32 



face drainage will ran into them ; if they are so exposed 

 the surface water should be carried off by a ditch around 

 them. The Second and Third Ponds '^ should receive 

 an additional supply of water. The reason for this will 

 be given further on. A general idea of the form and 

 size of ponds can be gathered from the diagram without 

 further explanation. If the supply of water is small, it 

 is best to have as much fall between the ponds as the 

 nature of the ground will allow. This fall serates the 

 water and makes it as good as new. 



Shape of. Ponds. — Where the supply of water is 

 large it matters very little about the shape of the ponds. 

 The best shape we believe to be the pear-shape, figured 

 in the plate ; such a shape combining an equable flow of 

 water in all directions and the greatest amount of sur- 

 face, with the least difference in the temperature of the 

 water. If the nature of the ground demands other 

 shapes, the ponds should be made long, narrow and 

 deep, rather than broad and shallow. The depth of the 

 pond is indicated in the plate, and will answer for any 

 size of ponds. It is better for any one wishing to raise 

 a large number of fish, to have several series of ponds, 

 than to attempt raising a larger number by increasing 

 the size of the ponds. Fish do not feed so well in large 

 ponds, are not so easily taken care of, and eat each other 

 more. 



Raceways. — The Second and Third ponds should have 

 a long, narrow raceway where the water enters — about 

 thirty or forty feet long, four feet wide and six inches ■ 

 deep. The sides of the raceway should be made of one 

 and a half inch plank, one foot in width. This will 

 answer for bbth natural and artificial impregnation. The 

 raceway is required not only for the purpose of spawn- 

 ing, but as a resort for the fish at all seasons of the year. 



