CAEE OF GOLDFISH 273 



fault of the person supposed to care for the 

 aquarium. It is not uncommon to receive a 

 plaint something like this: "I cannot under- 

 stand it. I have no luck with goldfish. I give 

 them the best of care and feed them every day, 

 yet they die." In this speech is to be found 

 the crux of the whole trouble. Goldfish are 

 liable to become diseased if too solicitously 

 cared for. Persons inclined to neglect goldfish, 

 and leave them to themselves, are more likely 

 to achieve success in preserving them alive than 

 he who coddles and pets them. Over-feeding, 

 frequent handling, and even much changing of 

 water, are very apt to produce disease and 

 death. 



A perfectly healthy goldfish always holds its 

 dorsal fins extended, and all the other fins are 

 flexible, work freely and possess a clean, trans- 

 lucent appearance, plainly showing their struc- 

 ture. The gill-covers are closely shut conceal- 

 ing the gills, and the body has a bright polished 

 appearance, with the colours clear and distinct. 

 People sometimes think that when goldfish seek 

 the surface, remaining in a slightly inclined 

 position and working their mouths partly in 



