318 
THE FAMILY OF EELS. 
pack-thread to that of a man’s wrist or leg; and our observation 
leads us to think that the very young ones of about three 
inches in length, which have gone upward in the spring, at 
their return in the autumn are larger than a swan-qidU, or in 
some cases even of the size of the little finger of a child. 
Whether any remain in fresh water through the winter, in 
cases where a passage downward could he accomplished without 
difficulty, appears uncertain; but it seems certain that the larger 
number reverse the course which they took in the earlier 
months of the year; and in doing this the season also is alto- 
gether reversed. Instead of the day the darkest night is chosen; 
and moonlight or even a bright light effectually delays the 
movement; while a sky that is overcast and a muiky air afford 
strong enticement to action. It is on these occasions that large 
numbers are caught in baskets of wicker-work, which are placed 
across the streams they frequent, with an open mouth presented 
across the current. 
But restless and wandering as is the Eel, there are times 
and situations in which it indulges in a state of rest or 
apathy, which may be even a condition of profound sleep; 
and from which it may not be easily roused. In the second 
volume of the “Zoologist,” the Rev. J. C. Atkinson observes, 
“In the broad fleets on the marshes during hot weather in 
summer, they seem to bask near the surface of the water, 
resting meanwhile on the support of the weeds; and on being 
disturbed by a boat, or, if lying near the side, by a 
passer-by, they quickly descend, making a kind of disturbance 
in the water, which exactly resembles that caused by the 
emergence and instantaneous re-immersion of the dabchick. 
Sometimes on these occasions the Eel in its attempt to descend, 
throws itself completely out of the water. On a calm summer’s 
evening I have seen them in some waters throwing themselves 
out much after the manner of the Porpoise when leaping; 
performing, that is, a kind of summersault. I have witnessed 
this but rarely, and never in streams.” 
We have observed that these fish are at all times highly 
sensitive to cold; and when it is severe, its earliest effect is 
to deaden then.' appetite for food; at which time they seek 
shelter in some retreat, where they can hide themselves in a 
bed of mud; or creep into a hole in the bank of the stream; 
