82 



the old methods, but which on the contrary we seek to 

 attain, because we desire nothing but to produce fr}' 

 smaller than the carnivorous fish which are to feed 

 upon them. 



Besides, the American Salmonidse, and particularly 

 the California salmon, develop much more rapidly and 

 much earlier than the fr^^ of the C3q3rinidfe. In 

 August the young carp measure scarcely four centi- 

 metres, and at the same time the California salmon are 

 ten centimetres long at least if tlie}^ have been properl}^ 

 raised. Thus, the new method of culture is based 

 upon the abundant production of minnows with a view 

 to their transformation into flesh of the Salmonidse, and 

 in the two series of ponds we conduct two methods of 

 rearing, each of which is equally important. It is 

 clear that each type of pond will be differently man- 

 aged. The warm ponds should have the banks sloping, 

 should be shallow and well exposed to the sun. The 

 bottom should be furnished with an abundance of 

 plants of suitable height. 



The choice of these plants should not be left to 

 chance, but made with judgment, according to the dif- 

 ferent species of fish which are to inhabit the ponds. 

 As these aquatic plants are not well known to fish 

 culturists, I will mention those which are useful for 

 ponds intended for the cultivation of carp, tench, and 

 roach . 



At the end of Februar}' or the beginning of March 

 the breeding fish are placed in the pond according to 

 custom, but in double the usual number, in order to 

 insure a surplus production of fry, the securing of a 

 very great quantity of eggs here being the sole object 

 of the operation. 



Spawning will take place at the end of May, and 

 the pond will contain a consideral)le number of alevins, 

 which will be three or four centimetres long, in August. 

 It will be easy to catch them with fine seines and to 



