"The exhibition lasts two days, on the first of which are examined the grown-up breeds and 

 on the second the young in the first year. Being developed in color and form, the former naturally 

 attest the extent of skill in the Ijreeders and their value can be known at a glance. The latter are 

 those hatched only in the jireceding spring and as }'et little dexeloped in every respect; but these, 

 after all the cares la\ished upon them by breeders, are to appear again fully grown up for contest 

 at a future show, and on that account are full of interest and promise. The examination of fish 

 in an exhibition is made in a shallow tub containing a white earthenware plate in the center. Two 

 ranchu being placed in the plate are examined by connoisseurs as to their shade, dapples, and the 

 form of the tail and body. Those perfect in every respect are awarded the 'first best,' and a list of 

 the exhibits made in the order of their merits is given to the public. E\ery time the classification is 

 made amid a storm\- debate b\- the examiners. No positive criteria e.xist to guide one in the examina- 

 tion of the ranchu. Nevertheless, those uniformly bright red are considered tiie best, so far as color- 

 ation is concernetl. Those perfect in form. howe\-er uniformly white they may be, are counted 

 tolerably good. The \ariegated ones aie generall_\- unpopular. A ranchu having either a white body 

 and bright red fins and mnuih. nr a bright red color in buth cheeks, is also admired. Every one 

 of the breeds exhibited has its own name, which is gi\en in the aforesaid list with that of the owner. 

 Those who participate in the show are mostlv nobles, wealtln- merchants, and others in c(imfortable 

 circumstances. On such occasions the very best breed fetches a price of two or three hundred ye>i 

 ($100 or $130). but not one in ten thousand commands such a high price. Not a few goldfish 

 breeders with fish (if their own cultme now come from localities lying far beyond Hakone to take 

 part in a Tokvo exhibition. The reason whv the exhibition is held in autiunn is that the goldfish puts 

 on the most brilliant colors in that season." 



89 



