106 INTRODUCTION. 



Hence the great importance of Fish-ponds and 

 Vivaria, together with their management, including 

 the proper selection of the different kinds of fish 

 which are to be cultivated. On these points we 

 shall offer a few hints, respecting Fresh-water fish, 

 respecting those which reside sometimes in fresh 

 Avater and sometimes in salt, as Salmon and its 

 congeners ; and lastly, upon Salt-water fish. 



Various Fresh-water fish have, upon particular 

 occasions, been introduced from one country into 

 another, and have thus proved a great boon to the 

 recipients. Passing by the Gold Carp, and the 

 Vendace of the Lochmaben lochs, in Dumfries- 

 shire, we remark that a striking proof is afforded 

 of this, by the history of the Goramy, originally an 

 inhabitant of China, and now widely spread both 

 over Asia and the West Indies. This fish is much 

 esteemed in China and some of the neighbouring 

 islands, where it is an important article in the 

 markets. It was more than half a century ago 

 introduced into the Isle of France by M. de Lere, 

 the commandant of the troops in that colony, and 

 is now extensively bred in all the tanks and fresh- 

 water preserves. In the year 1770, w T hen Com- 

 merson visited the island, the fish had already 

 become abundant, — had spread from the tanks, 

 where they were first kept, into the rivers, in which 

 they had greatly multiplied, and preserved all their 

 superior qualities. As stated by General Hard- 

 wicke, it is considered an important acquisition by 

 the inhabitants, and is very deservedly esteemed by 



