ARTIFICIAL FISH PONDS. 



Ill 



possible : they both help to keep the water pure, and 

 suppfy the bottom with eels, upon which reptiles pike 

 fatten prodigiously. 



PIKE POND. 



a. Pike pond. e. Field of water plants. 



b. Sunken mound. /. Sluice to lead off water, 

 e. 1 . Perch tank attached. with flood-gate. 



d. Small feeder. 



Next, as to the raising of trout. The error most 

 prevalent with regard to this fish is, to suppose that, 

 by providing an esteemed sort to breed from for in- 

 stance, of Loch Leven you thereby secure to your 

 table a first-rate stock, without calculating how to fur- 

 nish proper^ food, and prevent the degeneracy of the 

 fish. Very indifferent and badly flavoured trout will, 

 it is ascertained, greatly improve when transferred into 

 waters where food is plenty ; also white-fleshed fish, 

 if one may use* the expression, will become red over 

 certain soils. What, then, is to hinder a naturally 

 good trout from losing its flavour and firmness when 

 imported into a poor, artificial water, from one that is 

 rich in sustenance, and well gifted with shelter ? 



We cannot but point out the inutility of sending 

 many miles for a pitcherful of one variety of fish, when 

 another, which will probably turn out better, may be 



