THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE, 63 
same as an indoor aquarium. It must be supplied with an 
overflow to carry off the surplus water during a storm, and 
its top covered with a strong wire screen to keep the cats 
out, 
Any vessel used in connection with an aquarium should 
be absolutely clean. It is best, therefore, to have a special 
tin-pail exclusively for aquarium use. 
Fish should be handled as little as possible, and then with 
great care. The dip-net used for goldfish should not be fun- 
nel-shaped, as this would injure their fins, tails and scales, it 
also scrapes off too much slime from the body of the fish. 
This slime is a protective coat for the body, the same as a 
coat of paint or varnish is a protection to woodwork. This 
slime is of greater importance than most people think, parts 
deprived of it are subject to the attacks of fungus and other 
skin diseases. A dip-net for our purpose should be of soft 
material and shallow (see illustration page 141). When using 
it, aim to get the head and lower part of the fish in the net 
first; now slowly lift the fish from the water, covering it 
with your left hand to keep it motionless and prevent it from 
leaping out of the net. 
Next of importance to the supply of oxygen for all animal 
life is the supply of food. Animal beauty depends largely 
upon the health of the animal. Improper food will make the 
best of them sick, or at least ill-humored. The contrary 
being the case if the food consists of what is palatable and 
wholesome to them. Fish make no exception to this rule. 
After many years of experimenting, I have succeeded in pre- 
paring a food that meets all wants; it is palatable and whole- 
some to the fish; is in a clean, handy form for the person 
handling it; of good keeping quality and reasonable in price. 
