54 DISEASES AND ENEMIES. 



have never observed this peculiar color unless the fish was 

 partially or totally blind. The fungus which grows upon 

 the fish is probably not a disease, but is caused by, or is the 

 indication of a disease. JSTothing is known about remedies. 

 If only a few Trout are affected, take them out, as they 

 will be sure to die ; those covered with spots very soon, 

 and those blind, in a few months, of starvation. If the 

 Trout begin to die in numbers, change them to another 

 pond, if possible, or give them more water. This is all we 

 can do for them. The dead Trout should be taken out of 

 the pond as fast as they are discovered., They will rise to 

 the surface only in very rare cases, but generally sink to 

 the bottom, and if there is much moss in the pond they are 

 lost to sight, and decaying on the bottom, foul the pond. 

 If there is much sickness among the Trout, we generally 

 consider it a sign of insufiicient water. 



There are but few enemies of Trout in artificial ponds. 

 If the ponds are near the house, and people constantly 

 about them, there will be no trouble with the birds which 

 usually prey upon fish — such as the kingfisher, fish-hawk 

 and crane. Even if the ponds are some distance from the 

 house, the water will probably be too deep for the fish-hawk 

 and kingfisher to do much mischief, as it is only in shallow 

 water that they can be certain of their prey. Cranes will 

 wade into the water and take all that, comes within 

 reach of their long bills — whether frogs, snakes or fish. 

 But they are very few in number, and the Trout are wary. 

 If any of these birds appear, shoot them ; and as there 

 are very few of them, at any rate, you will not be troubled 

 much. Muskrats sometimes get into the ponds. They 

 are vegetable eaters and do not eat the fish. Still, it is 

 bad to have them around, as they make holes in the banks 

 of the ponds and let the water off; A few traps will 

 soon dispose of them. It may be worth while to men- 

 tion here the manner of catching them. Find out the 



