THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 103 



DROPSY. 



Dropsy, as every one knows, is a swelling up of the body, caused 

 by the presence of watery fluid in the tissues, so it is with fish when 

 affected in this way. 



It generally begins near the tail, but sometimes about the middle 

 of the body and progresses forward. When it first makes its appear- 

 ance, a few scales in a circle around the body lose their firm attach- 

 ment, at this stage, if the affected specimens are immediately removed 

 and placed into water brought from some other locality than that in 

 which they had been when taken ill, they will recover in a short 

 time. 



The disease having started, will, if not immediately attended to, 

 spread over the entire body until it becomes almost spherical, so 

 great is the distention of the skin. The scales become erect, giving 

 the fish the appearance of a "ruffed grouse," the eyes at the same 

 time being greatly protruded from their sockets. 



During all this while the fish shows a good appetite, and con- 

 tinues to do so until the end, which soon follows. 



No cause, as yet, has been found producing the disease; it 

 appears upon fish in Europe, as well as in this country, and also upon 

 fish kept in open air ponds, as well as those inhabiting the aquarium, 

 and in any season of the year, and at any age of the goldfish. 



The disease may run a course of four months, at the end of which 

 time it results in the death of the fish. It also seems to be intermit- 

 tent in character, disappearing for several weeks, and returning 

 again upon the same individual, but always in such cases with fatal 

 effect. 



There seems to be no other treatment than making the fisn as 

 comfortable as possible, taking that chance for recovery. 



