CHAPTER XIV. 

 SETTING OUT THE YOUNG FISH. 



The day before the fish are transplanted from the nursery into th.. 

 rearing pond, the water is let into the latter, but not sooner than this. 

 The reason for this is, that the water, if allowed to stand longer, 

 would produce an over abundance of food, and with it, of course, a 

 host of dangerous insects. If the young fish were put in the pond, 

 while in this condition, the insects would at once give chase and 

 devour them. 



The little food these tiny fish require, during their first days of 

 existence, is found in sufficient quantities in the new water. By the 

 time their enemies make their appearance, especially those of the 

 insect kind, the fish have grown too strong for them, and are very 

 well able to look out for themselves. 



In transferring the young from the jar, to the rearing pond, it is 

 much better to sink the jar and allow the fish to make their escape at 

 will. This precaution enables them to gradually become accustomed 

 to the change, thus avoiding a shock by the sudden emptying of the 

 jar. 



In this manner the young are "planted" in the rearing ponds, 

 at the rate of 250 to each pond, of 8x20 feet in size. Here they 

 remain until they have acquired their coloring, and have grown 

 large enough to be saleable. 



This may be variously from six weeks to four months, according 

 to circumstances, and the care expended upon them. 



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