82 GOLDFISH VARIETIES AKD 



extremely handsome fancy carp of Japanese breeding-, having blue backs, 

 red sides, white bellies, and with the large irregularly placed scales of the 

 Mirror Carp. It is to be hoped these will be propogated here. 



Fig. 69. The Mirror Carp (Young) 



THE CARNIVOROUS FISHES 



The Pike, Bass, Perch and other predaceous fishes are not suited to 

 the household aquarium, although small ones are sometimes kept. If fed 

 upon meat it is important that no uneaten particles be allowed to remain. 



COLLECTING IN STREAMS AND PONDS 



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 afiforded on outings are some of the more important 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 small 

 mesh, fitted with a sectional rod. The seine should be operated by two 

 persons. Poles are attached to the lower lines containing the sinkers, 

 while the float line is pulled forward by the hand, slightly behind the 

 lower line. They can be operated with great success in any shallow 

 stream where the fish can be manoeuvered into a corner for the final 

 sweep. Care should be exercised to put back all fish not actually wanted, 

 and also not to try to carry so many home that they all sufifocate before 

 arrival. The landing net is used mainly in streamlets. It is operated by 

 a quick overhead swoop and the net pulled rapidly over the bottom 

 towards the fisherman. The net should be of a depth of about 25 inches 

 and had best be secured to the frame by brass rings of about ^^ inch 

 diameter, procurable in upholstery stores. These prevent the cutting of 

 the net when dragging over stones. Very little success can be had by 

 scooping upwards. 



