LXVIII 



ed for, however, when we consider that the Carp not 

 only lind in our waters the greatest abundance of 

 natural food, but that the comparative mildness of our 

 climate permits them to feed through a much more ex- 

 tended portion of each year than is possible in 

 Northern Europe, where long and rigorous winters 

 condemn them to extended periods of hibernation. 



The fact of such relative rapidity of growth has at 

 least been clearly established, and affords a new evidence 

 — as gratifying as it was unexpected — of the complete 

 success which has rewarded the efforts of Prof. Baird to 

 introduce this valuable iish into American waters. 



Reverting to our narrative of operations for the year 

 1879, the ponds in Druid Hill Park were drawn early in 

 May, all eels, frogs and tish inimical to the Carp found 

 in them were destroyed, and a number of aquatic plants 

 were set out to serve as food for the tish and as recepta- 

 cles for their eggs. 



On the 7th of the same month the breeding fish were 

 placed in ponds' ISTos. 3 and 4 — thirty-one Leather Carp 

 being deposited in the former, and one hundred and 

 three in the latter. A few Mirror Carp of varying sizes 

 were also placed in pond No. 4, and a few young Carp 

 in pond No. 1 — our main dependence being, of course, 

 the adult fish in ponds Nos. 3 and 4. The imported 

 Golden Ides were still kept in pond No. 2. 



Immediately after being returned to the ponds the 

 fish commenced to spawn, and it is quite likely that the 

 drawing of the water, and disturbance of the fish so near 

 their spawning time, was so far detrimental to them that 

 the yield for this year was somewhat decreased in 

 consequence. A number of twigs and blades of water 

 grasses on which the fish had deposited their 

 eggs were taken from the large ponds, with the eggs 

 attached, and were placed in the brick ponds adjacent to 

 No. 2, which had been especially prepared with a view 

 to the purposes of artificial breeding. In a few days the 



