CAEE OF GOLDFISH 265 



males, others two females to three males, and 

 others again in the proportion of three females 

 to five males. I feel that one female to two 

 males is the most satisfactory practice. 



Fanciers select the breeders with great care, 

 and with a well defined object in view. It is 

 the male which is most likely to stamp its char- 

 acteristics on the young, hence particular at- 

 tention is given to his selection. It sometimes 

 happens that when a choice female is ready for 

 spawning, the desired male either is not quite 

 ready, or if ready, is a sluggish driver. In 

 that case it is advantageous to place the two in 

 a tank and with them an inferior grade of male 

 but one that is an active "chaser." The 

 ardent driving of the inferior fish often ex- 

 cites the more desirable male to quicker action. 

 When this is done, however, a very sharp watch 

 must be kept on the three fish, and the unde- 

 sirable male removed before actual spawning 

 takes place ; otherwise the hatch of young may 

 be disappointing. About spawning time, males 

 may easily be distinguished both by the " chas- 

 ing" and by a number of whitish spots which 

 appear on the gill-covers, but at other times 



