364 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 



a considerable part of the revenue from property is derived 

 from the carp-ponds. 



In genera], the rearing of fresh-water fish in artificial 

 ponds has hitherto been chiefly attempted; few trials 

 having been made to rear the salt-water fish in confinement. 

 In the construction of a pond for fresh- water fish, care 

 should be taken to have a regular supply of water, free 

 from mineral impregnations, to cover the deepest part of 

 the pond at least six feet. The more extensive the shallow 

 ground at the sides is, especially if it be covered with 

 marsh plants, so much more abundant is the supply of those 

 minute animals, on which many fish chiefly subsist. Care 

 should likewise be taken to introduce those small fish, which, 

 by multiplying, may furnish a constant supply of food. 



When fish-ponds are formed, it is, in general, the wish 

 of the proprietor to have a certain number of his stock in 

 good condition, that he may have a regular supply for his 

 table. For the accomplishment of this object, there is usu- 

 ally one pond set apart for the purpose, into which are in- 

 troduced those full grown fish which he wishes to feed. 

 During the winter season little food is required ; but along 

 with the heat of spring, fishes acquire a keen appetite, and 

 at that period a constant supply of food should be given 

 them. They should be fed morning and evening at a 

 stated time, and always at the same place in the pond. The 

 food should consist of any kind of corn, boiled or steeped 

 in water for some time until it swells. Malt is esteemed a 

 very fattening food, and the crumbs of bread steeped in ale ; 

 but peas are considered as little inferior to either. Pikes 

 must have an abundant supply of eels, otherwise they re- 

 quire a long time to fatten. Some recommend the laying 

 of dead carrion upon stakes over the surface, that it may 

 breed maggots, which, falling into the water, furnish an 

 abundant supply of very acceptable food. 



