THE CARE AND FEEDING OF FRY IN POND LIFE. 
SENT IN BY F. M. JOHNSON, M. D., BOSTON. 
Mr. President and Gentlemen: A sahent point for first con- 
sideration is the preparation of the ponds. There should be 
many places where the water is shallow and its force is slow, 
other nooks where there is abundant shade, again where the 
waters deepen, especially where the current is marked large 
boulders should be thrown, providing resting places and safe hid- 
ing corners for the tiny forms of life, we are all so interested in. 
As all good ponds should be fed by a brook, its course ought te 
receive special attention. Many fairly deep pools can be artifi- 
cially made by the careful adjustment of stones, and of small 
dams. 
If we follow out the natural lines it is an casy task to en- 
hance their natural inclinations. If the stream admits of a 
bridge, one or more, then place them where they will be of value. 
It is my pleasure to see each summer that my brooks are as 
perfect as I can make them, all old rubbish that alone blocks the 
stream should be removed, a clean white sand at the bottom of 
the brook is the thing to be desired. When the pond is reached, 
it is a wise procedure to clean it of all old and odd stuff that may 
have been thrown into it. Then to control the current of the 
brook so it will take the desired direction. 
The growth of bull-rushes and water grasses should be en- 
couraged and aided, for among the shielding leaves, shade and 
protection are given. Old stumps of trees should be allowed to 
remain where they are, all smaller streams that empty into the 
pond might be aided by removing all clogging to the minute 
streams that add food and oxygen to the pond waters. The white 
lilies I favor if they are not allowed to multiply too rapidly. 
The dams should be perfect in construction and the wire netting 
kept clean. . 
Let us now suppose that these details have been carried out 
and the fry is ready for the new home. How and where should 
they be placed? Neyer in my opinion ought they to be poured 
230 
