THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOLDFISH 



the only danger being a possible lack of aeration in the absence of plants, 

 which should be guarded against by the occasional partial change of water. 



Where there are facilities for water supply and drainage an excellent 

 plan is to arrange an overflow pipe and a constant very small inflow of 

 fresh water. A sheet of glass suspended vertically over the tank, 

 to which a very small hose is attached, will occasion a constant dripping 

 to both aerate the water and moderate its temperature. A very consider- 

 able constant water supply has been found to be objectionable, as the low 

 temperature of the water direct from the mains in winter is injurious to the 

 finer goldfishes, which have been bred and kept in a warm climate and lack 

 the hardiness of the common goldfish. Snow water is usually fatal to the 

 finer breeds. 



Goldfishes are sometimes kept over in tubs in moderately warm cellars 

 without any attention or food, and though they have survived, this is an 

 inadvisable practice and an unnecessary cruelty. 



Wintering in large aquaria and tanks is best, and should be adopt- 

 ed wherever the facilities are to be had. Any unoccupied light room will 

 serve, and temperatures above freezing are not injurious, except possible to 

 the transparently scaled fishes, if no sudden changes occur. Under these 

 conditions aquatic plants can usually be kept in growing condition to 

 supply the required oxygen. The water should be occasionally partially 

 changed. 



