238 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



All the numerous varieties come from a black species ; in domestica- 

 tion they are first black, subsequently going through several changes; 

 those that become white change to silver or yellow, the black becom- 

 ing red and then golden. Some of the white are so nearly transparent 

 that their viscera are visible. What was for many ages cultivated as a 

 secret art has become public, although the popular belief that their 

 colors were due to red-headed worms found in garbage (probably an in- 

 vention of carp-culturists) still prevails. Much of the art consists in 

 affording due amounts of shade and sunshine, in the course of their 

 growth; and in changing their water; not more than half is to be re- 

 moved at once every fourth or fifth day. 



They are no longer considered edible. Their food is the larvae of in- 

 sects that are skimmed from the surface of stagnant waters; still better 

 are the ova of shrimps, given but sparingly. Aquatic plants float in the 

 jars in which they are kept. Those receptacles which are old, or have 

 been used as latrines are preferred ; they hold half a hogshead of water, 

 and are sunk half way in the ground; they must be without rims. 



Perhaps the origin of abnormal carp may be referred to a fish that 

 partakes, according to description, of the carp and bream that is found 

 in the chief river of Chehkiang, Chientang. It is "five-colored [varie- 

 gated] or from a many-colored carp found in an ancient well in the ad- 

 jacent province, Kiang-Si, with four caudal fins, like a dragon." In 

 droughts it was taken to the Palladium Temple, and invoked for rain ; 

 when put into the lake it found its way back to the well. Disease had 

 probably something to do in the production of some of the markings, 

 for an author feebly combats the vulgar notion that they are due to an 

 eruption. Carp generally, and many fish, suffer from a disease that is 

 indicated by whitish spots on the body. 



The normal golden carp, of Chehkiang, has congeners in caves and 

 chasms of Piehchi Mountain, in Shensi ; " golden-striped carp," and 

 a tortoise-shell variety are found in Honan. 



Red eels and red turtles are met with, though rarely, probably being 

 spontaneously produced. 



Foreign writers on China have stated that the Chinese skim impreg- 

 nated fish eggs from the surface of the rivers, and that they are hatched 

 in pools. This is such an extensive country that one should hesitate 

 to deny any statement respecting it which is not obviously erroneous. 

 I can only say with regard to this matter that after much inquiry I am 

 unable to confirm the statement, though it has been authoritatively 

 made. Possibly it arose from the common practice of collecting the 

 larva? of mosquitoes and other insects; which is an important industry 

 in itself. 



Interspersed through various ichthyological essays a few remarks 

 occur on the treatment of fish maladies. Parasites of the size and 

 shape of flattened peas attack carp and other fish; waters from mount- 

 ain streams bring poisonous matters from serpents, which give origin to 



