34 GOLDFISH. 



dams, where tliey increased so rapidly that at the end of three 

 years, when their progeny was accidentally poisoned by verdi- 

 gris mixed with the refuse tallow from the engine, wheelbarrows 

 full of them were taken out. In those dams Goldfish are by 

 no means useless inhabitants, since they consume the refuse 

 grease which would otherwise impede the cooling of the water 

 by accumulating on the surface. Another important particular 

 to their well-being in a small pond, is, that there should be in 

 some part of it a good depth of water and shelter, both for 

 hiding and as a retreat on the change of seasons; a change of 

 which all fishes are highly sensible, and none more than those 

 of the family of Carps. 



These beautiful fishes, which bear well even close confinement 

 in a glass globe, although they do not reach their full size in 

 it, are easily conveyed from place to place; and accordingly 

 we learn that some examples of them were brought from China 

 into England in the year 1691. But they did not become 

 generally known until a considerable number were also brought 

 in the year 1728, and presented to Sir Matthew Dekker, Lord 

 Mayor of London, who made presents of them to several 

 friends, by which means they became distributed through the 

 country. They are now well known throughout the civilized 

 world, although rather as the j)etted favourites of the house 

 than as naturalized inhabitants of our waters. A large portion 

 of those we have in England have been brought from Lisbon, 

 where they are bred for sale. 



In form this fish much resembles the Carp; the body deep, 

 moderately compressed; jaws equal, the outline rising to the 

 beginning of the dorsal fin; eyes prominent; body covered with 

 la]-ge scales; lateral line a little depressed at its origin, afterwards 

 straight. The dorsal fin begins opposite the middle of the 

 pectoral, and ends opposite the middle of the anal; the latter 

 short; the first ray of the former usually toothed, as is the 

 hindmost border of the first ray of the latter; pectorals round, 

 ventrals large; tail incurved. The colour from deep orange 

 to golden, a little lighter on the belly, but subject to variety; 

 the young being very dark, and when older of a briglit silver, 

 on which account they are called silver fish; and some are 

 strongly tinged with pink. There is also remarkable variety in 

 the fins as they are found in captivity; some being without 



