OK SOME OP THE OTHER INHABITANTS uF THE 

 WATERS. 



In the foregoing articles on the different fishes, it has been 

 the object, as far as possible, to give necessary information 

 of all angle fishes, and the modes of taking them. In fur- 

 therance of this design, many more pages have been occupied 

 than was originally intended ; but such a variety of fishes is 

 offered by the nature and extent of our country, that it has 

 seemed almost impossible, without wading thus far, to do 

 justice to our subject. For the further benefit of the reader, 

 we will venture briefly to refer to some others of the finny 

 tribe. 



THE EEL. 



This serpentine looking animal has its friends and foes, 

 and is found in almost all fresh and salt water streams that 

 circumvent the globe. In ancient times, it was highly valued ; 

 and at the present, although looked upon as belonging to the 

 snake tribe, is considered, by the majority of fish eaters, as 

 forming a very savory dish. Those that inhabit the salt 

 water, are sometimes taken of a very large size. The largest 





