* 



CARP. 73 



that they will grow, during two summers, so much 

 as to weigh four, and sometimes five pounds, and to 

 be fleshy and well tasted. The main ponds are the 

 last kind ; in these Carp are to be put that measure 

 twelve inches, head and tail inclusive ; every square 

 of fifteen feet is sufficient for one Carp, and will 

 afford food and room for the fish to play in. Spring 

 and autumn are the best seasons for stocking the 

 main ponds. The growth of the fish will always be 

 in proportion to the food they have; for Carp are 

 observed to grow a long time, and to come to a 

 very considerable size. 



During winter, ponds ought to have their full 

 compliment of water; for the deeper the water is, 

 the warmer lie the fish ; and in case the ponds are 

 covered with ice, some holes must be made every 

 day for the admission of fresh air, for want of which, 

 Carp frequently perish. Ponds should never be of 

 less depth than four or five feet; and if the water 

 stagnates, and grows putrid, it must be let off, and a 

 supply of fresh water be introduced. After ponds 

 have been five or six years in constant use, it is 

 likewise necessary to let the water entirely off, and 

 clear them of the mud, which often increases too 

 much, and becomes a nuisance. 



It sometimes happens that Carp and Tench 

 being put together in a pond, the different species 



