phia and elsewhere this variety has been successfully bred. Several other varieties have been imported 

 in small numbers. Owing to their delicate nature, the introduction of some of the most attractive and 

 highly developed forms has not yet been accomplished, and a great treat is thus in store for American 

 fanciers. Transportation presents serious difficulties which may never be overcome in the case of some 

 varieties ; but with increasing facilities on shipboard, shortening of the journey, and greater experience 

 in handling, it seems likely that all of the Japanese varieties will in time be brought to the hands of 

 our breeders. The acquisition of the most delicate forms may be indirectly accomplished by intro- 

 ducing their progenitors and breeding therefrom; the results of such crossing would with proper pre- 

 cautions, as hereinbefore noted, ultimately be the establishment of the desired varieties. 



However, it seems probable that the importation of the tender varieties that now succumb to long 

 journeys may be effected by the transportation of their eggs. By the use of a cool chamber, the 

 slight retardation of egg development may result in the introduction of the most delicate forms, and 

 this at less expense and trouble than the transfer of the fish themselves now occasions. 



A very inviting field for the exercise of American ingenuity and skill is the opportunity for the 

 production of new goldfish varieties of superior quality and exceptional interest by judicious crossing, 

 rearing, selection, and cultivation of the Japanese forms. As the result of the hybridization of Chinese 

 and Japanese goldfish, American culturists have obtained a number of attractive, stable varieties to 

 which the name Japanese has unfortunately been attached ; but none of these can compare with the 

 possibilities that are suggested by the further crossing of some of the Japanese varieties among them- 

 selves or with some of the forms that deserve to be called American. With such a plastic material on 

 which to work, our breeders are certainly destined to bring into existence some noteworthy varieties 

 possibly the most remarkable that have been produced. 



94 



