106 THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE. 
Again the writer admonishes caution; do the work gently and 
neatly, as every broken fin or lost scale reduces the value of the 
fish so injured. 
DOMESTICATING THE FISH. 
When in their respective ponds, it is not necessary to feed the 
goldfish, as nature provides them with all the food required for their 
proper growth and nourishment; but when removed to the storage 
ponds, additional food in small quantities may be given to them. 
This may consist of stale (but not moldy) white bread, dried in an 
oven or the open air, and crushed to resemble fine hominy or corn 
meal. Either of these, or both, in small quantities is strewn on the 
water; the fish being unaccustomed to it will eat but little at first, 
neither will they snap at it immediately. Gradually, however, they 
take kindly to it, and the quantity may be increased, keeping pace 
with the appetite they evince for it, giving it to them at a regular 
hour each day. 
This feeding is not intended for the purpose of making them 
grow, but rather to prepare them for the change of diet that will 
ensue when transferred to their future homes. 
When the fish take such food and thrive upon it, they may be 
considered domesticated, and can be disposed of as pets, they then 
being in condition to take readily to the more confined life in an 
aquarium. 
When performing work of any kind on or near the ponds, 
or other receptacle where fish are kept, or in feeding or hand- 
ling them, a patient and gentle manner is advisable, as it tends to 
tame the fish by giving them confidence. On the other hand, if 
they are frequently scared, they become of a wild, restless nature, 
and will dart away on the slightest provocation, 
