Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
ai70:
SH 167.G6M95 1902
The goldfish and
its
"-'
systematic culture;
New York
State College of Agriculture
At Cornell University
Ithaca,
N. Y.
Library
The
tine
original of
tiiis
book
is in
restrictions in
text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003231473
FAN-TAILED NYMPHS.
THE GOLDFISH
AND
ITS SYSTEMATIC
A THOROUGH GUIDE FOR
CULTURE
HUGO MULERTT
Corresponding Member of the Imperial Russian Society for the Acclimatization of Animals and Plants
Editor and Publisher of
"THE Aquarium"
many Text
Illustrations
from Nature
BROOKLYN-NEW YORK
THIRD EDITION
1883, 1896
and
1902.
bv
HUGO MULERTT,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
Brooklyn Eagle,
Printers and Binders.
Brooklyn, N. Y.
PREFACE.
/T'here
are not
many>
if
any,
fish
homes
in the
country or suburbs
not be indulged
of realizing
in,
of large
as
cities
where
culture could
either
an
income from
fish
my
exclusive attention.
The
I
originality of the
method
claim as
my
own, and
it
my
the
plainly
and
to
the point,
results
of
my
long
would
in
is
carried on,
is
intended to
produce hundreds of
annually,
invalid
who
With
more thorough
and should
public,
I
knowledge of the
Natural History,
efforts
as well as to
my
shall
consider that
in vain.
HUGO MULERTT.
Cincinnati,
O., July, 1883.
useful-
volume
and
it
It
is
different languages,
The
received from
all
parts of
my
a reliable guide.
new
edition.
HUGO MULERTT.
Brooklyn, N.
Y.,
March, 1896.
wish to thank
of
my
edgments
new,
the
usefulness
my
little
volume.
May
this
prove as successful as a
HUGO MULERTT.
Brooklyn-New York,
August, T902.
CONTENTS.
PART
The
I.
Chapter
ornamental Plants.
Their influence
I.
of Pet
'
Animals and
3
Chapter
II.
Goldfish.
Its origin.
Introduction of
new
types
III.
Chapter
its
Habits.^A product of artificial propagation. Deon Long Island. Cause of degeneration. Scientific
General characteristics of the Genus.
Habitat
name
and
of the
fish.
food.
Growth.
Their Enemies.
mode of reproduction. The coloring process. The memory of Goldfish. Tame Goldfish., g
Chapter IV.
The Types of
types
Goldfish.
Classification
The
of
same.
and
their varieties.
cros:5ing of
species.
Ex17
Chapter V.
PsEUDO Goldfish and their Varieties. sketches of same
Description
and
iii
historical
29
IV
CONTENTS.
PART
The Aquarium,
its
II.
Chapter VI.
Their
ted
Home Within
Ours.
The
Aquarium.
Its
Location,
illustra-
33
Chapter VII.
The Frame
or Mantle
39
The Stand
Chapter VIII.
Chapter IX.
list
Plant-
Number
of
Specimens
Chapter X.
59
is
PART
The Ponds and
About Fish-ponds
III.
their Construction.
Chapter XII.
General. Distinction of the Name. Reason for the Establishment of Ponds. The Monks as Fish-culturists. Profitableness of Pond-culture. The German Carp. Old Establishments. Largest Fish-ponds on the Globe. Necessity of Pond-culture in the United Consumption of food fishes in this Country. Reason for it. States. Riches of the Rivers in former Days. Pisciculture compared with Agriculture. Culture of Ornamental Fisti 67
in
CONTENTS.
Chapter
XIII.
The Construction
kinds of Ponds.
of Ponds for Goldfish Culture. The Different The Value of a Pond. Location or Site for the Ponds. Arranging the Ponds Advantageously. Ways of Constructing a Pond. Ponds for Different Purposes. The Number of them. Spawning, Rearing, Storage and Winter Ponds. Depth of the Same. The Dams. Their Construction. The Inlet. The Outlet. Its Construction. The 71 Water Supply. The Supply Channel
Chapter XIV.
Description
77
The Propagating
Materials.
Economical use of Bed. Construction of the Same. Location of the Bed. Advantages of a False Bottom.
Size of
it.
Ihe Nursery.
The Water
Level.
Circulation of
The The
Plants for the Pond. Storage Pond. Its Purposes. Winter Pond. Its Construction and Requirements.
Other Winter
Quarters
79
PART
IV.
of the Goldfish.
Chapter XVI.
Goldfish. The Scales. The Fins. The Gills. The Heart. The Voice. The Air-bladder. The Stomach. The Eyes. Hearing. The Act of Sleeping. Taste. Smell. ReproducFemale Organs. The Ovary. The Oviduct. The Male. The tion. Spermatic Organs The Spermatazoa. The Egg. The Fecundation of the Egg. The Development of the Embryo. The Perfect Fish. The
Yolk-bag
84
Chapter XVII.
Propagation. Classification of Fish. Artificial Impregnation of the Eggs Natural Impregnation. The Main Points in Goldfish Culture. Selection of Breeders. The Season. The Condition of the Fish. Their Health, Shape, Color,, and Habits. The Distinction of the Sexes. Sterile
Goldfish.
Number for
a Set.
Size.
Age
90
VI
CONTENTS.
Chapter XVIII.
Preparing the Spawning Bed.
Material to Catch the Spawn. Catching Duration of the Spawning Season. LengthRe-mating the Breeders 95
Spawn
in
Open Waters.
Chapter XIX.
Care of the Eggs. Advantages of an Early Season. Gathering the Eggs. The Incubating or Hatching Jar. Quota of Eggs to the Jar. Location during Hatching. Time Required for Incubation. Temperature of the Water. The Advantage of Hatching in Jars 97
Chapter XX.
First Care of the Young. Preparing the Nursery. Removal of the Young to the Nursery. Protection against Enemies. Transferring to the Rearing Pond. Manner of Catching and Handling the Fish. Temperature of the Water during the Change. Time Required 99
Chapter XXI.
Setting out the Young Fish. Filling the Pond. Natural Food contained in the Water. Appearance of injurious Insects. Precaution necessary in Setting out the Young. Number of Young to each Pond. Time required for Growth and Coloring. Fish-culture in the Parlor. Hatching in a glass Tumbler. Spawning in an Aquarium loi
Chapter XXII.
Care of the Ponds. Condition of the Water. Time of Supplying the Ponds with Water. The Supply Drain. Grass and Weeds on the Dams. Removing extraneous Matter. Cleaning out the Ponds. Care of the Ponds in the Winter. Changes to be made 103
Chapter XXIII.
Fishing the Ponds. Draining off the Water. ing them. Caution in Handling.
Assort-
Domesticating the Fish. The Fish in the Storage Pond. The Gradual Change of Diet. The Quality of the Food. Domestication Completed. Caution to be observed near the Ponds 105
CONTENTS.
Vll
Chapter XXIV.
Care of Fish in Stores. Manners of Keeping them. The Supply of Oxygen in the Water. Plants ths means of producing it. Location of the Tank. Shape and Construction of the Same. Management of the
Tank.
Precaution against spread of Disease
107
Chapter XXV.
Transportation of Fish.
The Shipping Can. Wooden Jacket Can. Rules of Express Companies. About Shipping. Filling of the Can. Time of Shipment. Delay while in the Hands of Express Companies. Bucket for Shipment. Shipping to great Distances. Transatlantic Shipping Can. Rules for Shipment. Treatment of Fish while en route. The Same when arriving in Bad Condition 109
PART
Enemies and Diseases
V.
of the Goldfish.
Chapter XXVI.
Snail.
The Water
Destructiveness.
Destroy their own Eggs. The The Water Flea. The Boat-fly. Its Other Varieties. The Yellow-banded Water Beetle.
Goldfish.
Goldfish
Beetle.
Asell.
Larva.
Its
Cocoon.
Its
Grub.
How to
Their Their
113
destroy them. The DragoQ-flies. Libellula. Aeshma. Agrion. Copulation. Mode of Depositing their Eggs. Their Grubs. Destruction and Enemies
Chapter XXVII.
The Enemies of the Goldfish, Continued. The Crawfish. The Frogs. Useful and Destructive structive Habits.
Indirect Injuries
tecting the Toad.
less to
Its
DePro-
Varieties.
from
their Tadpoles.
How
to
Destroy them.
The Water
Spider.
Salamanders and Newts. Their Tadpoles Destructive. Adults harmMan. Water-snakes. Safest way to Destroy them. A Snaketrap. Cranes and Herons. Their Mode of Fishing. The Kingfisher. Turtles and Alligators. The Musk-rat. Their Destructiveness. How to set a trap for them. The Raccoon. The Mink. The Duck. The Goose. The Swan. The House-rat. The Cat 122
Vlll
CONTENTS.
Chapter XXVIII.
The
Its Sickly State. Diseases of the Goldfish. Its Healthy State. General Causes of Disease. Asphyxia. Its Cause. Its Cure! Tuberculosis. The Cause of it. Slime or Itch. Bacterise, the Cause. Treatment of the Disease. Dropsy. Treatment of Specimens affected with it. Erysipelas. Improper Feeding the Cause. Its Prevention and Cure. Accidents. Assisting Nature in Healing Wounds. Con-
clusion
izg
Chapter XXIX.
Requisites and Tools.
Dip-nets.
Glass Jars.
Other Necessaries.
137
Chapter XXX.
Profitableness of Goldfish Ponds. Will it pay? Markets. Percentage of Young grown to Perfection. ture as Out-door Recreation
Difference
139
in
Goldfish Cul-
Diagrams of Aquarium
tools
141
142-3
INDEX TO PLATES.
Colored Frontispiece.
Plate
I.
Fan-tailed
Nymphs.
Copied from an elaborate Chinese inches in diameter, made in province Quang se for Emperor Keen Lung, about 1737. Now in the possession of George E. Saulnier, Esq., of this city. The colors of the fish are deep vermilion on back fading to lighter on sides, and pearly white on the abdomen, eyes light peacock blue in light vermilion setting.
fruit-platter, 26
Plate
Fringe-tailed Globe Telescopes. Copied from a plate about II. one hundred years old of the famous W. A. Sale's collection of old Chinese plates. The one nearest the upper left corner is milky the one next to it solid white, the scales being edged with gold deep vermilion, scales edged with gold and on each a golden spot. The eyes of both are light blue. The middle one is jet black, The lower one is deep the eyes included ; it has no dorsal fin. vermilion, its scales are edged and spotted with gold, eyes blue.
;
Plate
III.
Two
Fringe-tailed
Copied from a
Colors of
all,
made
;
recently in Japan.
sides and abdomen delightfully on back (in blotches) These and the preceding are reproeyes green. pearly and pink duced here for comparison sake.
vermilion
Plate IV.
one of the original fringe-tailed Globes brought Ammen in 1878, made at that time. This fish was for a short time on exhibition at the old New York Aquarium as the $5,000 fish; $3,000 were actually offered for it and refused. It is the ancestor of those Mandarin Globes shown on Plate VIII., An aerial leaf and flower-spike of Sag. and of all the Comets. " Frances M," half natural size.
of
to this country
Portrait
by Admiral
Plate V.
Comet
Section of
an
aquarium
fram>.
PART
I.
ITS TYPES.
Chapter
*'
I.
and
fish of
the
air,
and over
Genesis
I: 28.
in
man, as a
does
in view.
When
upon
it,
the
he selected
man
as its master,
is
command when,
without abusing
it
privilege, he
it
is
subservient to
himself, using
to his advantage.
made
a faithful companion of
;
fowl as well as
ornamental birds
or song
;
Chapter
II.
upon which
rium are based were understood, goldfish were kept and tenderlyf6r,
sense pets,
upon which
to lavish
much
solicitude
and
attention,
it is diffi-
more
beautiful
and desirable
substitute.
The very
fact
fascination that
prompted
their admirers to
to
keep them
in a
to
be
chosen guest
in the household.
life,
to life in
the aquarium and grace the elaborate structures that were framed
for the express
The
goldfish,
we
many
concerned,
history
is
involved in
Plat
ITS
CULTURE.
it is
much
obscurity.
The
first
mention we find of
in the
" Arabian
it,
is
of Persian origin.
and distinguished
families
among
it
ornament
upon
upon
as a
even dedicating
Venus.
In China, even at the present day, the goldfish enjoys the admiration of
all,
gardens,
made
and enjoyment.
They
his
are alike
throne of
in the
said,
down
all
to the
realm,
seeing in
it
might be
of love.
