A number of years ago the United States Bureau of Fisheries distributed Japanese goldfish gratis 

 to appUcants, and hatched and sent out thousands each season. This practice has long since been dis- 

 continued but there is a steady call for these fish from all parts of the country. The fishery service of 

 the general government produces only small numbers of godfish, that are intended solely for public 

 ponds and fountains and for exhibition purposes; and private applicants are now referred to estab- 

 lished dealers and breeders, of which there is only a limited number. 



The best results in raising goldfish are attained when the ponds are in the open air ; but American 

 culturiests have been cjuite successful with indoor culture or with a combination of indoor and open 

 air operations. For outside culture on a large scale, the general methods of the Japanese should be 

 followed, with such modification or adaptation as local conditions may require. 



Where facilities are not ample for large mud ponds and for ponds intended primarily for the 

 growing of crustacean food for goldfish, resort may be had to small cement or brick pools in which 

 it is expected that no food will be produced naturally. Such outdoor ponds, being shallow and not 

 adapted for use during freezing weather, must be abandoned in autumn, and the fish must be cared 

 for indoois, in tanks or hothouses. Small hothouses or greenhouses, heated with an oil or coal 

 sto\'e, ])ri)\ided with glass top and sides, and fitted with a series of cement basins, ser\'e excellently 

 for goldfish culture. They may be used in both summer and winter, but are particularly useful in 

 winter because the iish will feed and grow during that season and be ready for market earlier than if 

 kept out of doors. The temperature of such houses need not be maintained at over 50°F. 



A goldfish breeder who desires to combine the useful and the ornamental may make his place 

 \'er\' attractive by having his ponds form part of a landscape garden. The ponds may be on different 

 lc\tl>, connected by little waterfalls, separated by gravel walks and greensward, skirted by trees and 



96 



