CHAPTER XV. 

 CARE OF THE PONDS. 



It being the intention to raise goldfish for aquarium purposes, 

 this final end must never be lost sight of, for with that end in view 

 we direct all our efforts to make the net result in every way 

 satisfactory. To that effect the water in which they are grown 

 should have no current, neither must there be a continuous supply of 

 fresh water from the outside. The natural habitation of the goldfish 

 is standing water, and if they are cultivated in like conditions, they 

 will the better be fitted for the life of confinement in the aquarium. 



It is only necessary to add water to the ponds now and then, 

 just as the fluctuations of the season may dictate, and only in 

 quantities sufficient to preserve a uniform height in the ponds. 

 When additional water is required, it should be turned on from the 

 supply drain, in the day time only, as one can then watch it better 

 and keep out any extraneous matter that may happen to be in the 

 drain. 



Under no circumstances should it be allowed to run in during the 

 night, nor in the absence of a reliable person who could turn it off in 

 time, in case a storm should come up. Any possible damage to the 

 ponds can be prevented by keeping out the accumulated water 

 during a heavy fall of rain. 



The supply drain should always be kept free from obstructions of 

 any kind, and especially when a storm is approaching, it ought to be 

 examined to see that it will quickly carry off the rainwater without 

 interruption. 



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