The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-08-27
For the Western Democrat.
A VISIT TO A FISH POND,

a Visit IO a FISH FONO.
Mr.. EDITOR A few days ago was called,
on business. to the town of Lncolnton, pleasantly
situated on the line of the Wilmington, Charlotte
AID Rutherford Railroad, and affording to the
traveller. going Westwardly. the first distant view
of the mountains. During my stay accepted
the kind invitation of d. Schenck, Esq, to visit
his Fish pond. lately erected on small stream.
about one mile from the Court House. Pre-
Stunning that some of your numerous readers would
be pleased to know something of the art ct raising
fish herewith append few notes connected with
my visit for their benefit. What the incredu-
lous reader will exclaim. raise fish for family use
like fowls, and hogs. and ether animals 1t is
truly SO, as will briefly attempt to prove. with
out, think, perpetrating a mar0etous fish story.
he erected his dam in November, 1866. 1t is
composed of clay, 35 feet wide at the base,
soping to feet at the top, and is 62 feet in
length. The clay or dirt, necessary for making
the dam, was procured from one of the adjoining
bills by running in perpendicular cut, or g
feet wide, and, at the proper distance from the
water. this excavation was enlarged in quad
rangular form, for an ice house. which is now in
process of construction. The removal of the
DIRT was thus economically made to answer a
double purpose. The dam itself cost $50. Since
its erection, there has been placed in it. from
time to time; about 800 perch, consisting of three
species the ''Robin" perch, of bright red
color on the chest and abdomen; the spotted
perch. of a golden color, with rich scarlet spot
on the gill, and the common black perch. They
commenced spawning in May, Matched out in
June and July, and have increased in astonish-
ing numbers. The pond covers of one
fourth of an acre. The water is 7 feet deep near
the dam, with general temperature of about 20
degrees. The dam is built near the head of
small water-course which, it may be here re-
marked, is advisable to prevent the disastrous
effects OF heavy freshets. A short distance above
the pond is small spring, neatly walled up, from
which tbs thirsty visitor may partake of natures
water is already sprnging up pretty little
meadow, which can be turned to good account.
covered with several native grasses. A hand
some splrea 5. tOment0S0) with delicate pink
coored flowers. may also be seen occasionally
interspersed, which might be used with other
shrubbery to decorate the surroundings. Several
wild grape vines. which sprung up among the
young trees skirting the pond have been grated
with the Lincoln grape, one of our most esteemed
Southern varieties, and are putting forth gor-
Gus new growth. One of the most interesting
features to every visitor is to witness the feeding
of the fish and their sportve movements. They
are fed daily upon corn bread or mush and some
of the older perch are really becoming quite tame,
laying aside their coy habits, and will almost
receive the food from the hand. When food is
thrown into their sandy beds, which have been
provided for them near the borders of the upper
part OF the pond. they Immediately congregate in
great numbers, little ''rebs" and all. dart like
meteors through the water, each one securing
portion of the precious morse and then withdraw
to deeper and more private apartments.
The raising of Fish, or Fish culture, is
branch of rural industry, and is already attract
ing much attention in some parts of the United
States. To Messrs Gehin and Remy of France,
two obscure, but observing and persevering fisher
men, indebted for series of successful
experiments in the artificial reproduction of GER
tain kinds of fish. They were wisely aided by
the French Government to carry into execution
their well directed efforts. The impulse thus
given to a new business has since been followed
up with the most encouraging results in England
and different portions of country. No
employment can be more captivating than to
angle in pond well stocked with the ''fnny
tribe : and spot will be more frequently
visited for this purpose by the fair. than such a
pleasant retreat. Mr. S. deserves great praise
showing its entire practcability and economic
advantages. Many similar establishments ought
to be made on the small water courses in the
South and stocked, not only with the perch, of
which we have several species, but also with the
speckled or brook trout, (.SaLmo FOntlnatts,) a
delicious little fish, vigorous bitter and truly
Salmon. If less strong meat was eaten by our
people, and more fish and ripe fruit, many hillary
diseases might be prevented Persons wishing
to engage in Fish culture would do we'll to con-
suit small volume lately published on that sub
irct by DIR. Garlck of Cleaveland. Ohio, in which
will be found much instructive and practical in
formation. c. L. II.