40 PRACTICAL TROUT CULTURE. 



To obviate this, we have for some years past drawn 

 down the water of our ponds about the first of 

 October, and cut off all plants with a sharp scythe. 

 This removes temptation from the muskrats, and 

 favors the spreading of the water plants. The best 

 for this purpose are the hornwort (ceratophyllum) 

 and water starwort (callitricTie). 



A. number of large, irregular stones should be 

 placed in the second and third ponds, that the 

 fishes, by rubbing against them, may free them- 

 selves from the parasites with which they are some- 

 times infested. And if fears are entertained of vis- 

 its from midnight marauders, a number of stakes 

 deeply driven into the bottoms of the ponds and 

 sawed off even with the top of the water will effect- 

 ually prevent the dragging of a seine, or the proper 

 (or improper) manipulation of a scoop-net 



A strong and high picket-fence should inclose 

 all. The best pickets are made of hemlock, and 

 should be at least eight feet long, four inches 

 wide, and one and a quarter inches in thickness. 

 These must be strongly nailed to the string-pieces, 

 which should not be less than 4x4 inches. A 

 light fence, from its liability to be broken, is a 

 source of constant trouble, besides affording but 

 little protection. A good coat of whitewash every 

 two or three years will be all the care required. 



