4 o6 Wisconsin state agricultural society . 
The materials of which ponds should be constructed vary with 
the nature of the soil. In heavy clay, ground embankments alone 
are necessary. But in fact so much trouble has been caused by 
muskrats perforating embankments and liberating the water, that 
we are tempted to say that embankments alone should never be 
used. In most soil either stone or wood should be used in con¬ 
struction. If stone is used it should by all means be cemented 
and the bottom of the pond finished in grout, or large flat stones, 
with the interstices filled with cement. In order to clean out the 
lime, water should be run through the oond some weeks before 
putting in fish. The cement and stone will crack and in time be¬ 
come defaced at the water-line. This may be remedied by a 
facing of boards along the surface-line. We have lately con¬ 
structed very good and cheap ponds of rough hemlock boards, 
(our cheapest lumber), and find that they answer exceedingly well. 
Thirty feet long, four feet wide, and six inches of water will do 
very well for race-ways to small ponds. 
The supply of water necessary to raise trout for market pur¬ 
poses (making it a business') should not be less than thirty or forty 
inches, and would be better if larger. Adults should be fed reg¬ 
ularly once each day. The only rule to be given as to quantity 
is to feed them till they will eat no more. It is economy to cut 
the feed finely and feed slowly, as most of that which is not eaten 
at once will be wasted. A little water should be mixed with the 
meat, and wetting the knife or cleaver often makes easier chop¬ 
ping,, and causes the food to spread evenly when thrown into the 
pond. Cut the toughest food for the largest fish. Keep your 
pans, chopping-block and meat-house clean, and feed yourimeat 
before it spoils. It is good economy, before commencing to build 
ponds, to take the advice of some experienced man, and also to 
read all obtainable works on the subject. On the main points 
there will be found very little difference of opinion, and on those 
comparatively unimportant everybody’s experience will help you 
to form a sound judgment. 
A few hints to those raising trout on a small scale ; that is, not 
making it an exclusive business. There are many persons who 
have trout streams, either wholly or in part on their farms, which 
streams bring them in no revenue, except an occasional day’s 
