How to obtain it. 253. 



exercised in the selection of the fittest, and in their careful 

 treatment afterwards. 



The fish, during the yearling stage, are peculiarly adapted for 

 selection. Any cases of deformity at birth, which might easily 

 pass unnoticed in the fry stage, may now be detected by an expert, 

 and a good selection may be made. Formerly, the largest fish 

 were selected, but it has been found that these are often far from 

 being the best to keep for breeding purposes. In the first place, 

 more than an average number will probably turn out to be males, 

 and many of them have grown big by living on their companions, 

 and so are undesirable stock to keep, as the habit is sure to break 

 out again. A very good way of dealing with badly-formed fish is 

 to turn them into a pond by themselves, feed them well till they 

 are two-years-old, and then eat them or market them for that 

 purpose. 



I have drawn special attention to this important subject for 

 the benefit of future fish breeders. For the purpose of stocking 

 waters the case is very different. Just in the same way that 

 ordinary fowls in a farmyard would often be of no consideration 

 at a show, or for breeding pedigree stock, yet do good work for 

 their owners, so the ordinary or yearling trout, if bred from a good 

 stock are excellent for stocking waters for angling purposes. It 

 is enough for such purposes to lay down ova taken from good fish. 

 In the past, any eggs from any fish have often been taken, but 

 this should be altered if breeds of trout are to be kept up to the 

 mark. 



Iln sorting the yearlings, it will usually be found that in some 

 ponds at least there are two distinct classes of fish. One class is 

 to be found at the head of the pond where the water comes in, 

 and the other at the lower end of the pond where the .water runs 

 out. Often the difference between these two groups of fish is 

 considerable. Those dwelling at the head of the pond live in a 

 good current of water, which improves even in passing along the 

 raceway, and drives more oxygen into the upper than the fish can 

 get at the lower end, consequently these fish have a better chance 

 in life, and they take advantage of it by feeding better, increasing 

 bone, flesh, and muscle, and are better made and livelier fish 

 altogether. They are more than double the value of the others 



