78 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



fulfillment of all requirements of that nature, and at a slight increase 

 in weight. Besides, these cans are readily obtained in the large 

 cities, {and smaller ones, too, in all probability), the only necessity 

 being the enlargement of the opening to make it a complete shipping 

 can for fish. 



When it is desirable to make a shipment of live fish, it is 

 necessary to take into consideration their size, the length of time 

 they will be upon the road, and the season of the year in which they 

 are transported, all with reference to the all-important supply of 

 oxygen, without which, of course, the fish cannot live. 



The shipping can is filled with pure water, to four-fifths (4-5) of 

 its capaciiy only, thus providing ample space for the water to splash 

 about during the journey, as it is by this constant motion of the 

 water in the vessel that it is aerated and made capable of supplying 

 the fish with oxygen. 



The hour of shipping ought, if possible, to be so arranged that 

 the journey on the road may be made at night, as it is cooler in the 

 summer, does not expose the fish to the great heat of sunlight and 

 the arrival is made usually sometime in the morning or forenoon 

 when those at the destination are on hand to receive them. The 

 cans must be plainly labeled, stating the nature of their contents, so 

 that they may receive more care in the handling from the express 

 agents, consequently running less risk of damage. It is also 

 advisable to notify the party to whom the fish are sent that the 

 shipment has been made, in order that he may take them from the 

 agent as soon as possible, otherwise, if they are left to remain quiet 

 at the express office or freight depot, the fish will be in great danger 

 of their lives from want of proper care. 



If the shipping can is an ordinary small tin bucket, such as are 

 on sale at the tinsmith's, the ventilating holes would better be 

 punched in the center of the lid, the remainder being left unmolested. 



