104 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 
The grass ¢ and weeds that grow along the edges of the dams are to 
be kept closely cut, for, if permitted to remain, they not only detract 
from the appearance of the establishment, but they afford excellent 
shelter for the numerous enemies that constantly threaten the fish. 
The ponds themselves require a daily examination, and anything 
found in them that is not wanted can be removed. Bits of cut 
grassor leaves from neighboring trees do not harm anything particu- 
larly, but they are liable to clog the outlet and cause the water 
(should a storm of rain arise) to rise to an undue height. 
Besides these, there will often be found insects, larve, etc., which 
can be removed with a dip net, while other and larger enemies may 
appear that will require the services of a trap or the exterminating 
influence of fire-arms. 
When the fish have been taken out of the ponds in the fall 
(which is done by draining off the water, to be described elsewhere), 
the soft mud is removed from them with a hoe. This mud, when 
frozen thoroughly, will make a first-class compost for flower beds in 
the following spring. The wire guards from the inlets and outlets, 
together with the adjustable sections from the drain pipe, are taken 
into the house for safe keeping during the winter, the ponds being 
left in a dry state until again needed the succeeding spring. The 
frosts of winter will kill any remaining vermin, purify and fertilize 
the soil of the bottom while the absence of water will offer no 
inducement to muskrats, whose advent would greatly damage the 
dams. 
Any projected changes, alterations, improvements, or the con- 
struction of new ponds should be completed in the fall, so that 
everything will be in readiness for the spring; then a late season that 
crowds spring-work in the fields and garden will be of little conse- 
quence, as the culturist is prepared to take advantage of the first 
coming of warmer weather. 