So intense
that
it
Chinamen
amounts
to a science.
new
to
varieties
by the crossing of
In the larger
different species,
success.
market and
flowers
much
as our
and
pairs,
and placed
in little vessels
made
water plant, are sold to ready and ever eager purchasers; the prices
ranging according to the variety and perfection of the specimens.
The mandarin,
buying
ivory,
in person,
may sometimes be
made
of carved
and
ITS
CULTURE.
same
in
The most
The
that
first
in the province of
Che-Kyang.
is
variously
dated, the years 1611, i6gi and 1728, A. D., each having claims for
honor
it
may be
was the
The
famous
first
Madame de Pompadour.
as
it
common,
small
China.
table.
now
neighborhood
this
oi
from
source that
From Europe
way
won
their
into favor.
For the
last
States.
Some having
American
one
fish.
It is true that,
sense native, but are not native in the sense, origin, as having
originated here.
state, the
fish
has greatly
efforts
Through
the
the
of
S. N.,
cultivation of the
new impulse.
This gentleman, but a few years ago, brought from Japan a number of specimens of the choicest varieties which have since been
Chapter
III.
ITS HABITS.
goldfish
is
a product of
artificial
native
of
of
China,
is
of
which the
Karausche
(Carassius
vulgaris)
Germany
the
European representative.
The
many
centuries as an ornament.
peculiarities
",
By
accidental
in
their anatomical
structure or color,
as breeders,
odd types
of gold-
It is a fact, that if
are
left
to
themselves
riably
colors and
peculiar
Some twelve
Long
years ago
found
in
in a lot of
with telescopic
shaped, but
Most
of
in five
perfectly developed
tele-
scope
fish.
When
called
my
regular fisherfish,
ITS
CULTURE.
he informed he used
to
me
fish
eyes
",
he
spherical
mixed up,"
in the pool
his words).
He
He
finally
stopped fishing
it.
first
half
century, brought
some
of
the
choicest types of
in this
little
goldfish with
to enjoy
them
lake
somewhat out
until the pool
forgotten
my
informer.
Now
be
above.
this
could
sufficient
to
substantiate
in
This man,
his
and ingenuity.
In open waters, not fished
or
slow-moving types
in the water.
fall
more modest
types,
is
odd shapes
The
nidae), a large
all
over
The
name
of
the
'
ITS
CULTURE.
to
the entire
genus
blue or
propriety as
a
we
specify the
My
cousin
drives
rose-colored horse,"
that girl
the
its
Was
wrong?
all
The general
types and
the
genus,
:
which
the
varieties
have
in unison, are
lips well
mouth toothless
one long abdomen rounded and many soft rays, extending from
;
the middle of the back to a point opposite of the end of the anal
fin.
The
lateral line
is
prominent, running
of
in a graceful
the
specimen.
The
which
being
body being covered with a coat of slime. The size of the goldfish varies according to the locality
them
to attain a length of eighteen inches
in
it
and a height
of six inches.
old, but this
Goldfish
It is said that they may live to be a hundred years may be an exaggeration. enjoy a warm temperature, in bodies of water without
them
best,
though
they will
ingly.
make themselves
fatal
at
home
in streams
They
that
would be
many
in
other
fish,
this
quality particularly
health,
from ten
So
far as
food
upon almost
all
even
12
ITS
CULTURE.
its
and devouring
The food
is
being toothless, as in
is
accomplished by a
summer
attain
their maturity.
The
has
fish
As an
instance, goldfish
one inch
in length, nine
spawned
in an
aquarium kept
In the
when
timidity
and
a prey to their
many
enemies.
Two, three
or
more male
fish follow
is
an abundance of water-plants.
They
its
movements of
the female
the
fins.
At places they
This
is
the
moment when
is
The eggs
head, and
may be
or brilliant
yellow in color.
Whether
eggs
it is
acquire after
hatched
the case
still
is
different,
may
also
some adhesive
happen
to
to anything they
ITS
CULTURE.
I3
The
fish
water-plants in
where the
upon examination, be
The young
the
During the
first
fish
move
about much ; they hang or lay about among the water-plants, obtaining subsistence from their yolk-bag, but as soon as this
is
absorbed
eat.
The
young goldfish
is
but
at an age of six
weeks
finally taking
on the permanent
in
The whole
in
process
it
is
is
sometimes completed
two days,
though
some instances
The
perfection
several causes,
among which
is
When
tion
subjected to modificaits
by
depth,
more
or less influence.
is
The complete
concerned, can not be seen until the change has taken place, when
at
once apparent.
Those
fish
that have failed to receive any coloring are then called silver- fish; should they have turned milky- or pearly-white, they are known
as pearl-fish.
in
warm ponds
this
14
ITS
CULTURE.
ponds are so located that the sun can warm them thoroughly
may
grow
months.
is
As a general
thing,
however,
may be mentioned
at
fail
that
all
the
young of
an equal
to reach
in
rate,
it.
The
latter are
then
known
as
dwarf
goldfish,
and are
much
demand
fin,
are
aneye
or with
From
its
nourishment on the
which
it
lives,
and
voracious
falls
appetite,
the goldfish,
especially
in
its
younger days,
In
its
fact, so
easy
company
set
in the as its
pond and of
enemy.
at
master
it,
may
be
down
When
renders
is
it
arrived
maturity
its
peculiar
mode
of reproduction
It
all
and considering
that,
may be
said that
it is
a mere accident
when
goldfish multiply
to
were exceptionally
soon learn to
time.
memory; they
their
will
remember
know They
'
ITS
CULTURE.
in a
15
lake
on the
estate of a Chinese
rowboat of
this
come
tame.
to the side of
in
their
element
and caressed by
I
his hands.
ship with
my
dog, a
little
spaniel
They kept
this
the
fish.
have had
fish
my
to
in the water,
allowing themselves to be
visitors.
bell.
lifted
Others
had trained
purpose a
food by ringing a
For
this
little
rium frame, and the end of a string, attached to the lever, was
allowed to hang
to
in the water.
At
first
a
to
little
the
string-end
as
an
inducement
bell,
take
into
their
of food.
it
Even
in
their
goldfish
it
are
harmless creatures.
common
with
all
our pets
they
us,
do not
live
for
ever.
But
per-
new and
revealed
to
and perhaps
to
their
is
in their favor,
although
we attended
carefully
to their
wants
day and
night,
lation
became accustomed
company
for
l6
ITS
CULTURE.
its
friendship.
its
fii,h
we
feel
it,
sorrow
for
loss,
but
we
are not
moved
to
tears over
as
would
because the
or because the
it
fish
stands so far
below man
ent
in the scale of
lives in a differ-
element?
And might
not
proverb,
"As
cold
as
fish,"
be traced to this
fact.?
Plate
II.
Chapter
IV.
In
have used
for
fish
many
satis-
them
has
jjroved
to
my
best
in
suited
for
American
and
European
call
purposes.
"What's
other
name?
That which we
having
so,
rose,
by any
name would
is
late
William ShakeI
speare, Esq.,
for
charged with
is
said.
Well,
presume
I
poetical
purposes this
have
of great
import-
many
cases.
For instance,
of
in
rose
its
culture
typical
one must
characterit.
know
the correct
name
rose and
istics in
Each
its
own,
another.
They
this
are
all
beautiful
to say which
is
most so
is
impossible,
to serve.
have chosen
by which to measis
description
I8
ITS
CULTURE.
;
The body is elongated, compressed upon the sides the abdomen is rounded and the entire body covered with uniformlysized scales.
in
depth
maximum
depth, which
is
one-third of
its
widest part
is
From
here
it
tapers off gently to the end of the dorsal and anal fins
where
it
is
divided and, on
fin
the
two
which
is
known
as the
This
is
very muscular,
its
the
fin,
high.
The
fin
dorsal
when
anal
expanded
it
its
greatest height,
at the spine,
fin is
its
length.
The
short, stout
the pectoral and ventral fins are small and rounded, about the
size of
the gill-covers
is
angle
and
naked
;
lips
well developed
but
without
barbies
mouth
of the
toothless
the
golden
in color.
The
color
to-
body
is
sides,
of slime
Fre-
not
It
about
fifteen
grown
in
bodies of
comparatively
ITS
CULTURE.
Ig
is
variety of the
is
THE SUPERB.
Body elongated very
being much broader;
the back
is
fins
and
tail
are
either
with black, or deep vermilion and the scales edged with gold.
solid
in
spots
abdomen
it
in
It attains a
very desirable
a fountain
where
in
basin.
like
the preceding,
is
is
also silvery
The whole
of the
sides
The Moore Is another distinct The back and sides are very nearly
let
variety and
a large
fish.
black, which
becomes
vio-
underneath.
bronze.
THE DOLPHIN.
Body elongated, shorter than
in
the
common
line
goldfish; the
the
straight
a
fins
small
and
of
tail
normal,
frequently
dolphin-tail.
Color
each of these
manner that
vermilion,
may be
either all
white or
all
or
20
ITS
CULTURE.
the
fins,
including the
tail,
are
its
body or reversed.
The eyes
in
as
well
as
in
color,
and
their
normal
size,
blue or pink
may be looked
THE COMET.
Body
slender,
as
longer than
in
the
fins
common
very
large
goldfish
butt
three times
long as
pointed;
of
deep;
tail
and
flexible;
abdominal
the body;
color or
fins
deeply divided
and as long as
variable.
color
lustre
the
Any
in
met
with
the
other types
may be seen
a comet.
noble type!
of this type I
in the
The
this
first
occurred
summer
when named it
a long-tailed comet
"Comet,'' the large
and
its
its
in
appearance.
THE NYMPH.
Body
as
short,
the sides,
and
stout,
as
shaped;
butt
deep;
tail
fins'
than
in
the
common
goldfish
and pointed;
deeply divided.
Colors:
white, deep
orange
spots (like on
fox
terrier) of
Very beautiful!
ITS
CULTURE.
As
above,
the
with
the
difference
in
tail
present
plural,
at their
upper edges,
fan-tail."
Above
descrip-
fins,
which
much
larger, but
the
tail
is
the
tail
is
doubly pres-
ent in a large-tailed
tails
are not
grown
THE PUMPKIN
Body much compressed upon the
the ventral and anal
to the
fins
fins
SEED.
sides
and
short, deepest
above name.
small and
rounded
tail
color
it
occurs frein
quently as
fan-tail.
THE
DISC
OR TUMBLER.
Body very short, almost round and much compressed, in head small and young specimens as flat as a silver dollar
;
pointed
with
on
top
snout
fins
pointed,
well -developed
off
;
butt
very
short;
short
and
squared
liar
tail
its
Owing
its
to the pecu-
shape of
body, this
fish
often
loses
balance while
22
ITS
CULTURE.
then
it
produces
the
in
order to regain
its
equilibrium
Very
and lemon-yellow on
is
to be found.
fan-tail,
it
When
this specie
is
bred as a
tail
THE GLOBE.
Body egg-shaped, more or
in
less elongated.
pear, pressed
will
upon two
sides, the
give us
is
the
good specimens
ture.
lips
so globose as to
is
make
The head
and
nostrils
are well
developed
wanting
tail
present
in
plural
as
a wellin rare
still
larger
fringe-tail,
which
tails.
known
as
a large
dorsal
fin
Mandarin Globes.
is
Corea.
ITS
CULTURE.
size of a hazel-nut,
23
lump
of coagulated blood,
its
and the
forms
on the top of
tailed
;
may be
will
occur
these
speci^iens and
to raise
difficult
The Globe
the
of
short
bodies are
most choice.
In the coloring of the
body and
fins
this fish
is
not
sur-
passed
the
most
valuable and
desirable
the abdomen,
Others again
will
including the
there are
;
fins,
while
all all
back
white
ir-
that
is
pure white.
Some
with body
and the
fins
and
tail
the eyes
again,
be white, the
Fan-tailed
the folds
and
tails,
Strange as
it
may seem,
this
beautiful
species of
fish
who happened,
like.
Anderson, of Cincinnati,
ative, rather
O., a lady
specimens
24
ITS
CULTURE.
secure
for
the
it
future.
may be
When
actly like
the the
common
goldfish.
They
rest
is
absorbed
tail
The double
which
movements
in the water.
Should
make
in
come
still
until digestion
completed,
the
meanwhile
falling an easy
THE DRAGON
large-sized
eyes,
set
in
EYES.
Fish with
whether
beauty,
the face
tions
of
they are
beautiful
Is
matter
of
taste.
What
is
anyway?
of a
there
anything beautiful
in the
to
be
seen in
bull
or
pug dog, or
?
a
is
dachshund
once
Still
their
masters think
Beautiful
A
back,
minister
the
everything
little
hunch-
audience, did
to
assertion a
He
sir,
concluded
that subject.
