5 S BRITISH SPORTING FISHES. 



variety of the carp under notice that has some- 

 times been elevated to the rank of a species ; 

 but careful examination proves it to be only a 

 variety after all. 



The Golden carp is the third species which has 

 found its way into Britain. It mostly occurs in 

 warm mill-ponds, and according to the degree of 

 temperature so its colouring is sombre or brilliant. 

 The very poetry of motion may be seen in the 

 movements of a " school " of golden carp, and as 

 they are frequently kept in confinement, the sight 

 is a not unfrequent one. The fish seem quite 

 to appreciate the care bestowed upon them, and 

 to reciprocate kindness. Although they rarely 

 breed when confined within a limited space, 

 yet they do so prolifically in open warm water, 

 and in this respect show that they can stand 

 varying degrees of temperature. 



" The Bream, being at full growth, is a large 

 and stately fish. He will breed both in rivers and 

 ponds ; but loves best to live in ponds, and 

 where, if he likes the water and air, he will grow 

 not only to be very large, but as fat as a hog. 

 He is by Gesner taken to be more pleasant or 

 sweet than wholesome. This fish is long in 

 growing, but breeds exceedingly in a water that 

 pleases him ; yea, in many ponds, so fast as to 

 over-store them, and starve the other fish. 



