CHAP, iv.] THE GOLDEN CAHP. 145 



the bottom of these in a reversed position, and so perforated 

 with holes as to afford shelter to the fish from the heat and 

 glare of the sun. Green stuff' of some kind is also thrown 

 upon the water to keep it cool, and it (the water) must be 

 changed at least every two days, and the fish, as a general 

 rule, must never be touched by the hand. Great quantities 

 of gold-fish are often bred in ponds adjacent to factories, 

 where the waste steam being let in the water is kept at a 

 warmish temperature. At the manufacturing town of Dun- 

 dee they became at one time a complete nuisance in some of 

 the factories, having penetrated into the steam and water pipes, 

 and occasionally brought the works to a complete stand. In 

 England the golden carp usually spawns between May and 

 July, the particular time being greatly regulated by the 

 warmth of the season. The time of spawning may be known 

 by the change of habit which occurs in this fish. It sinks 

 at once into deep water instead of basking on the top, 

 as usual ; previous to which the fish are restive and quick 

 in their movements, throwing themselves out of the water, 

 etc. It may be stated here, to prevent disappointment, 

 that golden carp never spawn in a transparent vessel. 

 When the spawn is hatched the fish are very black in colour, 

 some darker than others : these become of a golden hue, while 

 those of a lighter shade become silver-coloured. As is 

 the case with the salmon, it is some time before this 

 change occurs, some colouring at the end of one year, and 

 others not till two or three seasons have come and gone. 

 These beautiful prisoners seldom live long in their crystal 

 cells, although the prison is beautiful enough, one would 

 fancy : 



" I ask, what warrant fixed them (like a spell 

 Of witchcraft fixed them) in the crystal ceil ; 

 To wheel with languid motion round and round, 

 Beautiful, yet in mournful durance bound ? 

 L 



