LAYING OUT PONDS. 13 



molested, but " an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of 

 cure." 



Laying Out Ponds. — The diagram on page 14, represents 

 a series of ponds, in all of which the same water is used. 

 This plan is generally considered the best, for several rea- 

 sons. It economizes the water and space, and is most con- 

 venient for changing the fish from one pond to another. It 

 is not necessary that the ponds should be in a straight line. 

 Where the location demands it they maybe turned so as to 

 lie in a direction nearly or quite parallel with one another. 

 This is easily done by bending the raceways, and length- 

 ening them if necessary, only a curved raceway is some- 

 times not so convenient as if it was straight. The sides of 

 the ponds may be walled up with stones, laid without mor- 

 tar, unless the soil is very sandy. Wood may be better for 

 the sides and bottoms, but we are inclined to think is not 

 worth its expense. If the sides of the ponds are laid up 

 with mortar, let it dry thoroughly before letting the water 

 in ; then let the water run through it two or three weeks, 

 or just long enough to purify the pond before putting any 

 fish in it. It is as well to test it by putting in only a few 

 fish at first ; if the pond is not thoroughly purified the fish 

 in it will turn blind. Ponds should not be built where 

 much surface diainage will run into them ; if they are so 

 exposed the surface water should be carried off by a ditch. 

 The Second and Third Ponds should receive an additional 

 supply of water. The reason for this will be given further 

 on. A general idea of tlie form and size of ponds can be 

 gathered from the diagram without further explanation. 

 If the supply of water is small, it is best to have as much 

 fall between tlie ponds as the nature of the ground will 

 allow. This fall aerates the water and makes it as good as 

 new. 



Shape of Ponds, &c. — Where the supply of water is 

 large it matters very little about the shape of ponds. The 



