1140 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. 



[8] 



therefore be a grate. It is not advisable to let many fish get in the 

 outer pitj as they are easily injured in passing through the pipe. 



The bottom of the pond is crossed by numerous ditches, so that the 

 water can everywhere flow oft' easily and rapidly, and that the fish can 

 readily find their way to the fish-pit. 



If a brook or river passes through the pond, an outer ditch is con- 

 structed along the edge of the pond, so that the superfluous water can 

 be let off. Thereby stones, sand, and mud are kept away from the 

 pond, which would otherwise gradually fill it. At times, when the 

 water is very high, it may be led off through the outer ditch, and breaks 

 in the dike may thus be avoided. 



The pond fisheries take place during the cool season, either in spring 

 or autumn, when there is no danger of frosts. It is well if during the 

 fisheries fresh water can be led into the fish-pit, so as to refresh the fish 

 at all times. After most of the water of the pond has been let off, and 

 the water area has been reduced to about one-fifth or one- tenth of its 

 original size, fishing commences. Care should be taken that the fish 

 are at no time without water, by occasionally introducing fresh water 

 into the pond. The edge of the fish-pit is covered with boards and 

 reeds, on which are placed tubs filled with fresh water. From the nets 

 the carp are put into these tubs, cleaned of dirt and slime, counted, put 

 in kegs, and carried to their destination as rapidly as possible. As 

 during the fisheries the water is stirred up and becomes turbid, and as 

 the fish* will more or less swallow some of this muddy water, it should 

 be removed from their gills. If carp are to be transported a consider- 

 able distance, they should a few days previous be placed in clear run- 

 ning water where they do not receive any food, so that they may clean 

 themselves thoroughly and not pollute the water during the journey 

 with their excrements. The temperature of the water should be at 

 most 10° E. (54JO F.), the lower the better. The quantity of water 

 which is needed is calculated in the following manner from the weight 

 of the fish and the length of the journey. 



Excess of weight of water over the weight of the carp during a journey of 10 to 40 hours. 



Wilhelm ISTeue, of Neudamm, supplies wooden kegs, for transporting 

 large fish, with a double bottom and pipe, for 16 marks [$3.80] ; the same 

 kegs with iron handles, 17 marks [$4.04] ; the same kegs with a lid for 

 ice, 19 marks [$4.52]; the same kegs (first quality), 20 marks [$4.76]. 



The otter is a dangerous enemy of the fish, and should be destroyed 

 if one expects to raise any carp; herons, cormorants, ducks, and other 



