BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 245 

 VIII. — FOOD FOR CARP. 



50. Do carp need feeding ? — A. Yes, to grow fast. They can, how- 

 ever, pick for themselves j nst as chickens can. 



51. What is best food for carp % — A. Cooked cereals and vegetables, 

 such as corn, wheat, rye, potatoes, cabbage, turnip, lettuce, pumpkins, 

 melons, &c. 



52. How often should carp be fed ? — A. As often as convenient, if food 

 does not accumulate in their pond. You can habituate .them to come to 

 a place for food just the same as other animals. Better feed them morn- 

 ing and night, one or both. 



53. Are boiled rice and corn bread suitable diet for carp ? — A. Yes ; 

 excellent. 



54. Is brewer's grain suitable feed for carp? — A. Yes. 



55. Is it best to feed salad food to carp ? — A. Kb harm. 



56. Will kitchen scraps kill carp ? — A. Not unless salt, pepper, and 

 mineral substances are mixed in. Salt mackerel, salt meat, &c, should 

 be excluded. Potatoes, corn, cabbage, lettuce, and other vegetables 

 are suitable. 



57. Are water-cresses essential for carp food? — A. Not essential, but 

 desirable. 



58. Will carp eat tadpoles % — A. No. 



IX. — GROWTH OF CARP. 



59. How large do carp grow ? — A. Sometimes to 50 or 75 pounds. 



60. How long does it take carp to grow ? — A. It depends entirely on 

 the temperature of the water and amount of food. 



61. How much will a carp three years old weigh % — A. If in Pennsyl- 

 vania, four or five pounds ; if in Georgia, six to eight pounds. They 

 can be forced to much greater weights by feeding. 



62. What climate is best adapted to the carp % — A. Warm climate. 



X. — SPAWNING OF CARP. 



63. At what age and time of year do carp spawn ? — A. Usually at the 

 age of three years ; often at two ; sometimes at one in southern cli- 

 mates, when fed well. The month of spawning varies in different lati- 

 tudes, but it usually occurs in May in the south and in June in the 

 north. In cold water it may be protracted into July. 



64. Will carp two years old spawn ? — A. That depends on climate, 

 food, &c. 



65. At what age will the male carp vivify the eggs 1 — A. Probably 

 younger than that at which the female deposits eggs. 



66. How can one tell male from female ? — A. It is impossible until 

 about spawning time, unless you cut them open. 



67. Which is the larger, male or female carp % — A. The female. 



