238 How to obtain it. 



(Everything shouuld be done, therefore, that is practicable to 

 ensure the ponds being kept quiet. Covers should be provided, 

 under which the little fish can take shelter "Iroin enemies, "real or 

 imaginary, and from the rays of the sun when desired. The ends 

 of the ponds where the fry most collect should be covered with 

 netting at night to make them doubly secure, or a sharp look-out 

 should be kept for herons, kingfishers, etc. It is better for awhile 

 that the fish should see no one but their attendant. They soon 

 get accustomed to him, but will sometimes scatter at the sight of 

 a stranger, and require a good deal of coaxing to come together 

 again. With a good flow of water and pleasant surroundings for 

 the fish, in the shape of marginal plants, they should thrive well. 

 The plants will tend to provide a supply of natural food, and are 

 most useful adjuncts to the rearing ponds. The little fish will 

 take up positions under their leaves and about their roots, and it 

 will be found that those which do this will make the best fish. 

 * Some years ago I had the grass kept carefully cut between 

 the ponds. A well kept sward looks very nice, but if allowed to 

 grow, the grasses and plants produce a considerable amount of 

 insect life, which is worth far more to the fish than a well kept 

 lawn. I would not say one word against keeping the banks of the 

 ponds cut close, but just give the result of my own experience, 

 and must leave others to judge for themselves and to do as may 

 seem best. The long grass and other herbage is a temptation to 

 water rats, but these can be kept down. Sometimes the fish jump 

 out on to the bank, and falling amongst long grass, cannot get 

 back into the ponds again, and die. Whilst the grass is uncut, 

 however, a constant growth of insect life is kept up, which is 

 valuable, and the grass when cut, as cut it must be when fully 

 grown, is useful either in its green state or for hay. It is a good 

 I*-"'' plan to cut the grass on one side of the pond only, and to allow it 

 to grow up a little again before cutting that on the opposite bank. 

 I am often asked How much food ought to be given to a 

 \ pond full of young trout? In answer, I would say that it is 

 impossible to lay down any definite rule ; some lots of fish will be 

 found to feed more freely than others, some ponds will contain 

 more natural food, and so many little things come .in between 

 the feeding of the fish and their attendant that much must be 



