I-GENERAL ASPECTS OF GOLDFISH CULTURE IN JAPAN 



importJiicc of the Goldfish to the Japanese People 



HE JAPANESE are the leading breeders of goldfish: their methods are the most original 

 and successful : their \arieties are the most beautiful and interesting. 



The goldtish occupies a prominent place in tlie daily li\-es of the Japanese, .\mong the creatures 

 kept fi.ir purposes of ornament and amusement — mrmkews, birds, musical crickets, singing frogs, 

 etc. — none are in such general demand or are emplo\-ed in such large uuml)ers as the goldfish; and 

 probabl}' in nri other country are 2.r\\ non-useful animals maintained b_\' a larger proportion of 

 the populati(.>n than are goldhsh in Japan. 



Interest in goldfish is manifested bv all ages and in e\'er\' class of societ}-, from the humlilest 

 peasant to the highest C(.)urt official. The small 1)0)' on a holida\' \\ill l.>e made supremel)- 

 happy b\- the purchase of a gijldfish costing half a cent while a wealth)' connoisseur ma_\' 

 gi\'e one hundred and fifty dcjllars for a single pair of fish of select breed. 



Immense numliers of goldfish are sold on fete davs, and children are the largest 

 purchasers. Goldfish vendi.irs, carrying their ware in wooden tubs suspended from a 



