100 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 



Again there are diseases that make their appearance periodically, 

 the -origin of which is involved in as much obscurity as that called 

 " pink-eye, " which attacks horses, and of which all have heard more 

 or less. 



ASPHYXIA. 



This affectioiv is the one most commonly met with. The fish 

 become weak, the colors fade away rapidly, the appetite is lost, and 

 the fish finally die if the disease is permitted to run its course without 

 hinderance 



The cause of the disease may be looked for in the interrupted 

 functions of the gills. These organs become inflamed by the irritat- 

 ting and poisonous gases that may exist in the water, or by the sudden 

 changes of temperature in the same. 



If the disease has not already advanced too far, the ailing 

 individual or individuals, should be taken from the collection, placed 

 in a vessel containing a sufficient quantity of water, and in which a 

 number of flourishing aquatic plants are growing. 



An even teaspoonful of common salt is then dissolved in the 

 water, the whole then put in a light, well ventilated place, and kept 

 at a temperature between 70 and 80 F. During the first few days 

 no food is necessary, and should not be given, after which the 

 feeding may be re-commenced, beginning with very small quantities, 

 administered at a regular hour each day. As the fish brighten up, 

 and approach convalesence, the quantity may gradually be brought 

 up to the usual amount. 



TUBERCULOSIS OR CONSUMPTION. 



The first sign of the presence of this disease shows itself in the 

 indifference manifested by the affected individual. They are seen 

 swimming about in a careless, purposeless way, now and then 



