Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/597

Rh girth, 21 in.; weight, 42 lb. Abundant in all our water-ways. Tons are taken every autumn in Eel-sets on their way to the sea; and a number of men pursue the species in the warmer months with "babs" composed of threaded Worms, and find the business sometimes fairly remunerative. On May 29th, 1892, I examined some Eels, and found the ova well-developed in one. I am strongly of opinion that many moderate-sized Eels do return to the rivers in spring, which is contrary to the recognized theory that they do not. A creamy white Eel, 15 in. long, taken in the Bure, June 6th, 1895. The "lips" had a pink tinge, as had the margin of the dorsal and anal fins.

A. latirostris. Broad-nosed Eel. C.—Not so abundant as the preceding species. Large ones often taken on the broads; one in the Bure, Aug. 10th, 1866. Length, 3 ft. 8 in.; girth, 10 in.; weight, 7¼ lb.

Conger vulgaris. Conger. C.—"Not uncommon in the roads; one, weighing nearly 50 lb., caught in 1808" (Pagets). Not infrequently found ashore during severe weather, with the wind E. Getting into shallow waters, the frost "nips" the Conger's bladder, which, distending, floats it helplessly on the surface, and the waves topple it ashore. I have met with several thus cast on the sands; notably one in the year 1879, which weighed 14 lb.

Siphonostoma typhle. Broad-nosed Pipefish. R.R.—I have met with specimens occasionally on the beach, and in the shrimpers' refuse.

Syngnathus acus. Greater Pipefish. C.—Often taken in the shrimpers' nets. Shrimpers often dry and varnish these fish, placing them on their "overmantels." Local, "Snakefish."

* Nerophis æquoreus. Ocean Pipefish. R.R.—This species is not infrequent. The first specimen recorded for the district was found at the seaside in some draw-netters' refuse on April 12th, 1890. Now in Norwich Museum. I have seen several since.

Syngnathus lumbriciformis. Worm Pipefish. R.—I have found this on the beach, and in the Shrimp-nets. An adult, carrying ova, 4½ inches in length, brought to me on Aug. 2nd, 1890. Under S. barbarus, the Pagets undoubtedly refer to this species.

S. hippocampus. Hippocampus. A.—"Occasionally met