"Do you
upon
the
think,
made me
over,
perfect?"
replied:
Where-
minister
looked
him
and
"As
ITS CULTURE.
25
!"
One must
ciate them.
distinct styles of
:
THE OWL-EYE
is
THE DRAGON-EYE.
This
jecting
is
is
pro-
from
the
socket,
appearing
like
a
like
little
ball
glued
" Dra-
against
head.
Specimens with
eyes
this
are
gons."
THE TELESCOPE-EYE.
This eye projects very much from
its
ing sideward
or
forward
like
an opera glass
for fish that
or " telescope,"
name used
have them.
THE CELESTIAL-EYE.
In this case, the eye
is
it
globose stem.
As a
rule,
directed upward
"to
the stars."
is
able to accom-
The
direction
of
the
eyes
in
is
artificially
produced by
The
Chinese culturists
may have
learned
from the
eyes towards
26
ITS
CULTURE.
this
fish
still
the
while
yet
young.
To make
more
fin
for
purpose.
Fish
with
skyward-directed
eyes
are
called
"Stargazers" or "Celestials."
The production
culture.
and
fish
ornamental
The
is
thus called,
telescope, a
nymph-
mandarin-stargazer, etc.
ing
More or less interesting specimens may be raised by crosssome of the species heretofore described, and it may be
if
there
is
influences
it
has, in connection
particular
when Gen. U.
my
raising finer
in the imperial
gardens
in
China and
In judging a goldfish,
the
following
points will
prove of
value
ITS CULTURE.
27
Carp
is
the family;
the
goldfish
(for
represents
is
a genus or group of
of
its
this.
The nymph
the
example)
one
is
species
representing a type;
this
fan-tailed
nymph
a variety of
specie^ or type.
fins
tail,
must be
vidual.
a graceful
it
manner by the
to
indi-
this,
is
to
be considered whether
the specimen
acclimated,
good
manners.
Young specimens
than adults,
of
in
body
type
may
in
their
third
year.
still
fish
may
its
not have
Its
all
be beautiful.
necessitate
shortcomings as a thoroughbred
it
does
not
may
possess
speci-
some
points, not
make
it
a desirable
men
for
the aquarium.
in
value
is
as
follows:
Any Type.
Value of Colors.
Milky-white or pearl....
Pink, lemon-yellow, purple
Solid orange
20
10
20 10
15
Two
colors
Three colors
20
100
S8
ITS
CULTURE.
Explanation
of
technical
terms used:
scales,
Nudies
Are
specimens without
to
quite
beautiful,
in
the
bones.
They
are
the
"in-breeding."
Faniail
When
tail
two
tails
are
grown together
middle lobe
pigeon.
at their
is
upper
the
pointing up-
ward as the
Fringetail
together,
of a
fantailed
Two Two
or
more
its
long,
drooping
tails
not
grown
each having
own motion.
grown together, spreading
hori-
Dolphintail
zontally.
short tails
Fan
anal
fin
or fringetailed fish
in
order to be perfect,
other
points
being
equal, the
It
double anal
fin
is
the
more valuable.
may be mentioned
fish,
tailed
This
fact
undoubtedly one
be
appreciated
by those
keeping an aquarium.
Plate
Chapter V.
PSEUDO-GOLDFISH.
in
They
are also
members
of
For completein
ness sake,
consideration
this little
volume.
THE GOLDEN
The shape
fins
CARP.
and
(Cyprinus auratus.)
of the body, the location, shape
size of the
and
tail
is
are
exactly like
those in
lips
the
common
goldfish.
The head
upper one
is
The
color of
the body
the
is
orange on
white.
It
back and
sides, with a
golden
ten
lustre,
abdomen
is
attains a length
of
about
inches
and
an
is
ornamental
the following:
THE PURPLE
Shape
CARP.
like
(Cyprinus purpurea )
and everything
is
else
is
the
preceding,
except
light
violet-purple
lustre
lilac tint
on
handsome
fish.
29
ITS
CULTURE.
in
The carp
Japanese see
is
a fish of
much importance
little
Japan; in
it
the
all
When
a boy-
baby
is
born to a family,
representing a carp, or
left
may
as well as with
overcome
obstaclfes
bear
misfortunes without
is
complaining."
One day
cele-
brated, and on every house that had been blessed during the
year by
carp,
the birth of a
boy-baby a
little
flag
in
shape of a
is
of
same form,
displayed.
young
with
an
unusually
thick
coat of
slime.
Head
pointed
lips well
mouth
black
dorsal
fin
abdomshort
and rounded, of
forked.
delicate
structure
is
tail
and but
little
The
reddish-orange
the
The
fins, is
with
ten inches.
It
its
to
take
meals
from
her
or
his
This
sign of
ITS CULTURE.
31
This
fish
in
the
moat
of a
castle in Silesia,
Germany.
This
is
the ancestor of
the
preceding.
is
It
differs only in
is
bottle-green (tench-green
the
name
for a
shade of green
in
color.
culturists,
olden
times the
the
It
injured
for a tench
and
its
body
to re-cover
slime,
protective coating.
am
is
an
es-
teemed table
fish
country and
an
inmate of an aquarium.
This
fish
is
Owing
for
its
it
to a
custom among
by time,
prefer
the
name by which
has been
known
for centuries in
not
The body
of
this
fish
is
slender and
much compressed on
;;
32
ITS
CULTURE.
spots, fading
to lighter
on
head
small
lips
not
;
prominent
dorsal
fins
fin
and no barbies
eyes
;
large
tail
deeply forked
abdominal
small
including the
tail,
a length
of 24 inches.
The orphe
kept
in
is
and when
it
v/ill
an aquarium
It will
leap out.
not, for
that
is
to
is
just the
fish for
its
children or
young people.
It is
fish,
food,
and
it is
lake or a fountain
basin.
It
is
always
visible,
in
and
it
does not
muddy
the water
first
they swim
do.
in
schools near
minnows
in
They served
as an adfish,
the
guards
alert,
because
always on the
and by
warning of ap-
proaching danger.
sel,
aristocratic
of
mor-
the
lady
the
castle
PART
II.
THE AQUARIUM,
ITS
CONSTRUCTION
AND CARE.
Chapter
VI.
man
his
is
" Every
who, by
Smithson.
and
last
the
is
fact that
easily
of
.all
not
one objectionable
is
goldfish
household pets.
it
But
sary
to
in
these advantages,
is
neces-
Only of specimens
surroundings, can
in
home
With
in their
good we expect
in
be
benefited.
this
end
view,
we
secure
of
condiwater-
tions
tight
to
Such an
aged,
is
artificial
home
or miniature
man-
termed an aquarium.
33
34
ITS
CULTURE.
ITS
CULTURE.
35
THE LOCATION.
When
site
in
one's
the location or
aquarium that
is
to
be their home.
The
success
of
and these
and warmth
in
the
order to flourish.
condition
is
very
little
The temperature
of
less
importance, as
long as
this
is
An aquarium
the
light
should therethere
fore
can
be
The
one
the
the
best exposure
is
that
by such an
window.
in
Next best
such
a
is
one toward
is
the
the
best
the
distance
case
is
about
twelve
inches from
or west
;
window.
set the
Next best
here
more
space
may be
left
When an aquarium
it
is
to
in
room
with
from
both
the
and
in
a corner
room,
windows
at
both angles,
aquarium should be
will
from
each window
end.
much
as
possible
get,
the sun.
the
sunshine
you can
but toward
its
direct
positions
that
36
ITS
CULTURE.
EAST.
ITS
CULTURE.
37
may be chosen
it
for
an aquarium
is
are
shown.
to
In
each
in
case
the
will
done
the
plants
aquarium as well as
or two in
hour
Where
server.
plies
from above
over
for
Such a
the
the contents.
The
lights
of vital importance to
When
of
a baok-
formed
by covering
the
rear
glass
the
is
tank
made
more
attractive.
38
ITS
CULTURE.
PLATE.i*r
Chapter VII.
THE TANK.
When we
step
is
to secure a tank.
the material of which will not alter the qualities of the water
by impregnating
health of the
it
it
or give
it
The shape
not, therefore,
of
such a vessel
it
is
usually determined
by the
is
neither should
it
by a
globe
reis
The old-fashioned
for a
will
about the worst vessel that can be selected for the keeping of
goldfish
as
pets
fish,
it
it
will
do well enough
it
temporary
dis-
play of the
not answer.
However,
not at
all
necessary to
it
buy an expensive
so
tank of a dealer
on the contrary,
affords
his
Of the
different
shapes used
aquarium tank
the rectangular
around purposes.
Its
ITS
CULTURE.
The
tank
is
first
thing to be considered
when about
it
to construct a
is
to occupy.
large.
large tank,
;
As a when
rule,
pro-
makes
it
a grand
effect
this
admit, but
the year, and the cleaning and refilling involves a great deal of
labor and time which everybody has not at his disposal at the
required
sized or
time.
advise
in
the
latter
more
variety.
The medium-sized
lor,
tank, which
sitting-
or
gallons.
The
dimensions,
from
glass
is
to
glass
(the
twenty-four by
This
is
on a
To make such
to correspond with
a tank, get an
iron-worker to
make you
The
made
af-
one piece.
and
bent
angle
form a right
(Fig. b).
The uprights
flush
set
between
top and
(Fig.
c),
in
place
by corner plates
the
ITS CULTURE.
4I
glass.
even "
in
order to
have a smooth
also
The
upright pieces
may
be fastened to the
In
this
case
frames, being
held
in
position
rivets at
each junction.
(The water-
mixed rather
ance.)
stiff
This frame
is
is
After this
inch
thick
is
perfectly dry, a
piece
is
of
one -quarter
rough plate
to
fit
glass, such
cut
all
loosely,
in
leaving
play
to
round,
be the
properly.
lib-
To
is
made
for the
purpose), being
supplied with
Now
wipe the corners of the glass plate perfectly clean and lay
gently and evenly on
the
cement bed.
level,
;
If
where
will
it
should, on
it it
perfect
tend to sink
into position
will
;
if,
be
in
down with
plus
the hands
case
the
pressure
should be
gentle, uniform,
and only
cement
is
stand
The two
by
lights
(technical
terms
for
plates
of
glass),
twenty-four
42
fifteen, that
ITS
CULTURE.
now
prepared.
glass, or
they
maybe
broken
should
show-windows), or where
be of extra heavy double
twenty
-
this
cannot
be
had,
they
thick
French or so - called
every case the lights
English
six
ounce
glass.
In
Should
one or the other be slightly bent, the bent (convex side) should
These
order
(Fig. d).
The The
lights are
perfectly dry.
done when
the
force to
make
a uniform
fit.
Two wooden
is
them
to
in position.
Now
clean.
is
measure
the
distance
between
fit
the
just
set,
should
snugly,
them.
the
best
suited
for
these
edges that
meet the
to
set
other
glass
We
then
proceed
ends of the
water,
not coming in
Common
it
answer
here
at
if
is
these points.
is
ITS
CULTURE.
43
in-
do
side
SO.
frequently
notice on aquarium
corners,
this,
too,
is
waste of material.
or the
and
the
tank
may be
with water.
I
find fifteen
by seven
(all
(15x7!^)
in-
measure),
case be
the
most desirable
a
in
made by
The bottom
in
this
size
all
is
made
of
double
described above.
Do
in
not attempt to
of
wood;
side
tell
Someone
will
it
will cut
the
in
details
to
be observed
;
in
the construction
outside
hull,
the
or
ornamental
put on afterward.
it
This can be a
may
or a
consist of a rustic
stylish
mantel of
woodwork.
ercise
his
No
rules
are
individual
taste.
However,
it
should be kept
of a frame around
know how an
inappropriate
44
ITS
CULTURE.
frame may
a
well
the
effect
will
of
the
choicest painting
to
and
how
chosen one
great
merits
frame, would
noticed.
dull
any collection
to
for
is
most appropriate
for
Chapter
*"
of
VIII.
the term applied to a plant
Weed'
no use
is
when
to
it
it is
discov-
ered that
a weed."
ceases to be
life in
present.
The
oxy-
supply of
In
it
will
therefore
is
cause
disease and
nature,
oxygen
Trees,
shrubs
and
house-plants, as
performed as follows
it
plant
grows
it
amount
of
this
In
plant ex-
leaves a gas
known
as oxygen.
The presence
life
of the former in
the
air is as injurious to
it.
animal
as that
of the latter
is
necessary to sustain
is
Where no vegetation
cannot penetrate,
inates
at
work on
where these
predom-
and
life is
impossible.
