51)8 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [132] 



B. von Ehreukreuz says: " Wherever the opportimity ofiers, the cult- 

 ure of this delicate tish iu ditches shouhl not be omitted simply be- 

 cause it involves a small expense. These ditches are nothing but small 

 brooks, with gravelly or sandy bottom, whose sides are lined with 

 boards, and in which perforated pieces of tin have been ])laced through 

 which the water can flow in and out freely. In these ditches the loach 

 are fed on the excrements of sheep, poppj^-seed, linseed-cake, the en- 

 trails of various animals, refuse, husks, cooked grain, potatoes, bread, 

 «&c. As they increase very rapidly in these ditches, it is advisable and 

 even necessary to have two or more of these ditches in the neighbor- 

 hood, one for the spawning fish, the second ibr the fry, and the third 

 for those loach which are to be fattened for the table. The basins of 

 fountains are also suitable for loach-pits ; care should be taken, how- 

 ever, that no injurious substances, e. g., soap, lime, «S:c., get into it. If 

 loach are to be raised in ])oiids, they must have a sui)ply of fresh run- 

 ning water and beof snndl size, so that the wind does not create waves, 

 which the loach cannot stand.* 



8. THE GOLDEN IDE (Jdmmclanotits). 



The culture of the golden ide may be recommended in localities where 

 there is a demand for these fish as ornamental fish for the basins of 

 fountains, and they can be raised like the tench by being allowed to 

 shift for themselves. 



9. THE GOLDFISH (Ci/prlnua aiuatun). • 



The culture of the goldfish is subject to the same rules as that of the 

 carp. They also need separate spawning, raising, and stock i)onds. 

 Goldfish need warm water, and therefore small, shallow ponds. Spe- 

 cial care should be taken to keep away all animals which may prove 

 injurious to the goldfish, and frogs especially must not be allowed in 

 goldfish ponds. These ponds should have as little vegetation as i)OS- 

 sible. For these reasons goldfish can but rarely be successfully raised 

 in natural ponds, and it will be well to construct for them small, shal- 

 low ponds, every portion of which can easily be watched. Although the 

 goldfish, like the carp, are not very choice as to the quality of their 

 water and food, and are not easily influenced by changes in the weather, 

 the spawning ponds should not be stocked before May or June, as these 

 fish require very warm water. To every three milters there should be two 

 spawners, or one spawner to two milters. If the bottom of the pond is 

 rich in food, no artificial food is needed ; but if the bottom is sandy or 

 strong, the goldfish must be supplied with food, consisting of linseed- 

 cake, the dung of cattle or horses, broken into small pieces, bread, 

 cooked or crushed peas, &c. The raising of goldfish may prove very 

 profitable, but it needs constant care and attention. During winter 

 goldfish, like carj), must be transferred to deep ponds. 



*B. vou Ehreukreuz, Angelfischerei, j). 177, 



