How to obtain it. 253 
exercised in the selection of the fittest, and in their careful 
treatment afterwards. 
The fish during the yearling stage are peculiarly adapted for 
selection. Any cases of deformity at birth, which might easily 
pass unnoticed in the fry stage may now be detected by an expert, 
and a good selection may be made. Formerly the largest fish 
were selected, but it has been found that these are often far from 
being the best to keep for breeding purposes. In the first place 
more than an average number will probably turn out to be males, 
and many of them have grown big by living on their companions, 
and so are undesirable stock to keep, as the habit is sure to break 
out again. A very good way of dealing with badly-formed fish is 
to turn them into a pond by themselves, feed them well till they 
are two-year-olds, and then eat them or market them for that 
purpose. 
I have drawn special attention to this important subject for 
the benefit of future fish breeders. For the purpose of stocking 
waters the case is very different. Just in the same way that the 
ordinary fowls in a farm yard would often be of no consideration 
at a show, or for breeding pedigree stock, yet do good work for 
their owners, so the ordinary or yearling trout, if bred from a good 
stock are excellent for stocking waters for angling purposes. It 
is enough for such purposes to lay down ova taken from good fish. 
In the past, any eggs from any fish have often been taken, but 
this should be altered if breeds of trout are to be kept up to the 
mark. 
In sorting the yearlings it will usually be found that in some 
ponds at least there are two distinct classes of fish. One class is 
to be found at the head of the pond where the water comes in, 
and the other at the lower end of the pond where the water runs 
out. Often the difference between these two groups of fish is 
considerable. Those dwelling at the head of the pond live ina 
good current of water, which improves even in passing along the 
raceway, and drives more oxygen into the upper than the fish can 
get at the lower end, consequently these fish have a better chance 
in life, and they take advantage of it by feeding better, increasing 
bone, flesh, and muscle, and are better made and livelier fish 
altogether. They are more than double the value of the others, 
