SHAPE OF PONDS, <feC. 15 



best shape we believe to be the pear-shape, figured in the 

 plate ; such a shape combining an equable How of water 

 in all directions and the greatest amount of surface, with 

 the least difference in the temperature of the water. If 

 the nature of the ground demands other shapes, the ponds 

 should be made long, narrow and deep, rather than broad 

 and shallow. The depth of the pond is indicated in the 

 plate, and will answer for any size of ponds. It is better 

 for any one wishing to raise a large number of fish, to have 

 several series of ponds, than to attempt raising a larger 

 number by increasing the size of the ponds. Fish do not 

 feed so well in large ponds, are not so easily taken care of, 

 and eat each other more. 



Kaceways. — The Second and Third ponds should have 

 a long, narrow raceway where the water enters — about 

 thirty or forty feet long, four feet wide and six inches deep. 

 The sides of the raceway should be made of one and a half 

 inch plank, one foot in width. This will answer for both 

 natural and artificial impregnation. The raceway is re- 

 quired not only for the purpose of spawning, but as a resort 

 lor the fish at all seasons of the year. I'ish will go into 

 this shallow graveled race, into the quick running water, 

 to free themselves from the parasites which often trouble 

 them ; or they will go there if they are out of health and 

 condition from any cause. This raceway must be filled 

 with coarse gravel, and the bottom of the pond made to 

 slope gently up to the raceway. 



The head of the raceway is to be carefully looked after. 

 If a series of ponds are made, then the screens between 

 will keep the fish from running one to the other ; but if 

 single ponds are used, each supplied with separate water 

 from a stream, then much attention must be paid to the 

 screens where the water enters. It would be well if the 

 water was brought into the pond through a long box, as 



