"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 breeders and their value can be known at a glance. The latter are 

 those hatched only in the preceding spring and as yet little developed in every respect; but these, 

 after all the cares lavished 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. Every time the classification is 

 made amid a storm}- debate by the examiners. No positive criteria exist to guide one in the examina- 

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

 ation is concerned. Those perfect in form, however uniformly while they may be, are counted 

 tolerably good. The variegated ones ate generally unpopular. A ranchu having either a white body 

 and bright red fins and mouth, or a bright red color in both cheeks, is also admired. Every one 

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

 Those who participate in the show are mostly nobles, wealthy merchants, and others in comfortable 

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

 ($100 or $150), but not one in ten thousand commands such a high price. Not a few goldfish 

 breeders with fish of their own culture now come from localities lying far beyond Hakone to take 

 part in a Tokyo exhibition. The reason why the exhibition is held in autumn is that the goldfish puts 

 on the most brilliant colors in that season." 



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