CONGEK. 
341 
of tlie -wind. In simply cold weather they are less eager for 
food, and seem to be inert; but when the cold is severe, and 
especially when it is sudden, there are instances of its having 
proved extensively destructive. On one occasion in the month 
of Februaiy, during an east wind, which had driven the 
water from the north into the British Channel, large numbers 
of these fish were found floating on the surface, altogether 
helpless, although not dead; and under similar circumstances, 
on the north coast of Somersetshire, in another year, a large 
quantity Avere found to have been killed, while at the same 
time in a situation where they were more effectually sheltered. 
Congers were sufficiently active to take a bait. Mr. Thompson 
relates occurrences of a similar sort on the coast of Ireland; 
and it is scarcely uncommon in the more southern climate and 
deeper water of Cornwall, where fishermen report that in 
severely cold winters large numbers have been thrown on 
shore or left by the tide. Without being dead, these fish 
appear as if blind, and they are thus found more especially 
if a south wind springs up presently after a cold wind from 
the north east, which, however, may have this effect only 
because it bloAVs directly toward the shoi'e. It is remaiked 
by fishermen that before a storm, especially when the wind is 
south east and west, Congers are more than usually active; 
and it is their belief that if fishing could be carried on in a 
stiff gale, more of these fish would be taken then than at 
other times. 
But as these fish are quickly sensible of changes in the 
wind or weather, and even appear to anticipate it when at a 
considerable depth, if a little time is allowed them they seek 
their nsual places of shelter, which are often among rocks 
near the land, and in the hollows of which they are not 
unfrequently left for an hour or two by the tide. There are 
some also which keep in what is termed clean ground, Avhere 
the bottom is soft, or formed of sand, and in which they 
seek safety and comfort, although not seldom to their oAvn 
destruction; for where the tide ebbs to a large extent, so as 
to leave much of the beach uncovered, people acquainted with 
these habits of the fish are accustomed to discoA'er them by 
trampling on the ground, and then to dig them up. Fisher- 
men are able to distinguish such Congers as live on rocky 
