11 



cially as under the old system many gentlemen have large 

 pieces of water which produce nothing. 



I forgot to mention when on the subject of ponds, that 

 when the water is let off for the purpose of fishing, it is not 

 advisable to clear it of the mud ; merely remove the rushes 

 and reeds, which are detrimental, then leave it to dry for 

 some time before the water is again allowed to accumulate, 

 except near the sluice, where sufficient must be admitted 

 for the existence of the new brood. The mud, when dried, 

 produces new herbage, which ultimately proves nourish- 

 ment for the store. 



When a pond has been fished, it is always advisable to 

 replace three or four pairs of the finest carp, for as they get 

 older they cast the finer and greater quantity of spawn. 

 Moreover, I should recommend gentlemen who may form 

 ponds on these principles, to keep a fish-stock-book, as in 

 the course of time the comparisons would prove interest- 

 ing, and show that this system is not theoretical. 



Carp attain a great age, and if properly fed and attended 

 to increase to a great weight. As I before stated, on my 

 friend's estate at Machern in Saxony there are twenty-two 

 ponds, the largest is in extent twenty-seven acres, out of 

 this pond, in October, 1822, I saw the two largest breeding 

 carp placed in the scale, and their united weight amounted 

 to nearly 1 00 Ibs. ; the male weighed 43 Ibs. Saxon, the fe- 

 male 48 Ibs. Saxon weight is above 7 per cent, heavier 



c 



