THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOLDFISH 
is also less severe on circular than rectangular basins and a basin of this 
kind 1s more likely to be lifted off the bottom than to break the sides by 
the pressure, and is easily repaired by fillingin the bottom crack with liquid 
cement. All tanks should be seasoned before the fishes are introduced 
by a thorough soaking and frequent changes of water, to remove all traces 
of soluble lime or acid substances. 
When not in use, it is a mooted question whether they should be 
kept dry in winter or partially filled with water to equalize the pressure 
of the frozen ground. Good results have been obtained by filling with 
water and floating logs in them to relieve the sides of ice pressure, while 
freezing will destroy fungus and disease spores. 
GREENHOUSE CuLTuRE. Experience has taught breeders of the gold- 
fish that the principal purpose of the greenhouse is the wintering of the 
breeding fishes, keeping over young fishes for better prices when the 
general supply is exhausted, and for spawning, hatching and rearing of the 
fry during the early weeks of the spawning season, when the possibility 
of late frosts may endanger them out-of-doors, though early spawning is 
not to be generally. recommended. 
Another purpose of the greenhouse is the facilities it affords in con- 
tinuous growth of the young during the winter months, as aquaria and 
small household tanks tend to arrest development; also for the preserva- 
tion of the necessary aquatic plants over winter. Young fishes, however, 
thrive best in the open air. 
Compartment tanks and cement basins, should be arranged to place 
as many as possible in the available space, and to permit of ready access 
and inspection. When the weather has become settled, the rearing should 
be done out-of-doors. Great care must be exercised in seasoning these 
receptacles. 
The illustration, Fig. 58, is a greenhouse for goldfish propagation 
designed by the author, which may be erected in a back yard or garden. 
All the sash of the sides and roof are hinged, to permit of raising or re- 
moval in warm weather for the free circulation of air, a prime essential to 
success. ‘he spawning and hatching tanks are arranged at the sides, to 
permit of a central aisle, and the overflow connections led to the drainage by 
pipes with union joints. The water supply is by a hose. The rearing 
tanks are shown adjoining the greenhouse but may be located within con- 
venient distance and should be provided with portable glass sash as covers 
on cold nights and mornings and with wire screens to keep out enemies. 
If the screens are of galvanized iron, they should be thoroughly cleansed 
and seasoned, to remove the acid. 
104 