45
46
ITS
CULTURE.
trees, etc.,
The work
formed
in the
that
is
performed by
on land
is
per-
Where no
at
work
to absorb the
current
fall,
force, or a
is
As we have no
aquarium, we
plants to
in
our
depend
on
the action of
the aquatic
It is true
originally
make our aquarium tenable for its inmates. most aquarium plants now under cultivation were collected by some one in their natural haunts as
does this
not
apply to
?
the plants
the
florist
To speak
precious
of
aquarium
and one
same propriety,
beds
that
the
gems, used
simply picked up as
children.
pebbles in creek
One
these
plants
had to be acclimated
to
No
matter
how
will
of a source of pleasure.
In
addition,
their decorative
character
precious to a collection.
in
them
lights
and shades
effects
the
garden, landscape
can
be
to reproduce
on a canvas.
The
and
ITS
CULTURE.
47
that
endless
combinations
in
Nearly
uous
all
in character.
mer season, we
tropical
therefore
species,
principally
on
the
cultivated
and sub-tropical
and more
especially so during
the winter.
I
describe
here
only those
species
that
by
their
merits
The
general appearance
of
this
plant
is
like a
branch of
The dark
;
i to f inch long, and arranged the new shoots are, when they first
effective
and very
when
the old
growth
is
and Europe,
it
is
dor-
roseum
The
ceding
;
This
is
48
ITS
CULTURE.
Cabomba
viridifolia. )
The
into
inches in diameter
Their color
is
is
a brilliant light
lus-
trumpetat 3 p.m.
These open at
9 a.m.
The
plant
my
introduc-
tion (1878).
This specie
are
is
smaller and
narrower and
It
preceding.
are like
those
the
former
the
color
of
the
;
foliage
during the
warm season
of carmine
;
new
leaves are,
when they
first
appear, salmon,
brilliant pink,
then to
when
This
in
is
When
grown
their
blown green
and pink
It
roses.
should
be
grown
in
sandy peat
position.
in
glass
pots
(salve
jars)
and
in
a partly shaded
ITS
CULTURE.
49
As an interesting point
fanworts sleep after dark.
leaves and lay
I
it
In
condition
them
in
from Florida,
Caroliniana.)
This
it
is
plant, but
has no peculiarity of
own, being
It
evergreen
in
MULERTT'S LUDWIGIA.
{Ludwigia Mulertiii
)
The
a rose-leaflet
the
the plant.
In
several
all
instances
plant,
stems
in-
cluded, in
The
the plant
leaf
is
no
stiffness
in
about
it,
each
being
shaped, curved
is
and turned
a different manner.
of the dark
Especially striking
the effect
when some
green
some
of the crimson
under
side.
50
ITS
CULTURE.
leaf
all
Amazon),
my
seedling,
it
is
in
the
year round.
and
in
the
axils
of
the
leaves
feel that I
I,
but
my
kind cus-
The
leaves
grow
in
close-jointed
whorls of
on thin reddish
it
one inch
in diameter.
its
an excellent background
the collection.
a native of
Alabama, ever-
This
plant,
where
their
its
native,
feet
is
dreaded
in
its
by bathers
stems and
often
swimmers get
wife of Pluto,
to
pull
entangled
drown.
name.
Proserpina,
reigns in the
to
have playmates.
THE WATER
This
is
MILL-FOIL.
(Myriophyllutn spicaium.)
a close relation
to
the
preceding.
The whorls
of
Like the
in the
is
evergreen
It is
thousands of leaves.
ITS CULTURE.
51
MOSS.
This
in
in
little
plant
is
an evergreen native.
It
may be found
The small leaves are borne alterThe nately on very thin and much branched wiry stems. plant is very dark green in color, especially when at rest in winter the young sprouts are of a cheerful bright green when
;
they
first
appear
is
in early spring,
The
that
plant
it
hence
its
scientific
name.
If possible, this plant
which
it
when
in-
troduced as cuttings, these should be planted against the rockwork, to which they
will
This
tropical
specie 3 originated
in
my
greenhouse
in
the
lily
sent
to
me from South
aquariums
America.
From
carefully nursed
the stock
now growIt
is
ing in
evergreen.
of
leaves,
52
ITS
CULTURE.
bearing as
many
not
some
until
localities
these characteristic
leaves
are
produced
late
in
the
sunlight to
grow
to perfection.
In a suitable locality
will
be
in
bloom from
tips
of the
sharp -pointed
while jet-black
It
spots
will
grows
recommended
for the
soil.
bottom
It
mul-
in
From
chosen
the
habit of
its
have
its
name.
It is
recognized
most
useful,
tivation.
a seedling of
more robust
in
growth than
parent.
SAGITTARIA "FRANCES
This
is
M."
S. "
lanciolata,
specie^from
in
Louisiana,
also
and named
memory
winter
of
my
late
is
companion.
of
evergreen; the
foliage
like that
in
"New
Era "but
in
much
measuring
in length,
ITS Cl'LTURE.
53
born
in
in
summer,
mother
;
the flowers are borne on an upright stem and have the size of a silver quarter-dollar.
in It is a
May
until
November.
One
plant,
growing
in
Such a record
is
should be grown
Many
an aquarium.
supply, or
its
Its
we cannot
growth
so rank that
outweigh
its virtues.
In either case
it is
not excluded
that
change
when
a certain
in
effect
aimed
for,
invaluable.
But
all
plants collected
a collection until
sel for
at
least a week, as
they
may
bring
disease
or other
Chapter
IX.
When
the tank
is
secured
it
is
up
and to
In
making
tank should be in a
test,
it
is
now placed
in
position,
care
Now
it
in
re-
member
making
sible.
to
be
one season,
rockwork as pos-
The arrangement
is
move
Since
we know
that these
are the prime factors for the maintenance of the aquarium, this
The
in
plants
may be
well-rooted
either
case
handle them
gently,
jui-juuuuugT
'
PLATE V.
ITS
CULTURE.
55
them
in
the
An
made
sub-
Be not "close"
;
when you make your selection of plants for the aquarium it would be "penny wisdom," as everything depends on them. They need not necessarily be expensive plants, some of the commoner species being excellent oxygenators; but since plants,
outside of their purifying faculties, add
greatly to the attracis
well placed.
The
following
list
of plants
is
sprigs of Fanwort.
"
"
Millfoil or
Mermaid-weed.
Hornwort.
Springmoss.
"
plants of Ludwigia.
" "
"
S
I
Arrowhead.
Sag. Frances M.
"
Whilst you are planting, sprinkle the plants every few minutes with water, so they
may
air.
All
thing to do
to
place
some small
an
bottom, some
in
time.
56
ITS
CULTURE.
now ready
clear
if
If
you
provided that
it
that, take
clear
fit
must be
clear
and
for
anybody
yourself
to drink.
is
Any water
for
not
fit
an aquarium
Muddy
to
water
is
as detriIf
is
garden plants.
the
as
less than 60 F.
accomplished by pour-
ing the water from a pitcher into the hollow of your left hand,
Now
of
its
suit,
common
is
table
salt
aquarium
started.
you wish
if
to
do
so,
is
fish
it
in the
water
at once, but
there
is
advisable -to
settle
order
and
to
After a lapse oi
nute silvery
consider
bubbles;
may
your tank
in
perfect condi-
tion to support
animal
of
Now
of
take
the
the
glass
aquarium, making
the
IIS
CULTURE.
57
The aquarium
all.
now appear
as clear as
fish
contained no water at
Now
it
introduce the
gently,
snails of
consume the
be about.
NUMBER OF
certain size,
to
:
SPECIMENS.
The question how many fish can live in an aquarium of a is equal to how much money must a person have be rich ? The answer is substantially the same. The shape
tank and the location
of
fish
of the
in
which
it
is
placed determine
in
it.
the
number
that
as
can
comfortably
light,
live
Should
the location
be bad
the
regards
will
the
amount
if
of
oxygen
is
generated in
highly
tank
in
be small, while
the situation
the
favorable
evolution of
life-
maximum
by
degree.
The quantity
is
number
of fish
furthermore
regulated
their size
treatment they have received before they came into your possession.
If,
were kept
pond, they
if
in
running water, or
much
accustomed
life
of
captivity.
Some
need a great
lit-
amount
tle.
An aquarium
The only way
stand as
many
fish as
the
plants can
ascertain
is
by be-
58
ITS
CULTURE.
above
all
is
much
make
pets
of
these,
than to crowd
the
tank with
indifferent
stock.
five
to
twenty gallons of
handsome
effect.
is
specisimi-
mens
lar
of fringe-tailed
effect
fish
is
good
A
of
stocked with
about
five
of different
types or varieties.
Tanks
the
expositions
during the
last
Such a tank
the
in a
The
fish
appear like so
many
cattle
The whole
charming.
Its
peaceful feeling.
If the
aquarium
for
is
or pastime
invalids, a different
course
is
to
be taken and
fish,
the collection
that the
in
order
different
may be com-
Chapter
If
X.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT.
There now remain a few remarks
the general
to be said in regard to
I
management
itself;
all
of an aquarium.
because
if
almost
the
fish
takes care of
necessary
is
to
feed
of
and the
period.
fish
fish
same
mouthful of
time.
my
con-
densed
and
snails
devour
it.
The
light for
the aquarium
collection
should be under
full
control,
for although
the
requires a
it
good
light,
the direct
rays of the
reach
it.
when
it
shines,
often
sufficient
protection.
of the glass should
Once
cleaned
or twice a
week the
thus
inside
be
it
with
the
wiper,
preventing
is
algae a
flat
covering
and
thick
obstructing
piece
of
the view.
felt
This wiper
fastened
sponge or
securely
to
an
appropriately
stick, or
on the flattened
by evaporation
should
be
removed by
6o
ITS
CULTURE.
will adhere.
of
Once
week
a
the
sediment
that
has
collected
between
the pebbles,
by the aid of
that
dip-tube or
fish,
rubber
syphon.
Sand
of
the
plants
returned to
scoop-like
its
This
right
little
instrument of
fastened at
Sometimes
sand by the
should be
with
at
is
pulled
;
out of
the
fish,
by a
visitor
such a plant
hole
to
in
re-planted
the
without
delay.
Make
the
it
sand
dredge,
and
use
are
the
dip tube
hold
down
bles
the
roots while
these
and sand.
useful
Especially
are
these
aquarium
is
tools
during
the
it
winter
months, when
to
the
water
chilly,
as
they
make
unnecessary
put
the
hands
in
the
water at
all.
(See
illustrations) p 141.
the
aquarium
is
to
arranged, which
is
should be done
off
drawn
inches from
the
bottom.
(This water,
is
if
practicable,
is
re-filled,
the
older
water
all
improves
the
plants,
by
also
age.)
Next take
larger
fish,
the
the
pebetc.,
and
now
carefully
catch
tin
and
remove
vessel
Take out
do
now
its
and
also
the
sand, but
not
move
the
tank
from
ITS
CULTURE.
6l
the glass to
the
prevent
scratching,
it
clean
the
entire
salt,
inside
of
tank
by rubbing
of
with
ordinary table
using
the
fingers instead
a brush.
the
being taken
water, and
off,
is
tank
once
washed
put back
in
until
clean before
easily
it
into
is
Where
sand
is
preferable.
it,
The rock-work,
and then washed
the
salt
should be scalded
position.
The
ones
refilled,
plants
are
selected
and
again
without
delay,
the
tank
and
or
fish,
etc.,
Two
three
hours of
year
will these
calling
attention
all, is
to
Emerson's
words:
"What
is
worth
doing
at
worth
doing well."
Chapter XI.
SUNDRY DIRECTIONS.
At what season of the
able?
year
is
an aquarium most
it
desir-
winter,
is
in this respect
much
like a conservatory,
is is
conservatory, because
cooling, refreshing
in
effect
summer, when
the contrary
is fully
is
the
case
This advantage
appreciated by
summer
in
the city.
In
addition
us
the
summer scenery
winter time
of
with which
the
aquarium delights
it
during
when
our
home,
that
it
benefits
the
sanitary conditions
its
the
apartments
the atmos-
adorns through
purifying influence on
phere.
air
The great
breathe,
of the
faculty of the
we
air
the
heating apparatus.
Parties
who
their goldfish in
sunk
basin
ilar
in
the
Such a
may be
Its
location should
it
and
ITS
CULTURE.
63
same
as
an indoor aquarium.
off
It
overflow to carry
its
out.
Any
tin-pail
vessel
used
in
connection with
is
an aquarium should
to
be absolutely clean.
exclusively
It
best, therefore,
use.
have a special
for
aquarium
little
great care.
nel-shaped,
also
The
be funscales,
it
as this
fins,
tails
and
much
is
slime
fish.
