454 THE GOLD-FISH. 



The baits used in catching Roach are various kinds of worms, 

 and pastes. The time for angling is, in mild cloudy weather, all the 

 day; in hot weather, only in the mornings and evenings; and in eold 

 weather, daring the middle of the day. 



THE GOLDFISH. 



Gold-fish are natives of China; and the most beautiful kinds arc 



caught in a small lake in the pro- 

 vinee of Chekyang, at the foot of a 

 mountain called Tsyen-king. They 

 were first introduced into- England 

 about the year 16 W, but were not 

 generally known till thirty years 

 afterwards. 



In China they are feept in pondsy 

 or large porcelain vessels, by 



almost every person of distinction. la these they are very lively and 

 active, sporting about the surface of tlie water with grea-t vivacity; 

 but they are so delicate, that, if cannon be fired, or any substance 

 giving out a powerful smell, as pitch or tar, are burned near them-, 

 great numbers will be killed. In each of the po-wds or basin** where 

 they are kept, there is an earthen pan, with holes in it, turned upsids 

 down. Under this they retire when, at awy time, they find the rays 

 of the sun too powerful The water is changed three or four times 

 a week. Whilst this is done, it is necessary to remove the fish into 

 another vessel; but they ought always to be taken out by means of a 

 net, for the least handling would destroy them. 



When Gold-fish are kept in perods, they are often taught to rise to* 

 the surface of the waiter, at the sound of a bell, to be fetl. At Pekin, 

 for three or four months of the winter, or whilst the eold weather 

 lasts, the fish in the ponds are not fed at all. They are able, during 

 Jthat time, to obtain the small quantity of food which they require r 

 from the water. In- order to prevent their being frozen, they are 

 often taken into the houses, and kept in china vessels, till the warm 

 weather of spring allows their being returned to sheir ponds with 

 safety. 



In hot countries, Gold-fish multiply very fast, if cure be taken to 

 remove the spawn, which swims on the surface of the water, into 

 Other ponds; for otherwise, the animals would devour th-e greater part 

 of it. The young fry, when first produced, are perfectly black; but 

 they afterwards change to white, and then to gold color. The latte? 

 colors appear first about the tail, and extend upwards. 



The smallest fish are preferred, not only from their being more 

 beautiful than the larger ones, bot because a greater number of them 

 can be kept. These are of a fine orange red color, appearing as if 

 aprnkled over with gold-dust. Some, however, are white, like silver, 

 ana others white spotted with red. When dead they lose all their 

 lustre. The females are kaowa from the males by several white spotff 



