150 GOLDFISH VARIETIES AND 
Goldfishes readily eat Epsom salts. A pinch dropped in the aqua- 
rium once weekly is beneficial to the fishes, and at the same time replaces 
some of the mineral content of the water depleted by the plants and fishes 
drawing constantly upon it for the chemicals necessary to sustain life. 
This practice has a tendency to prevent constipation. 
Chopped earthworms will be found a mild laxative. In severe cases 
some fanciers place a drop of castor oil well down the throat of the fish 
by means of a dropper. The author has never been convinced that the 
fish swallows any medication administered in this way, but it does no 
harm to try, and may do good. 
Tailrot. This disease first affects the end of the tail and other fins; 
the appearance is one of being frayed and split. If allowed to continue 
until the base of the tail is affected, the fish will die. Taken in time the 
trouble is easily corrected. It must not be supposed that every case of 
split and ragged tails is one of tailrot. This is often a manifestation of a 
generally run-down condition, and in addition to the regular treatment 
for tailrot, also requires a general building-up under improved environ- 
ment. 
TREATMENT. The same treatment as that for white fungus is indi- 
cated. Dipping the tail in a 10% solution of peroxide of hydrogen is bene- 
ficial. Should the ends be hopelessly frayed, they may be eaten off by a 
50% peroxide solution. On returning to the water the treated parts will 
be full of bubbles and will slough off in a few days, leaving a less sharp 
line than when cut with a knife. 
Consumption. It is doubtful whether this is a real form of tubercu- 
losis, but the wasted appearance of the suffering fish is such as to suggest 
it. The body becomes thin and so shrunken that the head appears to stand 
out from the body. Listlessness and loss of appetite are accompanying 
symptoms. 
TREATMENT. This trouble seems to be deeply seated and is difficult 
to treat successfully. Unless the fish is a particularly valued one, it had 
best be destroyed. Place fish in an ample supply of green water or fresh 
water containing }4 ounce of sea salt to the gallon. Feed well on daphnia, 
chopped earthworms and soft bits of oyster. Unless living daphnia can 
be secured, a cure is scarcely worth attempting. Placing fish in a shallow 
muddy pond or tank may be beneficial. 
Dropsy. The cause for this distressing complaint is not known, but 
it is considered to be due to a disordered liver. It is more apt to attack 
fancy fishes, and does so without apparent reference to the general health 
of the individual or the conditions under which it is kept. The manifesta- 
