316 
BULLETIN OP TEE UNITED STATES PISH COMMISSION. 
loss of a good deal of the food by its becoming watered, etc., not to mention that a 
feeding-table becomes a receptacle for decaying matter and enemies of the fish which 
fear the light of day. 
The duty of tending the fish should be in the hands of one person ; and, if possible, 
the fish should not be disturbed by visitors. 
Fish raised for the market should, as long as the pond is well stocked, be caught 
with a smooth drag net, and the water should be allowed to flow off thoroughly; if 
this is observed their flavor is just as fine as that of the wild fish, although their flesh 
has not the same degree of firmness. The older fish are not in any way inferior to the 
wild fish; and the rainbow trout in particular, when older, gains an excellent, salmon- 
like, pure flavor. On some estates, and especially in many factories (particularly 
paper mills) an establishment, as recommended above, will be possible and profitable 
and might, on account of the better supervision, be founded close to the house, in a 
simpler manner and within a small space. I have laid special stress on the advantage 
of such an intensive culture conducted on a small scale, but it is certain that it will 
also afford a good deal of pleasure to the cultivator. 
If, as in many cases, there are, near factories, dams with spring water which can 
be let off and which are to be devoted to intensive culture, though the area exceeds that 
referred to above, it will be advisable to put in a smaller number of fish, as in such 
cases the brook trout will not very readily take the food provided for it. I would 
confine the culture to the American fish, particularly the rainbow trout, and from the 
start arrange for a two year’s rotation and for raising large fish. The largest possible 
fry should be selected (even if the price should be somewhat high), and not more than 
2,000 young fish should be set out per acre. The American fish will in such ponds 
take to the food at once; and as far as the rainbow trout are concerned, it does not 
matter if there is a temporary stagnation in the pond. 
In conclusion, I would state, as the leading principles of intensive pond-culture, 
the following: 
(1) Plenty of cool water and deep ponds. 
(2) Use evenly sorted young fish which are accustomed to the food which is to be 
provided for them. 
(3) Stock the pond pretty thickly, especially with the fry of the char and the 
rainbow trout. 
(4) Never use inferior food. 
(5) At proper times clear the ponds of all fish, dry the ponds thoroughly, and clean 
them well. 
