38 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 
This box, the bottom of which is formed by the floor of the pond, 
is to be covered with a well-fitting frame, mounted upon hinges and 
also covered with galvanized iron-wire netting of one mesh to the 
inch. This wire screen serves to prevent the approach of numerous 
enemies that would otherwise greatly interfere with the spawners, if 
not destroy them altogether. By following the above given direc- 
tions for the construction of the frame the greatest economy possible 
can be had, for the lumber in the board as obtained from the dealers, 
measures twelve (12) and sixteen (16) feet in length, so that the 
measurements, eight by four feet, can always be had without unnec- 
essary waste of lumber. Besides this, the wire netting is obtained in 
any length, and also four (4) feet in width, so that here too is a 
saving of material, and consequently of expense. 
Inside of this frame, or box, as it may be called when placed 
into position, another frame upon which wire netting is stretched, is 
to be sunk. The size of the mesh is to be such as is best adapted to 
the size of the fish that are to be placed in the pond. It is very easy 
to see that this false bottom subserves a very useful purpose, and 
often saves time that at the moment is otherwise valuable. When, 
for one reason or another, it is desirable to remove the fish, the only 
requirement is simply to raise the frame to get it into shallow 
water, when the whole contents of the pond can be examined at 
ease. 
A spawning-pond, such as the one described, can be, and with 
propriety too, constructed separately and wholly isolated. But if it 
is made a division of the rearing-pond, a good advantage is secured, 
namely, the stream of water that passes through it will carry into the 
rearing-pond such of the young fish as were hatched from undiscov- 
ered eggs. They will thus escape being devoured by the parent, and 
besides will get into the place intended for them, and where the 
chances for their growing up are vastly in their favor. 