This slime
a protective
woodwork.
This
of
think, parts
deprived of
skin
diseases.
dip-net
for
material
it,
illustration
page
141).
When
fish
using
net
it
aim
;
to get
in the
first
now
slowly
left
from
the
water,
covering
it
with your
hand to keep
from
Next
life
is
oxygen
the supply of
food.
will
them
to
sick,
if
or
at
least
wholesome
After
them.
Fish
make no exception
I
it
many
years of experimenting,
all
have succeeded
is
in pre-
wants
clean,
some
to the fish
it
;
is
in
handy form
the person
in price.
handling
of
64
ITS
CULTURE.
fish
Without wishing
the
least
to belittle
foods manufactI
recommend
my
fish
its
"
IXL
for
my
purpose.
it
you cannot
obtain
it
for
direct,
The excrements
greenish
feeding.
or
black
this
if
it
is
white or yellow
of
salt
it
indicates over-
In
case
add a pinch
to
the
water of
the aquarium and stop feeding altogether for two days, reduc-
at
least a
col-
week and
lection
of
them
one's
choice specimens.
In severely cold weather, goldfish have no appetite, the contrary being the
therefore, be
regulated accordingly.
snails
Tadpoles and
are
the
scavengers, the
Health Comlittle
You can
fish
tadpoles
one
The
for
in
the aquarium.
Water, being
spoiled.
in
the
highest
degree,
less
in
is
easily
purest
for
water
will
be
if
more or
it
injured and
made doubtful
soluble
our purpose
comes
contact with
lead and
matter.
are
iron, zinc,
new wood
not
water.
come
water
the
are
not injurious.
the
it
water of
filled.
was
ITS
CULTURE.
is
65
its
The water
it
then undergoing
natural metamorphosis,
as brilliant as crystal.
and
When
fish
water loses
near
the
its
brilliancy, turn-
ing milky,
and
air,
the fish
remain
surface breathing
atmospheric
food,
the
may be
in the
overfed,
is
and
the
surplus
or something else
it.
tank,
decaying.
Find the
Add
it
by dipping
Do
it
this
five
Stop
has
it
When
much
light.
Shade the
tank with
paper
that.
until
clears,
Clear
sign
of an
filled
This
An
filled to
fish,
which
is
it
accidentally
it
When
(see
the
style
of
the
frame
such that
should be
may form
to
filled
the
top
Tuffstone
grass
is
calcarious
old.
deposit
over
groups
of
reed,
disleft.
my
The
rust
color
color,
brown
to
mens
for
it was found. The best specicome from Thuringia, our purpose being of good
66
ITS CULTURE.
color,
in
shape,
no
two
pieces
alike,
and
it
light
in
weight.
for
first,
is
now used
in
To cement broken
It
work
for
and sharp
before
it
should be soaked
in
water
over night
placed in an aquarium.
PART
III.
robbery."
Orville Dewey.
ABOUT FISH-PONDS
A
basin of water in the open
air,
IN GENERAL.
the water
may be drawn
off at
called a pond.
A
is
known
as a pool or a lake.
The dimension
few
of such
body
of
it,
as for
pond may
either be but a
feet in length
and breadth,
or
it
may
may
be.
In countries
source
far
removed from
fish
from which
may be
other.
and
in
The
cultivation of fish for the purpose of food has been carried on for
so far
pond
during
lent.
From
68
ITS CULTURE.
slow,
necessity,
and
pond
culture
profit.
Though
the
water
fish a great
rival of that
hand.
To
pond
without
limit.
fish that
The
in
was
principally,
if
ponds in former days, was the famous German carp; the estabstill
in
and may
at
in various parts of
The
profits arising
are enormous,
and
it
may be
had something,
idea of
its
it
may
manor of Wittengau
from which
one-half million of
pounds.
in
Similar establish-
Upper
Silesia,
with
one
ITS CULTURE.
69
down
This
is
is
already
who
In
fact,
the
is
many
expense of millions of
In view of these
fish for
money before
facts
it
the matter
was
satisfactorily adjusted.
will not
the
market
will
make
Europe
to-day.
The consumption
the supply
of
food-fish,
of
course,
increases
with
the
Besides the
creeks and
ings
rivers are
now becoming
and
of our
fish is
not so
it is
much
to the
due
mesh
seines, as
many
pretend, as
increased
demand
The
careless fishermen
and
snake-killing boys,
it
making
it
a business,
the other
engaging in
kill
catch and
which, in
fish.
the water
the time,
manage
to destroy untold
numbers of
The
very well
in' its
way, and
is,
70
ITS CULTURE.
bit of forest in
when
in
become a
large
town or
city, the
few chestnut-trees
go 'round.
A
have
land,
and additions
be made
house
at
the
New
land then
ing
is
added
is
Now
culture,
why
when viewed
The fish-consuming
is
family has
inordinately increased,
^iwelling
now made
New
necessary and
possible
by the
now going
to waste.
many
exclusive
culture of ornamental
The
employment
to
many
people.
still
larger establishment
is
that in
cities, just as
cities.
we
find
florists in
own
Chapter XIII.
three kinds gf
ponds,
which are
the creek and river ponds ; these are fed from the source
that gives
in the
them
their
immediate neighborhood.
is,
to
drain,
relia-
turn on or off
when
so desired.
it
may be
said in
free
from mud.
from the rain that
and which
drained
off or
fields.
is
reliability of its
water
supply, the quality of the same, as also that of the soil that forms
least,
is
pond.
The
locality
72
ITS
CULTURE.
etc.
depredations of muskrats,
supplies the ponds
in the
cranes,
The water
this
that
manner described
by
way one
will
which are
trouble,
sure
to
find
their
way
to
the
pond,
much
they
to say
nothing of the
this,
money value
of that which
destroy.
Besides
the
the
tion -against
very well
if
afforded by a
is
clump of
much
better
hills.
the
pond
These not
warmth of
needed.
will
In a
warm and
much
sooner,
for a
on the investment.
use to locate ponds in a neighborhood
for the product, unless, indeed, the
Lastly,
of but
little
market
The foregoing remarks on ponds and those which follow made with an especial view to the culture of goldfish, so that
novice as well as the amateur
are the
may
method of
locating
upon
it is
this
depends
in for
more
so
when
engaged
We
come now
see
to a consideration of the
we wish
to
in
running order.
ITS CULTURE.
73
devote his spare time to the cultivation of goldfish, the amateur will
to
commence
or what to do
first,
neither will he
and
in
it is
his
aim
to
mind
with which to
commence
business,
edly greatly reduce labor and enhance the enjoyment of the pursuit,
for if
in
what he
is
engaged he can
The
first
thing then
is
to
determine on a favorable
site
for the
protected from cold winds and fully exposed to the sun, not forgetting that the soil to form the floor of the ponds should be as rich
as possible.
It
must
also be
borne in mind
for
it is
a very essential
off at times,
and independ-
ently of
all
others.
When
this
this
may be accomplished
at will. to
in sections, or, in
other words, the ponds so situated that two or three or more, as the
case
may
be, can
be emptied
in
The manner
case
is,
as a matter of necessity, to be
them
to be taken
advantage of
and turned
to
good account.
may
be
dammed up
at the
may be made by
digging out the soil to the required size and depth to receive the
74
ITS CULTURE.
As before
goldfish,
the
and
tion of the
ponds
and
increase.
If left alone
series
of ponds
to
is
specific
purpose
for
which
it
is
intended.
inlets
wise they can not be under complete control, the reason for which
a
little
The number
of ponds needed
in their order
and
and winter-pond.
The spawning-ponds
fish are
or
"beds"
and
The
rearing-ponds
are those
in
fry
is
The
purpose
moment's
fish,
notice.
The
last in
order
is
the winter-pond,
for the
winter.
The
at that
is
placed.
From
twenty-four inches at
until the water
depth
head
is
(6) inches.
(See illustration.)
dams
ITS CULTURE.
75
than six inches above the highest water capacity, thus avoiding overflow during heavy rain-storms;
neither should they be less than
It is also
made
very carefully, so that when soaked with water they cave in with their
to build
own
weight.
them
and
laid
becomes very
and compact,
will
and capable of
and
withstand
the wear and tear of the weather and the weight of the
body when
from a
Where
there
is
danger
prevailing
sudden freshet
in
an adjoining creek,
it is
in addition, a strong
dam on
expected.
is
this
dam may be
washing
away.
its
Each
inlet,
/.
e.
makes
way
is
The
outlet
is
fits
in an
upright position tightly on the end of the other, which leads through
the bottom of the dam, forming a right angle.
(See illustration.)
all
the
dam
is
closed tightly on
is
four
closed
of
By means
76
ITS
CULTURE.
regulated as occasion
the water
sized
is
may
is
require.
The
overflow, that
is,
where
running out,
mesh
as before mentioned,
and adjustable
in the
same manner
When
it
is
section or board
removed
at a time,
always
slide
down
into
the
grooves.
Outlet for Pond.
insisted
(See illustration.)
upon
it
supply that
is
Each pond
to receive
also,
supply independently of
be, be cut off
all
must
when need
likewise
contains
when not
wanted
may
find
its
way out
of the establish-
Plate VMS
Chapter XIV.
"horseshoe"
little
is
all
the rage,
encircled by
stated,
hills
As previously
and
DESCRIPTION OF PLAN.
Spawning or propagating beds. B. Rearing ponds. C. Storage ponds and nursery. D. Winter pond. E. Isolated pond for special purposes.
A.
F.
Lodge, where the eggs are hatched. Wind-brake and guard Creek, passing the establishment. Siar Location of springs. Arrow. Direction of water Dotted Supply drain.
G. H.
I.
fish.
again.-it freshets.
flow.
lines.
bracket. 0\MsX.%.
77
78
ITS CULTURE.
1^
a-
t^
Chapter XV.
THE PROPAGATING
Having now had a general view of
attention
is
BED.
the
the
method of
differ
being
a specific purpose to
must be
or
The spawning-pond,
"propagating bed,"
its
situated at that
It is
entrance.
and four
like the
to
(4) feet
much
is
may be
left.
than six inches above the usual level of the water, thus preventing
the danger of overflow.
and
in
division of the rearing-pond, about one inch below this level, small
openings for the entrance and exit of the water are cut and carefully
to the inch.
8o
ITS CULTURE.
floor of the
formed by the
pond,
is
to
be covered with a
well-fitting frame,
inch.
By
economy
possible
can be had,
for the
lumber
in the
so that the
Besides
is
obtained in
is
may be
called
is
when placed
stretched,
is
be sunk.
The
size of the
mesh
is
to be such as
is
best adapted to
It is
very easy
moment
is
otherwise valuable.
When,
the only
it is
desirable to
remove the
it
fish,
requirement
water,
ease.
into shallow
at
when
A
is
But
is
if it
made
secured,
ered eggs.
They
will thus
besides will get into the place intended for them, and where the
ITS CULTURE.
8l
THE NURSERY.
This
is
merely an
apartment
the
temporarily
established in
the
storage-pond, which
serves
young
To
it is
by twenty
(20) being in
many ways
this,
abundantly proven.
In constructing
necessary that
the
as well as the others,
it
is
not absolutely
inlet,
outlet
to the
The
must be determined by
when seeking
he
in
locality
which he places
remarks applying
to
ponds
in
The
be as
inches
six inches
and the
six
floor
(6)
to twenty-four
The
whenever
that
may be
needed.
One
fish in
Nymphaea
the soil of the bottom, as their floating leaves afford shelter to the
Besides
it
offers greater
convenience for
the fish to reach deep water upon the approach of danger, as in such
82
ITS CULTURE.
and being
way much
sooner.
also easier to
is
when
probably a
upon
trial.
Should the
left floating
on
rearing-ponds from
each other,
the
fish are
not mixed up with the small ones, as the latter would then be
itself supplies.
fish
easily
and
size,
and kept
it
in
good condition
till
wanted.
off
be so located that
will
construction
does not
it
differ
in anywise
rearing-pond, as indeed
we
wanted
destined purpose.
It is best,
however, to divide
it
equal
size,
so as to secure a general
of wire covers.
by a
in of a stream of water of
even temperature
of the pond from freezing over entirely, in which case the fish would
die.
The depth
its
of the
to
be
less
than three
feet,
and
ITS CULTURE.
in.
83
The
flow of
water
leave
is
to enter at
at
the
opposite extremity.
