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CARP-CULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES. 795 



3 feet, gradually increasing in the lower third to about 5 feet at the lower end where a 5- 

 inch drainage pipe, capable of draining the pond in 7 hours, has been placed.' The bot- 

 tom is an admixture of yellowish-black clay. That it and other conditions are favorable 

 to the development of the carp can perhaps be best judged from the condition of the fish 

 at this time, feeding having been adopted but a short time, and no growth of aquatic 

 plants having been as yet secured. It is fed from a never-failing limestone spring, at a 

 uniform temperature of 58°, and which issues from the ground at a distance of 170 feet 

 from the pond. 



Plants. — Attempts were made to secure a growth of pond-lilies, but without success, 

 and means will be provided to establish, if possible, a good growth of the common water- 

 grasses of this region. 



Enemies. — At the bottom of the pond 3 snapping-turtles of an average length of 7 

 inches were found and summarily dispatched. 



Food. — I did not feed the carp until about September 1, when small quantities of food, 

 such as wheat, oats, &c., from time to time were given them; and, later, green corn cut 

 from the cob was thrown into the pond near the edge, all of which was eaten with avid- 

 ity. 



Growth. — On September 12 the water was drawn off, and 14 fish were found to have 

 survived. All of them were scale cari> except 3, which had a ^-inch stripe on either side, 

 running from the head to the tail, and being devoid of scales. These 3 fish were among 

 the largest of the lot. The actual aggregate weight of the 14 carp was 2Ui| pounds, varying 

 from 1 pound to 2J pounds. This growth has taken place in a pond where there is ap- 

 parently little or no food. As soon as a proper condition of the pond, as regards the food 

 supply, can be secui-ed, and a more regular and constant feeding adopted, it is believed 

 that even a greater size will be attained. 



Ponds TO BE CONSTRUCTED. — I intend to build 2 other ponds, a hatching pond and a carp 

 pond proper. The pond in which my fish are now kept will become the breeding one, 

 to the east of which will soon be constructed the hatching-pond, 30 by 65 feet, and from 

 6 inches to 2 feet in depth. Below these 2 will be built the carp pond proper, 90 by 275 

 feet, with a depth of from 1 to 3 feet, and increased from 1 to 6 feet in the ditches 

 and kettles, or collectors, and provided with a proper drainage pipe. The water from the 

 hatching pond is taken from the breeding pond after the temperature has been increased 

 by the sun. From the hatching pond it passes into the carp pond proper. 



619.— Statement of John Hoff, Mason, Warren Co., Ohio, Jan. 18, 1884. 



Growth of carp. — I paid a visit to the Union village, in our county, in August, to 

 see the carp pond there, and learn something in regard to the care of these fish. I found 

 that they had three sizes in it; the ones they received from you two years ago last Novem- 

 ber, those that were one year old, and the little ones that had hatched in June and July. 

 The latter were from 1 i to 2 inches long. The clever Elder presented me mth 5 yearlings 

 that were from 12 to 1(5 inches long. 



Purchase of carp.— Last fall I purchased, additionally, from Mr. H. W. C. Muth, 

 of ISIount Healthy, Ohio, 105 carp for §8. These were from 5 to 7 inches in length, and 

 were placed in my large pond, located about 50 yards from the house. It is so well 

 located that it has "not been frozen completely over this winter, although the thermometer 

 has marked 20° below zero several times. I shall prepare a breeding pond for the year- 

 lings. 



620. Statement of Matthew B. Carter, Shaker, Warren Co., Ohio, Aug. 6, 1883. 



Disposition of carp received. — The 20 carp received in the foil of 1880 I put in a 

 1-acre artificial pond, having a bottom of dirt or clay. It is fed by water which runs 

 through a 2-inch pipe, and is warm in summer. It freezes in winter. 



Plants. — Wild grasses and some weeds grow in the pond. 



Enemies. — Frogs and a few turtles alone inhabit the pond. 



Pood.— I occasionally give the carp refuse from the kitchen, and grain. I seldom feed 

 them. 



Growth.— Each of the original carp remaining weighs 5 pounds. 



Reproduction.- There are fully 10,000 young in the pond, and they weigh all the 

 way up to li pounds. 



Miscellaneous.— Carp can be grown here at less cost per pound than beet, pork, or 



mutton. 



621. Statement of Samuel Banyhman, Sprimjboroiu/h, Warren Co., Ohio, Scj)/. 21, 1883. 



Disposition of carp received.— About the middle of December, 1881, I received 

 13 carp, and to them added 14 more received from my neighbors, who also obtamea 



