FISH PONDS ON FARMS. 19 
been made to propagate these latter species, but without suecess. 
They seem to require some element not found in still waters. The 
bullhead is abundant in all ponds, lakes, and sluggish streams of the 
eastern United States and the Mississippi Valley region. It adapts 
itself to widely varying conditions and demands less expensive prep- 
aration for its cultivation than any of the other fishes considered. 
The bullhead is the most easily domesticated of any of the pond 
fishes. Its appearance is formidable and repugnant to some, but 
when propagated in comparatively pure water it is very palatable. 
It may be cultivated in connection with any of the warm-water spe- 
eies referred to, and is particularly suited to the changing conditions 
of drainage-fed ponds. 
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FISH FOODS. 
As with all forms of live stock, it is essential that brood fish be 
kept in a thrifty condition. Good food, proper shelter, ventilation, 
and exercise—familiar requirements to the farmer—have their equiv- 
alents in the food, physical characteristics of the pond, composition 
and aeration of the water, and the amount of space allotted to a 
given number of fish. Common sense, based upon observation of 
natural laws, will carry the fish-culturist a long way toward success. 
All the fishes recommended for pond culture are naturally car- 
nivorous, choosing live food through preference. Their predatory 
instinct in this respect can not be catered to exclusively where 
their culture is undertaken on an extensive scale, but the closer 
it is adhered to the better will be the results. It would be detri- 
mental to the ultimate object in view to feed them live predaceous 
species of minnows, for those that were not devoured would prey 
upon the young of the species being propagated, and eventually, the 
minnow offspring would monopolize the vital resources of the water. 
The smaller minnows, with sucker-like mouths, may be advan- 
tageously liberated in the pond as food; fcr this purpose many fish- 
culturists utilize goldfish, which are herbivorous feeders and scaven- 
gers, and which, in limited numbers, do not materially lessen the 
supply of natural food available for the game fishes. Large num- 
bers of goldfish would work injury through the destruction of 
aquatic plants, but if held im subjection the young goldfish con- 
stitute a superior food, and any that escape this destiny have a com- 
mercial value in their ornamental colorings. 
Frogs, worms, and flying insects all contribute to the food supply 
of the brood fish, likewise the larger aquatic insects inhabiting the 
water. If not overstocked, therefore, the average pond may be 
managed so that it will furnish all the live food necessary for the 
adult fish. Where this is insufficient to properly maintain the stock, 
