80 BEST'S ART OF ANGLING. 



the greatness of the number of spawn overstock- 

 ing the pond. 



Mr. Tull, in order to prevent the excessive in- 

 crease of fish in his ponds, first practised castra- 

 tion on them, which made them grow larger than 

 their usual size. But I think the operation pecur 

 liarly cruel, and the purpose of it only a detesta- 

 ble piece of Apician refinement. 



For large carps a store-pond is ever accounted 

 the best ; and to make a breeding-pond become 

 a store-pond, see what quantity of carps it will 

 contain : then put in all milters or all spawners ; 

 whereby in a little time you may have carps that 

 are both large and exceedingly fat. Thus by put- 

 ting in one sex, there is on impossibility of the 

 increase of them ; yet the roaches, notwithstand- 

 ing this precaution, will multiply. Reserve some 

 great waters for the head quarters of the fishes 

 whence you may take, or wherein you may put, 

 any quantity thereof. And be sure to have stews 

 and other auxiliary waters, so as you may convey 

 any part of the stock from one to the other; so 

 to lose no time in the growth of the fishes, but 

 employ your water as you do your land, to the 

 best advantage. View the grounds, and find out 

 some fall between the hills, as near a flat as may 

 be, so as to leave a proper current for the water. 

 If there be any difficulty of judging of such, take 

 an opportunity, after some sudden rain, or break- 

 ing up of a great snow in winter, and you will 

 plainly see which way the ground casts, for the 

 water will take the true fall, and run accordingly. 

 The condition of the place must determine the 

 quantity of the ground to be covered with water. 

 For example, I may propose in all fifteen a.cres in 

 three ponds, or eight acres in two, and not less ; 



