34 
GOLDFISH. 
dams, where they increased so rapidly that at the end of three 
years, when their progeny was accidentally poisoned by verdi- 
gris mixed with the refuse tallow from the engine, wheelbarrows 
full of them were taken out. In those dams Goldfish are by 
no means useless inhabitants, since they consume the refuse 
grease which would otherwise impede the cooling of the water 
by accumulating on the surface. Another important particular 
to their well-being in a small pond is, that there should be in 
some part of it a good depth of water and shelter, both for 
hiding and as a retreat on the change of seasons; a change of 
which all fishes are highly sensible, and none more than those 
of the family of Carps. 
These beautiful fishes, which bear well even close confinenient 
in a glass globe, although they do not reach their full size in 
it, are easily conveyed from place to place; and accordingly 
we learn that some examples of them were brought from China 
into England in the year 1691. But they did not become 
generally known until a considerable number were also brought 
in the year 1728, and presented to Sir Matthew Dekker, Lord 
Mayor of London, who made presents of them to seveial 
friends, by which means they became distributed through the 
country. They are now well known throughout the civilized 
world, although rather as the petted favourites of the house 
th an as naturalized inhabitants of our waters. A large portion 
of those we have in England have been brought from Lisbon, 
where they are bred for sale. 
In form this fish much resembles the Carp; the body deep, 
moderately compressed; jaws equal, the outline rising to the 
beginning of the dorsal fin; eyes prominent; body covered with 
large scales; lateral line a little depressed at its origin, afterwai’ds 
straight. The dorsal fin begins opposite the middle of the 
pectoral, and ends opposite the middle of the anal; the latter 
short; the first ray of the former usually toothed, as is the 
hindmost border of the first ray of the latter; pectorals round, 
ventrals large; tail incurved. The colour from deep orange 
to golden, a little lighter on the belly, but subject to variety; 
the young being very dai'k, and when older of a bright silver, 
on which account they are called silver fish; and some are 
strongly tinged with pink. There is also remarkable variety in 
the fins as they are found in captivity; some being without 
