STREAM CLEANING. 81 



CHAPTER X. 

 STREAM CLEANING. 



TT very often so happens that a stream possesses 

 every element of suitability for fish-culture, but it 

 is so choked and blocked by mud, weeds, and rubbish 

 of one sort or other that its capabilities are concealed 

 from view, and it might easily be overlooked when 

 seeking a suitable place for fish-culture, more especially 

 in the earlier stages of growth. There is only one thing 

 for such a place namely, labour. Strong arms and 

 backs ; good scoops, rakes, and Horsey's brooms, with 

 good sound, tight waders, will do a lot in a few days. 



Whilst the mess is about, things should be done 

 very thoroughly, only leaving enough of weed to form 

 slight shelters for the young fry when first turned in ; 

 but a little patch of" sandy mud/' if we are permitted to 

 use such an expression, if left here and there, will afford 

 much food to young fry food of a natural sort, perhaps 

 better than any artificially introduced. There is, or 

 may be, such a thing as being too clean in fish-culture. 



The last brush over may be downwards, the sweeper 

 standing below his broom, and thus extinguishing all 

 footmarks, and leaving a clear level bottom. When 

 once reduced to good order a little supervision will 

 easily keep things right. A moderate growth of 

 aquatic plants may safely be encouraged, as they 

 furnish much natural shade and food, as well as a 

 store of oxygen to the water. 



Where the stream is narrow and moderately swift 

 the mud may be helped on its downward course by 



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