THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 59 



scissors, or thej^ may be detached v/ith the thumb-nail. Great care 

 must be taken not to disturb the eggs or injure them in any way 

 while detaching the rootlets. They are then placed in a one-gallon 

 candy jar, filled with clear water of the same temperature as that of 

 the bed. Such a jar is best not over-crowded, about one hundred 

 eggs being as many as that capacity can safely and conveniently 

 carry, the object being to give the young fish, when hatched out, 

 plenty of room, both to move about and obtain sufficient fresh water 

 for respiration. When the jars have received their quota of eggs, 

 they are takeri into the house or put into some other convenient 

 place selected for the purpose, but in such a situation that they will 

 constantly be under close supervision. 



It is best to set them near a window^ within the reach of the 

 morning sun, there to remain untouched until the eggs are hatched. 



The time required for the hatching varies from two (2) to six (6) 

 days, it taking place most rapidly in warm weather. The temperature 

 of the water, most advantageous for the hatching is between 60° F. , 

 and 90° F. , more or less is dangerous. 



This method of caring for the eggs secures to them a more 

 effective guard against enemies, as well as muddy water, heavy rains, 

 and hail storms, all of which would militate against them if hatched 

 in the open air an~d in the ponds. The candy-jar system furthermore 

 recommends itself for the hatching of the eggs in this, that the whole 

 process is under complete control and offers every facility for close 

 inspection at all times. The jars can be obtained anywhere, are 

 cheap, and are very convenient to handle, in short, just the thing for 

 the purpose. For convenience of study, the marking of dates, 

 names of varieties, etc., together with any notes that it is desired to 

 make, a piece of paper can be pasted upon the outside of the jar, 

 it will always be there, and the record kept upon it can always be 

 seen at a glance. 



