CHAPTER TWELVE 



uariuni 





It seems to be human nature, especially in America, to assume that 

 the best things come from distant lands— the more distant, the better. 

 In this search for the rare and interesting we are apt to overlook excellent 

 material close at hand. We have many handsome native fishes admirably 

 adapted to aquarium purposes. They are easily managed, tenacious 

 of life, varied in habits and easily tamed. Those who have made col- 

 lections of our own fishes have found much pleasure in this form of 

 aquarium hobby. 



COLLECTING WILD FISHES 



There are pleasures connected with the stocking of a wild-fish 

 aquarium which are unknown to those interested only in goldfishes. The 

 actual contact with Nature, the study of the fishes in their native habitat, 

 the ever-present possibility of finding something new, the companionship 

 and health afforded on outings are some of the pleasant assets of the 

 collector. 



For this work two kinds of nets should be provided. These consist 

 of a minnow seine and a large landing net of fine mesh, fitted with a sec- 

 tional rod. The seine should be operated by two persons. A pole is 

 used at each end of the net, the sinker and float lines being attached 

 at their respective points. The bottom line should be carried well in 

 front of the top, and while a steady forward motion is necessary, it should 

 not be rapid enough to cause the float line to sink. When working over 

 grassy areas it is a help to have a pole attached to the centre of the lower 

 line, this to be operated by a third man, the idea being to keep the sinker 

 line close to the bottom. Seines of this type are adaptable to streams from 

 10 to 20 feet wide and to any larger body of water having a gently sloping 

 shore of firm quality and without too many obstacles. If the haul can 

 be ended at a natural recession or "gut" in the bank it will prevent the 

 loss of some fishes. See Fig. 90. 



