THE EEL. 305

The Hel. The Eel from its general resemblance to the
snake is not usually a favourite when alive, however popular
it may be with the palate, when served up with suitable acces-
sories at table. It is however full of interest as a study, and
shows many remarkable characteristics and traits. It migrates
from the river to the sea in the Autumn to produce its young,
thus reversing the order of procedure of the salmon. Mr.
Jesse, writing of these migrations as observed by him in the
Thames many years ago, says: ‘‘ An annual migration of
young eels takes place in the river Thames in the month of
May, and they have generally made their appearance at King-
ston, in their way upwards, about the second week in that
month. These young eels are about two inches in length,
and they make their approach in one regular and undeviating
column of about five inches in breadth, and as thick together
as itis possible for them to be. As the procession generally
lasts two or three days, and as they appear to move at the rate
of nearly two miles and a half an hour, some idea may be
formed of their enormous number. Sir Humphry Davy
says, in his ‘‘ Salmonia,’”—‘‘ There are two migrations of
eels, one from and the other /o the sea; the first in spring and
summer, and the second in autumn, or early in winter. The
first of very small eels, which are sometimes not more than two
and a half inches long ; the second of large-eels, which some-
times are three or four feet long, and weigh from fifteen to
twenty pounds. There is great reason to believe, that all eels
found in fresh water are the results of the first migration ; they
appear in millions in April and May, and sometimes continue
to rise as late as July, and the beginning of August. They
feed, grow, and fatten in fresh water. In small rivers, they
are seldom very large ; but, in large deep lakes, they become
as thick as a man’s arm, or even leg ; and all those of a con-
siderable size attempt to return to the sea in October or Novem-
ber, probably when they experience the cold of the first au-
tumnal rains.’’ Mr. St. John thus describes some young