THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 67 



Again the writer admonishes caution; do the work gently and 

 neatly, as every broken fin or lost scale reduces the value of the 

 fish so injured. 



DOMESTICATING THE FISH. 



When in- their respective ponds, it is not necessary to feed the 

 goldfish, as nature provides them with all the food required for their 

 proper growth and nourishment; but when removed to the storage 

 ponds, additional food in small quantities may be given to them. 

 This may consist of stale (but not moldy) white bread, dried in an 

 oven or the open air, and crushed to resemble fine hominy or corn 

 meal. Either of these, or both, in small quantities is strewn on the 

 water; the fish being unaccustomed to it will eat but little at first, 

 neither will they snap at it immediately. Gradually, however, they 

 take kindly to it, and the quantity may be increased, keeping pace 

 with the appetite they evince for it, giving it to them at a regular 

 hour each day. 



This feeding is not intended for the purpose of making them 

 grow, but rather to prepare them for the change of diet that will 

 ensue when transferred to their future homes. 



When the fish take such food and thrive upon it, they may be 

 considered domesticated, and can be disposed of as pets, they then 

 being in condition to take readily to the more confined life in an 

 aquarium. 



When performing work of any kind on or near the ponds, 

 or other receptacle where fish are kept, or in feeding or hand- 

 ling them, a patient and gentle manner is advisable, as it tends to 

 tame the fish by giving them confidence. On the other hand, if 

 they are frequently scared, they become of a wild, restless nature, 

 and will dart away on the slightest provocation. 



