FISH PONDS ON FARMS. 
By Rozert S. JoHNson and M. F. Stapleton, 
INTRODUCTION. 
The propagation of fish on farms in artificially constructed ponds 
or in natural ponds of limited area is perfectly feasible; and with 
proper management such ponds will afford a convenient and economi- 
cal food supply that will justify the expense of their construction or 
preparation and maintenance. 
It is the purpose of this report to point out briefly the essential 
features to be considered in the location of a site, the construction of 
the pond and its operation, and the care of the fish contained therein. 
This information has reference exclusively to the rearing of the 
spiny-rayed or warm-water fishes, which are especially adapted to 
culture in ponds, and which can only be propagated through natural 
reproduction. 
Data regarding the trouts and other species of the Salmonide 
which can be propagated artifically are contained in another publica- 
tion of the Bureau of Fisheries, which will be furnished on request.* 
Federal and State Government have in the past decade done much 
to improve the conditions of rural life by the development of public 
resources, the advancement of social intercourse, the dissemination of 
agricultural knowledge, and demonstrations of a better domestic 
practice. Up to the present time, however, but little attention has 
been given to fish culture as an adjunct to farming. 
VALUE OF FISH AS FOOD. 
Mental and physical efficiency, in the last analysis, are dependent 
upon the character of the food supply, and fish may well constitute 
a needed ingredient which is usually missing from the farm dietary. 
The requirement of variety in food is unquestioned, if indeter- 
minate, and the palatability of fish to the average person, in con- 
junction with its value in protein content, makes it a pleasing and 
beneficial addition to the daily regimen. 
* Artificial Propagation of the Atlantic Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout. 
Bureau of Fisheries, Document No. 346. 