The dimensions of
the winter
quarters need not be very large, as during the winter season, fish in
a natural
state,
and
warmth
spring.
compartment of four
(4) feet
by eight
(8),
fifty
fish
Where
house
tion,
it
fish
may be
cistern, or in aquaria
and
air,
at the
open
the winter-pond
of
netting to keep out the various birds and animals that would prey
upon them;
it is
much snow
as possible.
PART
IV.
Chapter XVI.
" Nature
my
my
field/
fish,-
is
its
is
anatomy.
merely diagramatic)
is
most necessary to be
familiar.
We will consider first the scaies, as they are almost the first thing
to strike the eye. of the
manner
that a
ITS
CULTURE.
85
way
water
older
is
fish fish
in the
grows
of the
and larger the scales increase in size. Near the middle of the body and running along each side
there
is
fish,
These
"lateral line."
Through these
cous
is
entire
body,
water-
in
the
water.
These
trix,
the
tail
of the
fish.
It is scales
refer to
when seeking
which the
fish
belongs,
(See
because the
illustration.)
The next
named
and subserve
The pectoral
b.)
The
That
dorsal fin
c.) is
that
fish.
fin situated
name from
that part,
is
and
is
known
prop-
e.)
86
ITS CULTURE.
The
tvater in
which the
fish lives is
fish itself,
strength to
move
power
about.
is
The motion
and
is
accomplished by the
The
water in
the
neighborhood of the
thus
serving as adjunct
respiratory organs.
The
to
when
come
;
in motion, or for a
backward move-
The
The
gills,
on each
(fig.
by "opercles" or
f)
number of
blood-vessels.
As
a rule there
life-giving
The
to extract
it.
When
by the
in con-
it
does
when taken
gills, it
in
mouth of the
fish,
and
is
comes
for the
nourishment of that
be seen that
fluid
it is
It will thus
fish breathes,
as
many
as can be
proved by
placing fish in water from which the air has been taken, by pro-
come up
to the surface
where
become exhausted.
where
the fish breathes only the air and not the water, that
could just as
is
air,
it
Such
not the
gills
87
may be
would
would cease
to
It is
The
heart of the fish lies just behind the head and between the
It is
auricle, a ventricle,
is
and an
arterial bulb.
The venous
it
or stale blood
pumped
where
of oxygen.
From
all
the
gills it is
h.)
from which
it
is
fish.
As
can be
fish
voice.
i.
The
goldfish
filled
i.)
which
or emptied at will.
is
This bladder
is
a sac formed of a
situated
k.)
is
when
full,
fish
eyes
is
still
disputed.
It
may
if fish
hear at
with great
fish are
difficulty.
It is the
custom
in
kept to
call
them
it
by the
tolling of a bell,
that
bell,
or that of
the bell
ITS
CULTURE.
affect
them
at
all,
but
gun
will scare
them. *
Do
fish sleep ?
Yes.
In the act of sleeping they do not close the eyelids, for the very
varieties
sleeping at midnight.
at stated periods, fish
still,
The
may very
fins,
easily
the only motion being that of the breathing apparatus the action being very slow but regular.
and the
pectoral
to
be drawn back.
The
We
come now
The organs
the male
for this
The female
the
spinal
located immediately
the
air
column on each
posterior
side
of
bladder,
uniting towards
the
end in a
(fig 1.).
single
These
the
when
The
when
it
(the oviduct~)
(fig.
m,) the
is
n.)
In the male
fish
move
it
and
They
ITS CULTURE.
89
little
organ-
the fish
may be
and
is
propagation
of
fish
as
it
The
eggs
when
first
and
as soon as they
come
suck
in contact
it
in
e
Fertilization of Fish Egg,
hole.
of
the
introduced
egg.
ASpermatic
B Germinative
Disk.
C Nutritive
is
mentation
" or
is
is
The young
t.'hQ
fish
when
first
it
hatched
its
is
yolk-bag,
its
from which
derives
period of
it
independent existence.
When
this
is
finds
in
various
As
the fish grows larger and gains strength, other and coarser food
is
Chapter XVII.
PROPAGATION.
Among
into
fish culturists it is
two
classes according to
spawn; we
thus have
further
They
are
more distinguished
some are
laid
mode
of depositing
the eggs, as
on or
" nests,"
especially prepared
by the
dropped loosely into the water without any precautions having been
taken for their protection. being either
In the
latter
"adhesive" or "non-adhesive,"
one instance
until
may happen
to touch
and remaining
random on The
nest and
the surface.
summer spawning
full
class,
builds no
In those
fish depositing
and
their artificial
impregnation
is
fishes,
is
allowed to proceed in
all
natural manner.
time,
affair,
being mature
at the
same
much
time and
go
ITS CULTURE.
91
is
therefore confined to
to the
"survival of the
fittest,
"
and with
it
by securing
suitable
spawning
resorts.
III.
SELECTION OF BREEDERS.
As soon
affect the
rise
winter quarters
is
This
the time to
may
be,
is
their situation in
The beds
level,
and
all
details
will
When
and
the production of a
good and
saleable crop of
fish.
The
fish
used to
and of
be inherited by
young.
of great importance to
fish
know
what age
this
was acquired, as
such
same tendency
with
year,
first
this,
when
5%
of
young
many never
changing,
fish.
92
ITS
CULTURE.
The
white,
may
appear, or
present, be lost.
This
this
may
in part.
satisfactory
reason for
given.
The
ever,
is
exposition purposes.
in
Any
fish
whose
fins
injured
spawning bed,
if
account.
may be remarked
in this connection,
e.,
those newly
into the
lost,
when imported
etc.,
United
States, the
change of climate,
locality, food,
producing
In view of
this,
the
culturist
should
his stock
whenever a favorit
up as near
to
is
possible to
circumstances.
not
gills,
before.
Upon
bony
the gill-covers,
or operdes,
will
fish.
in
condition
for
and
disappear
This period
may be
ITS CULTURE.
it
93
will also
be seen
number
"="
are observed.
(See
illus-
The
usual
method of
distinguish-
ing ing
is
the
male from
of
in
the female
by
not-
the presence
a
fact,
short
it
dorsal fin
not
reliable;
is
not only
misleading, but
false,
as
such short, or
more
dorsal
properly
fin,
is
speaking,
just
"deformed"
as
found
fishes.
frequently
upon female
The
tubercles are
^
Head
of
upon a
Male
Goldfish.
^^^p^
^^^ ^^^^
its
This
theory
is
them
in
that one
no other purpose.
The
when
by
this
appearance only that the culturist can decide that the time
female to spawn has arrived.
It is
for the
to place in the
spawning bed
made
As
good
Whether these
remain
sterile for
decided.
a rule,
when
of
size, or six
when
the former
It is also
important to
94
ITS CULTURE.
match the
The
that
years.
The
selection having
been made,
all
Chapter XVIII.
its
spawn upon
spawn.
or
marsh
bottom preferred).
possessing fibrous roots are either pulled or dug up with their roots
entire;
adhering mud, and closely examined to see that there are no eggs of
other fish or insect larvae
upon them.
each bed,
they are then placed loosely in the water of the bed, along that side
in the
morning.
On
when
aquatic
commenced
to grow,
removed and
{Ceratophyllum
Horn
or
Waxworth
canadensis).
These plants
the
fish.
when dropped by
is
now
which the
where
it
is
impossible to get
them
out,
and
their
spawn
is
96
ITS CULTURE.
and allowed to
When
when
in charge.
When
house
in
spawning season
will
commence
a great deal
may be
expected from the middle of February, while that event seldom takes
place in the open air earlier than the litter part of April or the begin-
ning of May.
When
it is
continued until
now and
is
short,
it
may be
length-
ened by placing over the spawning bed and nursery frames covered
with glass, the principle being the same as that of the gardener's
hot-bed.
If this
is
done,
it
in fair weather
is
an abundance of
air
to
would be
fatal
is
gence
he certainly must
know
that as he
is
keeping
it
up a kind of
artificial climate,
as
the frame
had
many days
of patient
in
fish
desired by the breeder, the males are to be changed from one bed
by
letting a
will
for a
soon
be
in full
process again.
Chapter XIX.
the morning
sow thy
Solomon:
to
This advice
affairs
the
well
of
every day
it
may
is
apply to
but in the
literal sense,
of the admonition.
is
As
sow
fish,
seed, so
the
spawn the
and
besides the
young
will
advanced.
Thus
it
is
culturist
encouragement by
hits the
earlier the
spawn
is
The
though
early
it is
morning
is
sometimes kept up
noon.
The
fish are
seen chas-
ing each other and rolling over the material thrown into the water
for that purpose.
Upon
roots,
we
many
The bunches
removed from
the water,
ual rootlets bearing the eggs are either cut off with a knife or pair of
97
gS
scissors,
ITS CULTURE.
may be detached
Great care
in
them
any way
They
candy
jar, filled
the bed.
Such a
eggs being as
many
as that capacity
young
when hatched
out,
When
they are taken into the house or put into some other convenient
place selected for the purpose, but in such a situation that they will
constantly be under close supervision.
It
is
best to set
to
warm
weather.
is
The temperature
between 60
F.,
and 90
F.,
more
or less
is
dangerous.
rains,
and
if
hatched
in the
open
air
and
in the ponds.
recommends
process
is
itself for
that the
whole
every
inspection at
times.
The
jars
cheap, and are very convenient to handle, in short, just the thing for
the
purpose.
the
marking of
it is
dates,
names of
desired to
jar,
will
it
can ahvays be
seen at a glance.
Chapter XX.
the
young have
left
the
swim
some
this
season.
carefully
guarded
they become
is
For
this
all
and
be removed
No
important that
it
may happen
to
removed and
killed.
is
kept over the frame in order to prevent the dragon-flies from depositing their eggs in the water, as these,
tive to the
when hatched,
young
fish.
As
hatched in the
jars,
and the
in the
by
4) feet contains
from
hundred (500)
fish.
The next
division
treated.
99
ITS
CULTURE.
first
young
candy
jar
is filled half-full
and
it.
The
largest fish
are
now
manner placed
is
them
fifty
It
of these
little fish
it
in the jar
is
longer than
necessary to transfer them into the rearing ponds, the whole time
consumed
in the operation
is
The morning
most uniform.
the day,
it
ponds
is
at that time
manipulation
is
done
at
becomes necessary
as a difference of a
tender
young
if
Chapter XXI.
of course, a
young
fish
devour them.
The
little
is
fish require,
during their
first
days of
existence,
found in
new
water.
By
the
make
their
jar, to
it is
much
will.
fish to
make
their escape at
size.
Here they
remain
large
until
enough
to
be saleable.
variously from six weeks to four months, according
This
may be
to circumstances,
102
ITS CULTURE.
FISH
Though
CULTURE
open
air,
IN
THE PARLOR.
them the same thing
and with limited
the instructions detailed above were given with reference yet by following
to cultivation in the
scale,
The
by
furnish-
ing them with sprigs of water plants, upon which eggs were adherent.
sill,
the
quantity of water as the young grew up, until they were finally ready
for
permanent residence
in
the aquarium.
their
generally looked
are home-bred
and grew up
where
all
effort.
The spawn
well
for this
managed aquarium,
Chapter XXII.
this final
we
direct
our
efforts
to
make
the
net result
every
way
satisfactory.
To
that
The
if
be
confinement
in the
aquarium.
then,
in
It is
now and
in
season
may
dictate,
and only
the
quantities
sufficient
to
preserve
is
a uniform height
it
ponds.
When
additional water
required,
supply drain, in the day time only, as one can then watch
better
that
may happen
to
to
be in the
it
be allowed
who could
possible
off in
come
up.
Any
damage
to the
of rain.
The supply
examined
approaching,
it
ought to be
that
it
rainwater without
interruption.
103
I04
ITS
CULTURE,
to
The
grass
and weeds that grow along the edges of the dams are
for, if
fish.
and anything
Bits of
cut
but they are liable to clog the outlet and cause the water
(should a storm of rain arise) to rise to an undue height. Besides these, there will often be found insects, larvae,
etc.,
which
can be removed with a dip net, while other and larger enemies
may
When
(which
is
ponds in the
fall
the soft
mud
is
make a The
first-class
compost
beds in
together with the adjustable sections from the drain pipe, are taken
into the house for safe keeping during the winter, the
left in
ponds being
The
no
the
frosts
of winter will
fertilize
the
soil
offer
inducement
dams.
Any
projected changes,
alterations,
struction of "new
the
fall,
so that
everything will be in readiness for the spring; then a late season that
crowds spring-work
in the fields
is
and garden
will
be of
little
consefirst
Chapter XXIII.
fish
in
drained
off.
