6 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



much obscurity. The first mention we find of it is in the " Arabian 

 Nights' Entertainments," in the story of the Fisherman and the Genii, 

 a story, which like those accompanying it, is of Persian origin. It 

 is, however, frequently represented in the old Chinese paintings, and 

 appears to have been held in great esteem, insomuch as several of 

 the ancient and distinguished families among the Chinese carried it 

 as a component part of the family coat of arms, or as an ornament 

 upon their armor. In short, the goldfish has always been looked 

 upon as a kind of superior being, among the finny tribe, theancients 

 even dedicating it to their well-beloved goddess, Venus. 



In China, even at the present day, the goldfish enjoys the admi- 

 ration of all, and may be seen in almost every house, inhabiting a 

 richly-decorated China bowl, or disporting itself in lakelets in the 

 gardens, made for its especial care and enjoyment. They are alike 

 admired and beloved from the august Emperor on his throne of 

 State down to the most humble and impoverished peasant in the 

 realm, all seeing in it an object worthy of care, and, it might be said, 

 of love. So intense is the fondness for the goldfish in the land of 

 Chinamen that it has begotten a study of them and their habits, that 

 amounts to a science. All the resources of the knowledge of them, 

 thus gained, have been exhausted in the production of new varieties 

 by the crossing of different species, and with marked success. 



In the larger cities the fish are regularly brought to market and 

 offered for sale, very much as our florists offer their flowers and 

 plants. For that purpose they are separated into pairs, and placed 

 in little vessels made of bamboo, and, together with some bit of 

 water plant, are sold to ready and ever eager purchasers; the prices 

 ranging according to the variety and perfection of the specimens. 



The mandarin, in person, may sometimes be seen in the markets 

 buying fish for his aquaria, which, indeed, are often made of carved 

 ivory, and inlaid with gold. These purchases he makes with the 



