454 THE GOLD-FISH. 



The baits used in catching Roach are various kinds of worms, flies, 

 and pastes. The time for angling is, in mild cloudy weather, all the 

 day; in hot weather, only in the mornings and evenings; and in cold 

 weather; during the middle of the day. 



THE GOLD-FISH. 



Gold-fish are natives of China; and the most beautiful kinds are 



caught in a small lake in the pro- 

 vince of Chekyang, at the foot of a 

 mountain called Tsyen-king. They 

 were first introduced into England 

 about the year 16J>1, but were not 

 generally known till thirty years 

 afterwards. 

 _ In China they are kept in ponds, 



or large porcelain vessels, by 

 almost every person of distinction. In these they are Yery lively and 

 active, sporting about the surface of the water with great vivacity; 

 but they are so delicate, that, if cannon be fired, or any substance 

 giving out a powerful smell, as pitch or tar, are barned near them, 

 great numbers will be killed. In each of the ponds or basins where 

 they are kept, there is an earthen pan, with holes in it, turned upsida 

 down. Under this they retire when, at any time, they find the rays 

 of the sun too powerful. The water is changed three or fou'- times 

 a week. Whilst this is done, it is necessary to remove the fish into 

 another vessel; bat they ought alvviys to be taken out by means of a 

 net, for tlie least handling would destroy them. 



When Gold-fish are kept in ponds, they are often taoght to rise to 

 the surface of the water, at the sound of a bell, to be fed. At Pekiu, 

 for three or i'our months of tlie winter, or whilst the cold weather 

 lasts, the fisli in the ponds are not fed at all. They are able, during 

 that time, to obtain the small quantity of food which they require, 

 from the water. In order to prevent their being frozen, they are 

 often taken into the houses, and kept in china vessels, till the warm 

 weather of spring allows their being returned to their pomla with 

 safety. 



In hot countries, Gold-fish multiply very fast, if care be taken to 

 remove the spawn, which swims on the surface of the water, into 

 other ponds; for otherwise, the animals woxild devour the greater part 

 of it. The young fry, when first protluced, are perfectly black; but 

 they afterwards change to white, and then to gold color. The latter 

 colois appear first about the tail, and extend upwards. 



The smallest fish are preferred, not only from their being more 

 beautiful than the larger ones, but because a greater number of them 

 can be kept. These are of a fine orange red color, appearing as if 

 spr'nkled over with gold-dust. Some, however, are white, like silver, 

 ana others white spotted with red. When dead they lose all their 

 lustre. The females are known from the males by several white spot« 