But before
this is
large-
be provided
tin
buckets or wash-boilers
answer very
well.
with a handle about seven feet in length, the other a smaller hand^
net.
The
of the
and when
let
are
removed one
at a time.
When
and
at
the water
taken out
partly filled with clear water, assorting the fish according to size,
color, etc.
,
at the
same
time.
When
this is
completed, the
fish are
little
During
this fishing
so, to
process
it
is
water muddy;
drain
is
the supply
flow-
I06
ITS CULTURE.
broken
fin
fish so injured,
DOMESTICATING THE
When
in their respective ponds,
it
FISH.
is
them with
all
may be
given to them.
in
This
may
an
strewn on the
little
will eat
but
at
first,
immediately.
take kindly to
it,
giving
it
to
them
at a regular
grow, but rather to prepare them for the change of diet that will
ensue
when
When
upon
it,
they
may be
an
life in
aquarium.
When
ling
is
advisable, as
it
tends to
if
tame the
On
become of a
and
will dart
away on
Chapter XXIV.
CARE OF FISH
When
fish are
IN STORES.
mitted to freeze.
As was
it is
and
to
it is
therefore nec-
keep up a contin-
uous supply of
it.
One way,
is
to
Now,
wrong.
proves
them.
to
keep
is
fish is in
compelled
to
keep on hand,
is
if
he
managed, and
fish
a financial success.
light,
in
in the
produced by
is
the fish as refuse matter, and give off the oxygen, which in turn
appropriated by the
fish
fish.
to
how many
is
growth of plants
Large
amount of oxygen
in the water.
fish
fish
to the tank
Io8
this,
ITS
CULTURE.
more
and
consist of a large
aquarium with
glass sides, or
may
to
be a wooden
trough thirty (30) inches in width, ten (10) or twelve (12) inches in
depth, and of any convenient length.
The frame
and ends
is
made
of one
stuff,
To make
by coopers, are
laid
strips of
down
securely,
one
at a time.
The groove
ground
it,
each piece
is
in oil,
and so on,
The
best
as
way, probably,
that
is
.to
makes the trough very strong and capable of carrying a consmooth side of the boards
is
of course
in operation
greater depth than six (6) inches of water, rather less probably, both
for the
light.
all
fish
and the
better admission of
clean, every
now and
then removing
This
an aquarium;
method of managing
somewhat
different treat-
ment; they
a hotel
is,
While
fish
appearance,
Chapter XXV.
TRANSPORTATION OF
The
FISH.
fish,
to
any
perfectly
inside, so
that the fish will be subjected to the least percentage of injury while
off,
forming a kind
of neck or shoulder,
seen
upon
it
the
common
is
coal-oil can.
This makes
when
at
the vessel
the top
is
The opening
in diameter,
and
The
perforations
(^) inch
side
"^
Shipping Can.
. The
of the
lioles
injury to
(See
strong, metal guard fastened to the lid is to prevent an accidental closing of the air holes,
illustration.)
and usually
"wooden
As
demand
some manner
other with
wood, we
these vessels
109
the
'^O
ITS
CULTURE.
and
at a slight increase
Besides,
make
it
a complete shipping
can for
fish.
it
When
is
desirable
to
make
a shipment of live
size,
fish,
it
is
they will be upon the road, and the season of the year in which they
are transported,
all
cannot
live.
is
filled
capaciiy only, thus providing ample space for the water to splash
it
is
by
this
aerated and
made capable
ought,
if
may be made
fish to
is
cooler in the
made
usually-
sometime
morning or forenoon
when
The
may
receive
more care
running
in the
less
consequently
risk of
damage.
It
is
also
whom
he
if
the
in order that
may
take
they are
left to
be
in great
danger
can
is
an ordinary small
the
tin bucket,
such as are
on
sale
at
the
tinsmith's,
ventilating holes
would better be
left
punched
remainder being
unmolested.
ITS CULTURE.
Ill
forming a shoulder against which the water can splash without being
spilled.
In
all
The above
directions apply
more
do
own country
or
is
up
like a regular
aquarium.
to
in the following
manner
is
A
fitted
up
in
proper
style,
and
four
filled
In
this
may be
placed
lid,
two inch
set aside
about a week.
Dur-
into
it,
neither higher nor lower than the upper edge of the bucket.
tin
This
bucket, or sheath,
if
you
will,
the bucket
is
on
hand
to act as a substitute.
it
Furthermore the
tin is
provided with a
be retained in
adjusted that
it
its
can be removed
On
As
fish
fed anything.
will
jar
admit
it
plenty of light, so that the plants can act on the water and keep
fresh, neither
lost
by splashing
out, as
when
it
this
does happen,
merely
falls into
whence
lid
admits the
fish.
112
ITS
CULTURE.
is
not at
all
it
further
recommended by
such
its reliability.
Make
however,
to ship only
and
fully domesticated.
in the
become
weak
it
is
made
in preparing
will
them
for travel,
The
to
rule
When, upon
dead ones
fish,
there
happen
in a
be any
in the vessel,
dying confins or
and
around the
scales,
it is
of the death of some, and will speedily cause that of the others.
The
open
common
table-salt is
added.
A
if
hand.
good
PART
V.
power."
goldfish
largely
in the
protection of them
against their
make the defense most effective it is essential that we know something about the transgressors, for by being acquainted with them and their habits, we can more intelligently combat them.
enemies, and to
For
this
of the
proper
spawn of the
fish
its
deposition,
also
engaging in
this
nefarious practice.
fish
are
is
among which
SNAIL,
THE WATER
This
little
is
ASELL.
(Asellus aquaticus.)
creature, of
illustration gives a
good
idea,
crustacean,
one-half
of an inch
113
114
in length.
It
ITS CULTURE.
the water plants, searching for food, part of which consists of fish
eggs, to
found.
tribe
is
Buck Crab,
etc.
This lively
creature
is
closely
It
(enlarged).
(enlarged).
side,
because
its
its
back
it
is
naturally
(See illustration.)
In
all
stages of
growth
feeds
upon
fish.
young
"Shoemaker,"
as
is
it
is
commonly
at the
called,
is
a most voracious
insect.
The body
below,
long,
contracted posteriorly,
sides
convex
above
which,
and
flat
having hair
supports
and
upon
extremities,
when spread
head
the
is
out,
the
insect
the
water.
side,
The
giving
color
legs,
large
possessor
is
power of
vision in all
directions.
The
of the body
ITS CULTURE.
II5
different
oars.
shape from
in
much resembling
swims
boat
When
in
the
upon
its
back, using the hind legs as oars for propulsion, while the front ones
are instrumental
also insects,
especially,
all
seizing
its
prey.
Young
it
fish,
tad-poles,
and
contribute to supply
it is
The instrument
or
weapon
with which the insect makes the attack upon the victim
conical beak.
It
is
is
a strong,
believed that
when making
it
wound
when once
always dies
in
in a short time.
When upon
its
oars behind
In the evening,
excursions to
and
water and
habit
the
make
from
this
culturist
may
take
warning.
Its
in the early
spring,
and again
in
their
appearance
soon
after,
immediately
the back
swimming upon
to meet.
The accompany-
Il6
ITS CULTURE.
when
in the
are extremely
the
young
fish
the
one
just
delineated,
more
This rather pretty beetle, lives entirely below the surface of the
water, never
leaving
it,
when
the air
is
its
Lakva.
damp
or
in
rainy weather,
to
and then
for the
is
purpose of making
of a greenish black
this feature
excursions
other
localities.
The body
giving
name.
When
The hind
shaped
very
much
boat-fly,
This beetle
whose
in the
found
is
hole hard at
The
larva,
which
lives
ITS CULTURE.
II7
it
When
of sufficient size,
(See
As
the
name
is
purple lustre.
ing,
(See illustration.)
in proportion.
and strong
The
beetle itself
is
is
not directly
dangerous to the
destroying
all
however,
is
that
comes
in its way.
The female
of this species
its
spins a
posterior portion of
hind
legs, the
cocoon,
In
this it deposits
eggs,
and
it
after closing
carefully, fastens
it
to a floating leaf,
adding to
little
projecting point on
the top,
which
by
the
way resembles
mounts guard.
appearance, at
six legs
It is
and
their
resembling
is
propelled through
When
at
"
Il8
rest
ITS CULTURE.
its
fearful apparatus,
formed of
moved
in
any direction,
is
fish,
tadpole or
As
it
is
In this state
appearance
is
extremely
The
to destroy
is
them
is
when
this
finished,
way
great
damage
is
much on
"A
stitch in time
saves nine.
The grubs
have
to
come
The
at
two
different periods,
namely,
in the spring
Other varieties of
So
is
sufficient to
remember the
of the fish
remain
in the
company
when newly
hatched.
THE DRAGON
The dragon
flies
FLIES.
as
(commonly known
all
snake-feeders)
may be
fish.
ITS
CULTURE.
flat
irg
The
in length.
2.
longer than
six
the above,
its
slender,
round
inches in length.
in length
1^
to 2}^ inches.
first
The wings
of the
two named,
are,
when
the insect
is
at rest,
latter are
folded
The hind
part of the
rings.
body
in all of
them
is
long, slender,
and
composed of ten
three pairs of legs,
latter in
On
and two
pairs of transparent,
webbed wings,
some
same
The
all,
especially the
scarlet,
asshma,
is
very
brilliant,
The eyes
field
of vision.
ITS
CULTURE.
They
all fiy
and from
may'be made
Al-
man they
is
its
The manner
of their copulation
somewhat
curious.
The male
back part of
fly
about for
The
female then deposits her small white eggs by immersing the posterior
part of the
body
them
to the
submerged
The
are
those
of the libellula are short and thick, while those of the other genera
more
The
good swimmers.
They
good
the
young
fish
and
fish-eggs,
upon
a
make
mud
Whenever
(See
by a rapid motion,
illustration.)
rarely missing
the
at.
larvae of the
in
the
fish-tank,
destroyed two
week's time.
full
when
the perfect
ITS
CULTURE.
makes
its
The eggs
mud
first
dragon
flies
latter,
The own size, is, nevertheless a powerful antagonist, attacking them when in the act of depositing their eggs. The attack is made upon the eye, the largest dragon-fly
Their natural enemies are
small as
it
is,
compared with
by
its
How
least
strange
it
is
which
man
has the
the spider
Chapter XXVII.
known
as
the
fresh-water lobster,
as
it
and should be
killed
is
It
will
also
occasionally catch a
young
fish,
and often
and
injure
flesh,
away
wholly valueless as
merchandise.
is
the under-
much
time
and labor
ponds
makes
to get
THE WATER-FROGS
(Ranse var.)
As
is
frogs, there
on the contrary,
by destroymg harmto
The common
and
the one
we have
guard against,
far
both
the
itself
little
outweigh
benefit
fish.
ITS CULTURE.
I23
spawn
in the ponds,
way
The
frogs
it.
The
manner
frogs
make
their
it
is
at
most
water
is let
into
inches, in this
their
pond they
spawn.
caught with a dip-net, and the spawn also removed and exposed to
the sun to dry up,
by merely placing
If this process
is
it
it.
establishment
When
it
appears that
pond
drained
will die
off,
so that
by being dried up
to
common American
is
They may
from
brownish and
differ
manner
in
those of the frog are found in one compact mass, a lump, in other
words
in sheets.
amateur
mind he
friend.
will
124
It will
ITS CULTURE.
carefully,
is
to
and put
in
it
into a
pond where
July-
completed
June or
Toads
in the
and should
be exterminated.
is
One of
attacks the
young
in the
eye and
kills
it.
as
young
some
being viviparous.
In
all
both the
fish
fish,
localities
The newts spend their entire life in the water. In certain they may exist in such vast numbers that it is necessary to
Neither of these creatures, however,
and the
hell-bender,
make
their appearance.
Most
particularly
must
WATER SNAKES.
These
will
They
lie
ITS
CULTURE.
12?
This
it
mistaking
for a
worm
The
is
of fire-arm.
at the
proper end of
generally
makes a combination
from exercising
If
be discovered by placing
pieces of board here and there about the ponds; these boards are
lifted
or three of the
little
snakes that had sought shelter there, when thus found they are easily
despatched.
A good A wire
coop made of
kept as pets.
frogs,
to confine live
point
wire,
and dead.
tried to get into the coop,
had evidently
and help
itself to
a frog
or two, and was thus caught, the wire preventing the entrance of the
entire body, the scales of the reptile at the
made.
filled
with
among which
are
126
ITS CULTURE.
by the
visit
glisten,
to reconnoitre.
in the water
These birds
wade
and
The
fact that
crayfish
heron was
fire,
had cap-
were
still
had
just
been swallowed.
