238 How to obtain it. 
Everything should be done, therefore, that is practicable to 
ensure the ponds being kept quiet. Covers should be provided, 
under which the little fish can take shelter from enemies, real or 
imaginary, and from the rays of the sun when desired. The ends 
of the ponds where the fry most collect should be covered with 
netting at night to make them doubly secure, or a sharp look-out 
should be kept for herons, kingfishers, etc. It is better for awhile 
that the fish should see no one but their attendant. They soon 
get accustomed to him, but will sometimes scatter at the sight of 
a stranger, and require a good deal of coaxing to come together 
again. With a good flow of water and pleasant surroundings for 
the fish, in the shape of marginal plants, they should thrive well. 
The plants will tend to provide a supply of natural food, and are 
most useful adjuncts to the rearing ponds. The little fish will 
take up positions under their leaves and about their roots, and it 
will be found that those which do this will make the best fish. 
Some years ago I had the grass kept carefully cut between 
the ponds. A well kept sward looks very nice, but if allowed to 
grow, the grasses and plants produce a considerable amount of 
insect life, which is worth far more to the fish than a well kept 
lawn. I would not say one word against keeping the banks of the 
ponds cut close, but just give the result of my own experience, 
and must leave others to judge for themselves and to do as may 
seem best. The long grass and other herbage is a temptation to 
water rats, but these can be kept down. Sometimes the fish jump 
out on to the bank, and falling amongst long grass, cannot get 
back into the ponds again and die. Whilst the grass is uncut, 
however, a constant growth of insect life is kept up, which is 
valuable, and the grass when cut, as cut it must be when fully 
grown, is useful either in its green state or for hay. It is a good 
plan to cut the grass on one side of the pond only, and to allow it 
to grow up a little again before cutting that on the opposite bank. 
I am often asked—How much food ought to be given to a 
pond full of young trout? In answer, I would say that it is 
impossible to lay down any definite rule ; some lots of fish will be 
found to feed more freely than others, some ponds will contain 
more natural food, and so many little things come in between 
the feeding of the fish and their attendant that much must be 
