30 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 
depredations of muskrats, herons, cranes, etc. The water that 
supplies the ponds would better come from a spring or be gathered 
in the manner described for the sky-pond, as by this way one will 
avoid the annoyance and destruction caused by snakes, muskrats, 
frogs, etc., that are always found in small rivers and creeks, and 
which are sure to find their way to the pond, causing much 
trouble, to say nothing of the money value of that which they 
destroy. Besides this, the ponds should have some natural protec- 
tion against the high winds of spring time. This is very well 
afforded by a clump of trees close by, but much better if the pond 
is situated in a hollow between two or three small hills, These not 
only shelter the ponds, but tend to keep them warm by retaining the 
warmth of the sun in the spring, just at a time when it is most 
needed. In a warm and protected location of this kind, the fish 
will spawn several weeks before the ordinary beginning of the 
season, the young, of course, being ready for sale that much sooner, 
and the ponds are vacated for a second crop, thus bringing a quicker 
and more liberal return on the investment. 
Lastly, it is of but little use to locate ponds in a neighborhood 
that does not afford a market for the product, unless, indeed, the 
amateur should be in correspondence with such parties as would be 
likeiy to find it to their interest to handle his stock, 
The foregoing remarks on ponds and those which follow are 
made with an especial view to the culture of goldfish, so that the 
novice as well as the amateur may get a distinct idea of the proper 
method of locating and constructing them, for upon this depends 
the success of the enterprise, and more so when it is engaged in for 
the purpose of yielding an income, 
We come now to a consideration of the immediate and practical 
points concerning the subject upon which we are engaged and which 
we wish to see in running order. After having determined to 
