AMATEUE FISH CULTURE 



the bottom, also contains some materials which 

 are apparently necessary to the well-being of 

 trout. To quote again from Livingstone Stone, 

 who was the discoverer of this use of mould: 

 " Earth or mud is the last thing one would sup- 

 pose suitable for a fish so associated in our minds 

 with pure, clean water ; yet it is an indispensable 

 constituent in the diet of young trout, and unless 

 they get it, either naturally or artificially, they 

 will not thrive." 



The effect of earth given in this way upon the 

 young fish is simply marvellous. They become 

 more lively and feed more freely. This is the 

 effect of a spate which is, after all, only a dose 

 of earth upon wild trout. 



The mould should be mixed with water in a 

 bucket, and, when the water is very thick and 

 muddy, poured into the rearing boxes. The 

 water in the rearing boxes should be so thick 

 that neither the bottom nor the young fish, except 

 when they come to the surface to take some pass- 

 ing particle of food, can be seen. The amateur 

 should not wait till something goes wrong before 

 giving this dose of earth ; it is advisable to give 

 it once a week at any rate, and of tener if the fish 

 seem to be ailing in any way. 



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