BREEDING GOLDFISHES S3 



in position by securely wrapping a cord around it as close to top of tub 

 as possible, allowing the felt to stand about one inch above sides of 

 tub. This will not only secure the young fish, but will prevent the 

 loss of any daphnia by overflow. 



Best results are had in raising fish outdoors, but one invites 

 catastrophe by placing them out in the first warm spell of spring 

 unless it is possible to again bring them indoors promptly on the 

 arrival of the cold spells sure to occur in most climates. 



No matter how fishes are fed, there will be a tremendous differ- 

 ence in their growth, and it will be desirable to sort them into sizes 

 several times in a season. The really practical thing to do is to pick 

 out the "growers" which have good points (there will be few enough 

 with this combination), and a few of the most promising of the second 

 size. Dispose of all the rest by sale or gift. They will make some- 

 one happy. If possible, plant them in a protected pond. They may 

 do wonders if not caught by bird, frog, rat, snake or boy. 



This wholesale culling should not be done later than midsummer, 

 so that the choice specimens will have the full benefit of the extra 

 space and food. Even many expert fanciers fail to get the best results 

 on account of trying to raise too many young in a given space. At 

 the age of six weeks they should have at least one gallon per fish, 

 three gallons at nine weeks and six gallons at twelve weeks and over. 

 This rule is for fishes which are growing. 



Small fry should be dipped out with a spoon and never poured. 

 Rough handling kills them almost instantly. 



Goldfish at any age should be at least partially protected from 

 the direct glare of the sun, so that they may at will go into the sun 

 or shade. This is particularly true of young blue Calicos, whose deli- 

 cate tints are apt to bleach in excessive direct sunlight. A few sticks 

 to form a rough lattice over the tray or tub will do very well. In case 

 of rain the sticks, unless already weather-beaten, should be removed, 

 as water from new wood is injurious. If the fish are in a position 

 where they get only about two hours of morning sun, no protection 

 from light need be considered. Goldfish do not prosper in excessive 

 heat, and temperatures above 85 degrees, even temporarily, are to 

 be avoided if possible. Fish under eight weeks old can stand more 

 heat than when older. 



In-breeding. A certain amount of in-breeding is necessary in 

 order to preserve the best points of a strain of stock— say a cross as 

 close as first cousins. Closer than this weakens the vitality of the 

 stock. When we have two breeders of good ancestry, but of no blood 

 relationship, we are likely to get strong fish, but with poor points. 



