13 



crease, as well. From one pond near the river, known as the 

 Workhouse pond, just at the southern limit of the city of Quincy, 

 and formed by the overflow from ri^er, at one haul of the seine, 

 3i carp averaging 12 inches in length, were taken with the other 

 fish. Then, too, the extent of territory over which they have been 

 taken, proves that they are fast taking on the habits of our native 

 fish, and will soon be numbered among them as plentiful as the 

 buffalo, which enter so largely into commercial circles as a stand- 

 ard fish for market. Much has been said about the carp. Much 

 that has been adverse as well as favorable, as to its edible quali- 

 ties. They have been called the hog among fish; a poor argu- 

 ment against them when the value of pork as an article of food 

 is considered. Among the many criticisms, unfavorable to their 

 quality as food fish, some such have been sent us. But investi- 

 gation generally shows that such fish as were condemned, have 

 been taken from some warm, muddy pond, or at time of the year 

 when none of our fine fish are considered fit for the table. It is 

 a well-known fact that if your best fish, such as bass and croppie, 

 are taken from similar ponds, the flesh is found to be vastly in- 

 ferior to the same fish taken from pure water. Taking such facts 

 into consideration, one need not wonder if now and then a dis- 

 satisfied carp-eater is heard from. Carp, like everything else, re- 

 quire a fair chance to succeed well in life. Given a good pond of 

 good water and food suflicient and of proper quality, they will 

 compare as to quality of flavor, etc., very favorably with our aver- 

 age native fish, provided they are killed at proper season, and 

 properly cooked. So, at least, say 90 per cent, of those who have 

 tried them. The whole question as to whether carp culture is a 

 profitable one is simply one of figures, and each can easily solve it 

 for himself. Given a pond of any size and carp sufficient to stock 

 it, purchased, say measuring three inches in length in fall, they 

 will in following fall, measure from 12 to 14 inches, and weigh 

 from two to three pounds each. 



Thus, 1,000 carp cost, say $30 



Feeding 5 



Interest on expenditure and care 10 



Total ' $45 



One thousand carp weighing two pounds each at one year of 

 age at five cents per pound, $100, a net profit of $55. Where 

 can a like profit be obtained from any similar amount of expend- 

 iture or care? But to obtain all this requires, as with everything 

 else, care, common business sense, and judgment. Carp cared for 

 properly are profitable and a success. Carp neglected and in poor 

 water, a failure. 



WHITE FISH. 



Considerable attention is paid to this fish by a number of our 

 adjoining States, contiguous to the great lakes. All of them are 

 provided with hatching stations, where spawn is utilized and the 



