36 PRACTICAL TROUT CULTURE. 



height. Thus, if the height of the embankment 

 is ten feet, the width at base must be thirty feet, 

 and the width of the top ten. These are the pro- 

 portions with ordinary earth ; if stiff clay be used 

 the thickness need not be so great, and if sandy 

 loam or gravel only can be obtained the width, 

 base, and top, must be increased. The water line 

 should never be nearer the top of the bank than 

 one foot. Great damage is frequently done by the 

 muskrat. JIe has been accused of killing the trout. 

 This we tjiink to be a mistake ; but his burrowing 

 propensities we know by sad experience. In local- 

 ities where these pests abound it is well to build a 

 wall of brick, and fill in each side with earth to the 

 proper slope. The driving of sheet piles through 

 the banks has been recommended, but the crea- 

 tures seem rather to enjoy gnawing their way 

 through them. A wall of brick or stone, be it 

 only but a few inches in thickness, will, however, 

 effectually keep them out. For the same reason, 

 the race-ways should be lined with brick. As 

 soon as the banks have settled they should be 

 sodded. Besides adding to their beauty this will 

 prevent them from being washed and guttered by 

 the rains. If trees are wanted they should be 

 planted at once. The best tree for pond banks is 

 the weeping- willow of rapid growth, sending out 

 roots. ii} every direction, which firmly bind the 



