1885 



GLJiANlNGS IK liEE CULTUKi:. 



ill 



hook catches over the top of the side (or end) board 

 of the his-e. The wire is fastened to the edges of 

 the upper board of the bellows, with wire staples, 

 or it can be fastened on top of the board in the 

 same manner. By fastening it to the upper board, 

 the smolser will remain stationary while the bellows 

 is being worked. 



It would make a better job, not to bend the wire 

 the last time, but let the ends extend up past the 

 end of the bellows, and fasten them to the sides of 

 the cone; but they would have to be riveted on, 

 which would be more difficult to do. 



Nokomis, Ills., Jan., 18F5. E. S. E.\sterdav. 



Doubtless many would like the arrange- 

 ment, friend E.; but I usually lay the smok- 

 er across the corner of the hive in such a 

 way that it rests on the bellows, in the man- 

 ner it appears in tlie price list. By simply 

 touching tJie l)ellows, and pressing down a 

 little, a putf of smoke will immediately be 

 sent across tlie frames. There is one ob- 

 jection to this, however, for we may puff 

 sparks among the bees unless the smoker is 

 first shaken a little. The sparks and ashes 

 should be blown out before the blast is 

 turned toward the bee-hive. 



CARP AND CARP-PONDS. 



SEVERAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED, I.\ KKOAKI) TO 

 THE INDUSTRY. 



§INCE the appearance of my article on the con- 

 struction of carp-ponds, in Gleanings of 

 Dec. 1.5, 1884, I have received several inquiries 

 relative to this subject and carp culture in 

 general. As I stated in my article, " My 

 knowledge of the subject is based upon my e.vperi- 

 ence in constructing my pond, and upon investiga- 

 tion, etc." Believe me, my experience goes but lit- 

 tle further than in the construction of my pond, 

 which was done last fall. It was not my intention 

 to mislead any into the belief that 1 had an extended 

 experience. 



The subject is one in which I have been deeply in- 

 terested for some time. I might lay claim to more 

 experience than simply that derived from the con- 

 struction of a pond, as my father-in-law has been 

 engaged in carp culture for several years (since 

 1881), and is an enthusiast on the subject. Having 

 paid frequent visits to his ponds I have had oppor- 

 tunity of learning something of the business. 

 However, some (juestions have been propounded to 

 me by my correspondents that T do not feel quali- 

 fied to answer, much as I desire to assist those 

 thinking of engaging in carp culture. This indus- 

 try is comparatively new in this country, and there 

 is much concerning it that is yet to be learned. 

 Doubtless many things now considered as facts will 

 be proven to be erroneous. With these points in 

 view I feel that I ought to be careful that 1 do not 

 so write as to mislead. That which I do not feel I 

 know to be a certainty, I prefer to express merely 

 as an opinion, based upon the best information on 

 the subject at hand. 



And now, Mr. Editoi-, with your consent I will in- 

 troduce some of the questions that have been pro- 

 pounded to me, with the best answers I can give. I 

 hope that any of your readers who may hold differ- 

 ent opinions from myself will be tree in expressing 

 them. 



" Can carp-ponds be successfully supplied with 

 water drawn from a well by a wind-mill?" 



I have never heai-d of such a case; though, with a 

 Avell affording a large sui>]>l3' it might be success- 

 fully done. 



" Will ' hard water ' answer?" • 



Rather think there would be no objection to hard 

 water. Very lew. springs afford " soft water." 



"Do you think it will pay to raise carp for sale 

 for food?" 



I do. After you get your ponds, and get them 

 stocked, there is but little after-expense. A neigh- 

 bor remarked, a few days ago, that he believed 

 there was nothing one could go at in which there 

 was more money to be made. TIk? question of over- 

 production is the only one. I think, that can inter- 

 fere with the business; and when we consider how 

 few, comparatively, have locations suitable for 

 carp-ponds, this objection seems to be removed. 



" What varieties of carp are best?" 



This is an open (jucstion. I have been told that 

 only full-scale carp should be bred. Again, Milton 

 P. Pierce, secretary of the " American (arp-'Jul- 

 tural Association," says, "All full-scale carp in this 

 country arc impure, inferior, and not worth breed- 

 ing." The same authority mentions the parti scale 

 type of carp s being the best now obtainable. 



" Have yoL "larp for sale?" 



No. 



"At what price do carp sell?" 



1 quote prices adopted by the Carp Association, 

 above mentioned, at its meeting of Sept. 17 and 18, 

 1881, which is as follows:— 

 Young parti-scale carp, this season's hatch, 



$8.00 per .50, and ^l^MO per 100 

 Yearlings, " " each, tOc 



Breeders, " " " *1.U0 



"How many carp will do well in your pond?" (size 

 30xtJ0ft.). 



I expect to introduce .50 in the spring, but suspect 

 they will be somewhat crowded when they attain a 

 larger growth. 



" Do fish have to be fed regularly?" 



Having abundant room, they do not. They 

 doubtle,«s do better by feeding, and there are few 

 who will neglect this duty, if it is only for the plea- 

 sure of seeing them eat, as well as getting them 

 gentle. It is said they thrive on cooked potatoes, 

 bread, kitchen slops, etc. 



Every one who expects to f. How breeding carp to 

 any great extent should have more than one pond. 

 The "small fry" become so numerous that the 

 larger ones do Pot do so well. 



1 would call attention to the American Carp-Cul- 

 tural Association, above mentioned. The oflice is 

 No. 32:J Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. The associa- 

 tion issues a circular, setting forth its objects, 

 which will, I presume, be mailed on application to 

 the secretary, Mr. Milton P. Pierce, at the above 

 address. John E. Eves. 



Moorcsville, Ind., Jan. 12, 1885. 



Thank you, friend E. I would suggest 

 that ihe prices you give are considerably 

 higher than are asked by the friends gener- 

 allv who liave received carp from the Gov- 

 ernment. I liope tlie Carp-Cultural Asso- 

 ciation will soon liave a text-book out at a 

 moderate price. While Gleanings always 

 expects to be able to notice new kindred in- 

 dustries as they come up. we shall have to 

 remember that it is primarily a bee-joiu-nal ; 

 and doubtless manv of the articles we are 