If these birds discover that fishing in the
will
ponds pays
well, they
become frequent
visitors,
and,
if
establishment.
come
at
regular
hours,
THE KINGFISHER.
This bird
may
it
gen-
that
may be
shoots
down
itself
its
fish,
seldom missing.
It also
supports
ITS
CULTURE.
127
These
heron,
birds,
may
the latter
is
some-
mostly frequent.
the latter, of
the
how
be permitted to remain
or
THE MUSKRAT.
Not only do these animals destroy the dams
but they will
also
of of
the ponds,
fish,
if
destroy
the
entire
stock
not
stopped
in time.
mastered.
style
One
two muskrat
i),
traps of
the
old fashioned
(Hawley
in
&
Norton's No.
pers
The
At
a
for
and
will
bank and a
peg
little
short distance
the
free
trap), a
from such
is
hole
(the length of
the chain on
The
in
trap
is
then set
to one
going
in
or
out
obliged
tread upon
the
plate
it
legs.
If
the trap
is
coming
it.
fail
to
catch
128
It is advisable
ITS
CULTURE.
in
the muskrats
the surrounddur-
make excursions
fish.
This long
raccoon,
list
of enemies
may be
water-fowls
such as
and
swans.
In stores where
fish
and protected
occasionally
from house-rats
and
cats,
both of
if
which
will
not prevented.
MU
I
Chapter XXVIII.
The
in
goldfish,
when
in
in perfect
dorsal
fin
an erect position,
Its colors
are
glistening as
though
highly polished.
ing an
ible,
The
fins
appear very
moving
and grace.
When
closed by the
Liveliness
fish,
is
covers
fit
brilliant
off-
become
and
fins of
stick together,
gill
when the
tightly
in
their proper place, then the health of the fish has failed,
and
danger
is
close at hand.
Most
of
are
ill-treatment
while
kept
in
captivity,
;
and
gills,
nearly always
the
when
129
affected,
oxygen.
Some
of the diseases,
130
ITS
CULTURE.
to which
meth-
ods of
feeding,
themselves
in
disturb-
their
appearance
peri-
which
is
involved in as
much
obscurity
as that
all
and of which
ASPHYXIA.
This affection
is
the
The
fish
is
colors fade
finally
away
if
rapidly,
the
is
appetite
and the
its
fish
die
the
disease
permitted to
run
The cause
by the
the disease
gills.
may be looked
for in the
inter-
the'
the same.
the ailing
far,
and
in
which
number
of
flourishing
aquatic
plants
growing.
An
even teaspoonful of
common
salt
is
then dissolved in
the water, the whole then put in a light, well ventilated place,
and kept
the
first
at
During
beginregular
necessary, and
should not be
given, after
which
very
the feeding
may be re-commenced,
administered at
a
ning
with
small
quantities,
fish
As the
may
the
ITS
CULTURE.
I3I
TUBERCULOSIS OR CONSUMPTION.
The
in
first
sign
of the
itself
the
indifference
manifested
by
the
affected
individual.
They are seen swimming about in a careless, purposeless way, now and then stopping to make the vain attempt to remove
something from their
ently coughing.
gills
the gills are out of order, they thus failing to take up oxygen
for
the
blood.
fish
becomes
lean, as
in
seen
the abdo-
men, causing the head to appear too large and. out of proportion.
The
of
gills
results in the
destruction
this
their
by decay.
to
Having arrived
itself
it is
at
stage
the fish
too
weak
balance
it,
and
swims
head downward,
part of
its
finally
standing on
dies
in
because
the heaviest
body, and
that
position.
in
The duration
and seasons,
it
different individuals
The
get
it,
it,
origin
disease
may be
fish
traced
in
back to unnat-
and
in
in
while
managed aquaria they very seldom have those badly managed they frequently die of this
well
of the
disease.
The cause
disease
arises
from
invisible
orfish
baccillcB,
is
in the least
destroy them.
fatal
in
all
The
done so
disease
in
proves
cases,
or has
invariably
discover an effective
remedy.
in
perfect condition.
132
ITS
CULTURE.
SLIME OR ITCH.
This disease generally appears during the colder season of
the year, seidom manifesting itself
or
hot.
is
warm
The body
whitish
of the fish
substance,
the
becomes coated with a layer of some deposit beginning on the back near
the head.
of the
instrument.
These
general
shape.
They appear
and
function
the
fish,
consequence
performs
the
in-
terfere
very
much
with
the
the
skin
in
in
that
fish
form
tissues
The
is
beautiful
colors
of the
disapear from
the
tainted
parts, they
The
result of the
disease
the death
afflicted
the
fish.
When
rubbing
fish
can be observed
in
itself
rocks, or
the sand
the
aquarium.
The cause
of
the disease
may be found
of
in.
feeding, in which
food remain
the
The temperature
water-purifying
not being
the
production
of
insects,
the
of
bacterm make
the
fish.
their
The name
description
of
has heretofore
been
applied
to
this
disease, but
it
diflfi-
ITS
CULTURE.
133
They annoy
its
presence,
their
attacks
upon
skin
setting
part upon
slime
is
found.
is
Mani-
method
the removal,
bacterix are
the
to
it-
articles
of
food,
more
warm
and
light location,
filling
table-salt
when
the vessel.
DROPSY.
Dropsy, as every one knows,
is
the tissues, so
it
is
when
progresses forward.
in a circle
if
When
it
first
makes
its
mens
are immediately
been
when taken ill, they will recover in a short time. The disease having started, will, if not immediately
ed
to,
attend-
body
until
it
becomes almost
spherical, so great
The
scales
become
from
erect,
giving
the
appearance
of a " ruffed
grouse," the
eyes at
the same
time being
greatly protruded
their sockets.
all
During
this while
the fish
134
ITS
CULTURE.
No
it
cause,
appears upon
in
Europe,
as well
country,
the
goldfish.
The
disease
may run
it
of which
time
results
the
death of the
fish.
It also
seems to be intermittent
eral
sev-
weeks,
upon
the
same
individual,
but always
effect.
fish
There seems
as comfortable
as
possible, taking
for recovery.
ERYSIPELAS.
This disease
restlessness
of
is
the
They
are
and
with
great
rapidity,
flee
from
torment, for
it
suffer
from
muscular
pains.
covers a period of
affected
at
several
they
all
become
of
the
the tank,
now
by
mad
in
capers.
this
The
external
appearance
fin,
case
is
characterized
a closed dorsal
all
as in health,
become agglutinated
and
appear
like
the
spikes
upon a
catfish.
The
of
tissue
like
brush
the beginning
ITS
CULTURE.
135
The
theless,
condition, the
fish
neveruntil
become
lean
and weaker
each
succeeding
day
The cause
methods of
feeding,
the
stomach
in
consequence
becoming
the
it
When
same
will
it
;
does appear,
the
all
the
fishes
are
attacked at
time
aquarium
then
temperature of the
lo-
about a month.
and
ted
hospital
as
scavengers, and by
of
diseases.
presence
prevent a complication
The
culosis,
we
out
managed,
if
the
treatment
is
carried
properly.
ACCIDENTS.
According
to
the
old
saying,
" accidents
happen
in
the
to goldfish.
In
sur-
most
cases, nature,
skill,
if
damages with
prising
though a
assistance
a desirable result.
when
bruised.
Injured fins grow again, but the form afterwards does not
it
will
not necessarily
kill
the
(for
fish,
most cases
use by
it
heals kindly,
substitute,
such as are
the taxidermist.
136
ITS
CULTURE.
When we
we must
warm temperature
is
the
growth of
guard
the chances of
As an
in
is
additional
quantities
is
men-
good, as also
a solu-
of water.
We
the
the homely
of cure,"
his aquaria
tells
an ounce of prevention
in
worth a pound
see to
it
so
bearing that
that
suffer
upon the
Chapter XXIX.
raising of gold-
large
one,
wire ring,
fif-
inches in
diameter.
This ring
in
is
securely fastened to a
hickory pole
seven feet
length,
and covered
with heavy
A
of
medium-sized
inches
dip-net
of
oval
shape,
measuring
is
six
inches by ten
This
best
made
in
No.
lo brass wire,
to
a handle
four feet
length,
fish
with
this
that the
handle
may be made
wire,
in
of
the
same wire that forms the frame. 4th. A small dip-net, also made
17,
of brass
No. 16 or
in
this case
of sufficiently
small size
to use
removing
fish
or insects from
several
;
138
ITS
CULTURE.
;
a yard
two of
mosquito netting
needed, and a
outfit that
gun
is
complete the
ulda).
Chapter XXX.
engage
in
"Will
it
pay?"
"Are
To
these
questions
the
best anso of
swer
is
the book
has
expended
much
the
time, for he
will
certain
that
the
proper cultivation
goldfish
pay, though
the absence
result.
it
or
presence
of
If
view
solely,
demand
for
them, though
is
more
to
upon the
class
of
customers one
expected
varieties
supply.
pay best, as the demand for them comes from a source that
is
critical,
at
to
is
finest
Such a market
is
may
In
other
demand
is
for
quantity
^are
not so
much
his
instance, a gentleman
in
stock
a lake
fish,
upon
139
premises or
his
he does not
I40
ITS
CULTURE.
in
care
money
lake or
in
plenty,
that
no
matter
from
what
point.
The percentage of young grown to perfection from a given number of eggs depends altogether upon' the attention paid
to
which they are bred, and the variety to which they belong.
The number
of saleable
fish
may
it
may
rules
The
the
soil.
There
is
this difference,
goldfish
of
confined almost
exclusively
the
nicest
season
the
year,
and makes
it
highly interesting
out-door recreation,
at triflng
man can
ITS
CULTURE.
141
142
ITS
CULTURE.
Com.G-oldfI$h
ITS
CULTURE.
143
Tyie/vlympK-
Ikis
Gekmamca.
on the vsLrlous questions arising in the care of an aqviarium or the window^ garden.
HUGO MULERTT,
(Member
of the Imperial Russian Society of Acclimatization.)
Publisher,
BROOKLYN=NEW YORK.
COPYRIGHT.
'
145
is used to stop leaks in sinks, bath tubs, wooden, marble, tin or iron vessels, gutters and tin roofs; to set the glass in aquarium frames, and to paint iron surfaces exposed to
This Cement
glass, china,
water.
It
does
is
Where a
is
water-tight job
and sea water for years, and stops it quickly and permanently. wanted, Mulertt's Waterproof Cement
invaluable.
Mix
knife.
1.
this
powder
leaks in a roof, gutter, tub or vessel mix to a thick paste, spread a thin "but even layer on a ^iece of linen or cotton cloth, and paste this over the.leak. To set glass into an aquarium frame, mix to consistency of putty, apply the 2. cement as you would glue i:: gluing two pieces of board together, viz spread the cement heavily over the frame and then press the glass gently against it. For setting plate glass in tanks where a heavy pressure is expected, or in a case 3. where a repaired tank is to be refilled at once, mix rather stiff, then add copal varnish at the rate of a teaspoonful to every pound of cement, work all well together and
:
To stop
apply heavy.
^
-
oil
tin boxes.
fifty
Send by express
tm"
only,
unless
The Trade
supplied.
Address
HUGO MULEETT.
Sole Manufacturer,
Street,
289 Fenimore
THE KNY-SCHEERER
225-233
CO.
FOURTH AVENUE,
NEW
YORK.
CHARTS,
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
SCIENCE.
G.
LAGAI, PH.D.
147
Food "IXL"
tious
It is nutri-
and "wholesome
to the fish,
producing their typical shapes and colors, and securing that desirable pleasing motion that
betells their satisfaction.
The
is
Superiority of this
Food
acknowledged
in all climes.
It is also cheaper than any other food in the market. Being greatly condensed it is not bulky in
qualities
FISH FOOD.
than any other. One cent box contains ample nourishment to keep three medium-sized goldfish in perfect
farther
twenty-five
boxes for a
dollar, prepaid
it
by mail.
it
direct.
Address
HUGO MULERTT,
THE TRADE SUPPLIED.
Sole Manufacturer,
Brooklyn-New York.
148
CO.
50
BARCLAY STREET,
NEW YORK.
BRANCH STORE:
404 East 34th
Street.
TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS.
149
ESTABLISHED
1869.
HUGO MULERTT,
)^i^lJ-(i^ade /Iqijarium
Supplies
ORNAMENTAL
Publisher of
FISH
AND AQUARIUM
PLANTS.
Aquarium
289 Fenimore
No
Literature.
Street (Flatbush),
STORE,
BROOKLYN-NEW YORK.