THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 71 
much obscurity. The first mention we find of it is in the ‘‘ Arabian 
Nights’ Entertainments,” in the story of the Fisherman and the Genii, 
a story, which like those accompanying it, is of Persian origin. It 
is, however, frequently represented in the old Chinese paintings, and 
appears to have been held in great esteem, insomuch as several of 
the ancient and distinguished families among the Chinese carried it 
as a component part of the family coat of arms, or as an ornament 
upon their armor, In short, the goldfish has always been looked 
upon as a kind of superior being among the finny tribe, the ancients 
even dedicating it to their well-beloved goddess, Venus. 
In China, even at the present day, the goldfish enjoys the admi- 
ration of all, and may be seen in almost every house, inhabiting a 
richly-decorated China bowl, or disporting itself in lakelets in the 
gardens, made for its especial care and enjoyment. They are alike 
admired and beloved from the august Emperor on his throne of 
State down to the most humble and impoverished peasant in the 
realm, all seeing in it an object worthy of care, and, it might be said, 
of love. So intense is the fondness for the goldfish in the land of 
Chinamen that it has begotten a study of them and their habits, that 
amounts to a science, All the resources of the knowledge of them, 
thus gained, have been exhausted in the production of new varieties 
by the crossing of different species, and with marked success. 
In the larger cities the fish are regularly brought to market and 
offered for sale, very much as our florists offer their flowers and 
plants. For that purpose they are separated into pairs, and placed 
in little vessels made of bamboo, and, together with some bit of 
water plant, are sold to ready and ever eager purchasers; the prices 
ranging according to the variety and perfection of the specimens. 
The mandarin, in person, may sometimes be seen in the markets 
buying fish for his aquaria, which, indeed, are often made of carved 
ivory, and inlaid with gold. These purchases he makes with the 
