INTRODUCTION 



_^^HERE exists in the United States great and growing interest in the keeping and cnltivation of 

 / Japanese and other races of goldfish. This interest is one phase of the noteworthy amount of 

 attention now devoted by young and old to the study and care of living creatures, and is aided by 

 the facility of obtaining at reasonable prices desirable material for stocking aquaria and ponds. 



The pleasures and profits of raising goldfish are destined to be experienced by many more 

 people ; each year thousands of men, women, and children begin to exliibit an interest in this subject 

 by seeking to learn where and how to secure the goldfish, and how to raise and care for them. The 

 demand for the fish keeps far in advance of the available supply, and there is thus created a need 

 for more extensive culti^-ation and more establishments where goldfish are produced. 



This little work is presented in the belief that, while American goldfish culturists and fanciers 

 have developed most efficient methods, there is much for professionals and amateurs to learn from the 

 Japanese, and that a discussion of goldfish and their culture from the Japanese viewpoint will be of 

 practical value and general interest to Americans. 



While there have been published many works dealing with the goldfish and their cultivation, 

 there is none that has just the scope and viewpoint of the present one; and it is believed that there are 

 herein set forth certain aspects of Japanese methods that have never before been made known to 

 western readers, 



