INTRODUCTION 



^^HERE exists in tlic United States great and gniwint; interest in the keeping and cultivation of 

 Japanese i\m\ other races of goldfish. This interest is one phase nf the noteworthy amount of 

 attentiim now dex'oted bv vovmg anrl old to the stud}^ and care of li\ing creatures, and is aided by 

 the facilit\' of olitaining at reasonable prices desii'able material for stocking a(|uai'ia and ponds. 



The pleasures and jirotits (if raising goldfish are destined to be experienced b}- many more 

 people; each \ear thcinsands of men, women, and children begin to exhibit an interest in this subjeci 

 bv seeking to learn where and how to secure the goldfish, and how to raise and care for them. The 

 demand for the fish keeps far in ad\ance of the available supply, and there is thus created a need 

 for moi-f exlensi\e culti\ation and more establishments where goklfish are ])rocluce(l. 



This little work is presented in the belief that, while ,\merican goldfish culturists and fanciers 

 ha\e <le\elo])ed most efficient methoils, there is much for i)rofessionals and amateurs t(j learn from the 

 Japanese, and that a discussion of giildfish and their cultiu'c from the Japanese \'iewpoint will be of 

 ]iractical \'alue and general interest to Americans. 



While there have been published many works dealing with the goldfish and their cultivation, 

 there is none that has just the scope and viewpoint of the present one: and it is believed that there are 

 hei'ein set forth certain aspects (jf Japanese methods that ha\'e never before been made known to 

 western readers. 



