VII— THE STANDARDS OF QUALITY, AND THE TRADE IN GOLDFISH 



Fashions, Criteria, and Exhibitions 



SWING to the age of goldfish culture in Japan and the great amount of attention devoted 

 to goldfish by the general public as well as by breeders and fanciers, certain stand- 

 ards have been established, new fashions have from time to time been started, and 

 individual and community predilections have been formed. 



Considering the three leading varieties, it may be noted that the ranchu is in 

 particular favor at Tokyo, the oranda at Koriyama, and the ryukin at both places. 

 The oranda is most extensively cuUivated in the southern half of Japan, where it has to a great extent 

 replaced the ryukin. The variety was introduced at Tokyo but did not meet with a cordial reception, 

 and is overshadowed by both the ranchu and the ryukin. The last is now grown most extensively at 

 Tokyo, although up to fifty years ago the chief center for its production was Koriyama. 



Qualities in the wakin that are considered desirable are a thick, wide-spread tail with three or 

 four lobes and fine rays, and distinct color pattern. Points of excellence in the demekin are symmet- 



87 



