REARING 203 



setting apart ditches and accessory ponds connected 

 with the rearing-ponds for the cultivation of water- 

 insects, &c. But even then you will probably not 

 be able to dispense with the aid of artificial feeding 

 if you would secure results which would be deemed 

 satisfactory by a fish-culturist. 



In considering whether the water from which you 

 propose to supply your rearing-ponds is suitable, do 

 not forget the warning which I gave you at the outset 

 against any risk of uncontrollable floods, over-heating 

 in the summer, pollution, or, worst of all, failure or 

 interruption of the supply. 



' The best engineer is he who can turn Nature to 

 the best account.' So said Francis Francis when 

 comparing two widely different systems of trout-rearing 

 ponds, each apparently well adapted to the peculiar 

 conditions of its own surroundings. 



The remark is singularly appropriate. In turning 

 to account old pieces of water so as to make them 

 productive, in selecting the situation of new ponds, 

 and in considering how best to construct them, 

 whether for breeding or for sport, for profit or for 

 pleasure, there is scope for the exercise of much care, 

 forethought, and engineering skill. There will be 

 natural advantages of situation to be utilised, local 

 difficulties to be overcome, economy to be studied, 



