PREFACE. 



'here are not many, if any, homes in the country or suburbs 

 of large cities where fish culture could not be indulged in, 

 either as an agreeable pastime or with a view of realizing an 

 income from it. 



Being accidently drawn into the culture of ornamental fish 

 through a genuine love of Natural History, I have, for the past 

 ten years, given it my exclusive attention. 



The originality of the method I describe in the following pages 

 I claim as my own, and it has been my earnest endeavor to speak 

 plainly and to the point, giving the full results of my long 

 experience, not intentionally withholding any facts or secrets that 

 would in any way have a bearing upon the success of the business. 



This method has the decided advantage of applying equally to 

 the culture of goldfish, no matter upon what scale it is carried on, 

 whether the establishment is intended to produce hundreds of 

 thousands, of fish annually, or be engaged in with limited means 

 by the deserving widow or invalid who wishes to add something to 

 a restricted income. 



With these objects in view, and to promote a more thorough 

 knowledge of the goldfish, as well as to stimulate the study of 

 Natural History, I have made every exertion, and should my 

 efforts meet \yith the approval of an intelligent public, I shall 

 consider that I have not labored in vain. 



HUGO MULERTT. 

 Cincinnati, O., July, 1883. 



