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Most of the water from the pond is drawn through 

 the seining basin until a considerable number of minnows 

 come into it from the pond. The outlet valve to the 

 pond is closed and the water in the basin lowered until 

 the majority of the minnows can be removed to suitable 

 receptacles. This operation is repeated until all the 

 water has been drained from the pond and all the minnows 

 have been removed from the seining basin and placed in 

 holding facilities. 



Where ponds are in a series along a watercourse or 

 grouped in such a way that a number of pond outlets can 

 be brought into the seining basin, this type of con- 

 struction ismore economical because more than one pond 

 can be drained into the basin. If there is a large 

 group of ponds, the situation may not lend itself to 

 this type of construction because only one pond can be 

 drained at a time. Where there is a basin in each pond, 

 more than one pond can be drained at a time. This is 

 often a very desirable procedure. 



Water lines supplying the ponds should be of 

 sufficient size to fill the pond rapidly and to maintain 

 water levels. At least 4-inch, preferably 6-inch, lines 

 should be run to each 1— acre pond. The main supply 

 lines from which these are taken can be designed in 

 accordance with the number of ponds supplied, the amount 

 of water pressure, and other factors. Cement-asbestos 

 pipe is ideal for the main supply lines. These lines 

 should be laid in the dikes at the proper stage in 

 construction. 



There is some difference of opinion regarding the 

 proper location of the water-supply lines to the indi- 

 vidual ponds. Where the seining or catch basin is 

 located in the pond, the supply line should be located 

 at the basin. This permits the use of fresh water when 

 the pond is being drained and when the pond water is 

 muddy from frequent agitation. It also provides a 

 source of fresh water to fill receptacles which are 

 used for transporting fish from the pond. Except in 

 those ponds used for the propagation of stream-breeding 

 species such as the creek chub, there seems to be little 

 in favor of having the water supply at the end opposite 

 the outlet. 



Natural Ponds 

 In some localities the bait dealer will have to 

 use natural ponds for the production of minnows because 

 of the lack of suitable locations and water supply for 



