ELECTRIC EELS.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—In your article on electric eels, in the Spectator of July 22nd, mention is made of Humboldt's description of the capture of trentbladores " in the stagnant pools of the llanos of Caraccas." I am very much afraid that in this instance the travelled Baron took a leaf out of the book of another German Baron whose name is not unknown to fame. I have myself been on the llanos of Caraccas, and failed to find any confirmation of the method of capture described by Hum- boldt. This does not, of course, prove that he drew the long- bow, and were that all, I should not trouble you with the pre- sent letter. But some years ago a man of science went from Berlin to Venezuela expressly to study the electric eel in its native waters, and carry off specimens for experi- ment and investigation. He was quite full of Humboldt, but after diligent inquiry, came to the conclusion that not only had trembladores never been taken with the help of horses, but that they could not be so taken. The method of capture adopted by himself, after consultation with the llaneros, was by nets, and as he took with him india-rubber gloves, the enterprise presented no difficulties. The fish were found in the reaches of rivers (not pools on the llanos) during the dry season, and, thanks to the gloves, handled with im- punity. When a, fisherman inadvertently caught one between. his legs, the consequences were unpleasant but not serious. The man of science took several of the eels home with him, but how he fared with his experiments I never beard. For my knowledge of his proceedings I am indebted to a book lent: to me by M. Elia& Reclus when I lived at Geneva. I have forgotten the title, but as I read it with great interest and have a good memory, I do not think I am far out in my facts. —I am, Sir, &e.,
Previous page
