The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-06-04
The German Carp--A Romantic and Remark
able Fish,

1t will be remembered not only by those
specially interested IN fish culture, but by
many general readers, that the United States
government imported ana placed IN ponds at
Washington some of the famous German carp
fish. From Washington certain number of
these fish were sent to every state in the Union
III order that the experiment of introducing
them into the waters of this country might be
tried under every condition. Its success was
at least matter of grave doubt. 1t is there.
fore with commendable state pride that the
public will learn that the experiment of intro
ducing this valuable as well us remarkable fish
into the waters Of Ohio has succeeded Prot
+. s. Baird, fish commissioner at Washington
sent these fish to Messrs Mulerett and Smith
who have their carp ponds IN Hamilton coun'
", about twelve miles from the city. On NJ on
day and Tuesday last, the 10th and 18th of
May, at their ponds there were spawned a
number of these beautiful tish-beautiful at
least while small.
These young carp are already from halt an
inch to a full inch III length, and as lively as
possible IN the water, giving bright sCintila.
tiOns of delicate color as they dart around the
glass bowl in which they yet find their home.
BY early fall they will he five or six inches in
length, and in n year they Will weigh at least
two pounds. They are considered valuable
pond fish for farmers, and as they are most
excellent food fish, of rapid growth, and when
the surroundings are favorable Of large pro-
duction.
1t has been stated that the experiment made
with these fish has been successful in Ohio.
That IS hardly giving the fact OF the recent
spawning of these carp in in its proper light.
The experiment has succeeded far beyond the
most sanguine expectations in regard to them.
The past winter has been an unusually severe
| 4 Hgl, ct, h. tl,.r
markably well, and the young arc spawned a
day or Two after the middle OF May.
In Germany the time for spawning is about
the middle of July, so that gives two months
in favor OF this climate, even with severe
winter. In addition, when it is remembered
that we have here a months advantage in the
fall weather, three months in our favor must
be counted instead of the two already gained.
The carp is a historic fish. In the ponds of
the famous castles and great gardens of Eu'
rope they are to be seen the sole fish sporting
in those clear waters.
| In the pond of the famous chateau of Fon.
tame bleaa-cOmmenced in the reign OF 81.
Louis and at the time of the Crusaders-at
Charlottenburg. at Wilhelmshohe, where the
late Emperor Napoleon III. was prisoner,
ana at famous and beautiful Cassel, they are
to be found.
| 1t is matter OF tradition that these fish live
two, three, anu even four hundred years, but il
Is matter OF tradition only. However, it is
well authenticated that they do live to a great
age. All visitors at the superb gardens of the
chateau of Fontainebeau hasten to watch the
carp in the fish, pond. They come swimming
rapidly from every portion of the water to the
platform, where an old woman sits dispensing
great piece This bread every one buys and
throws out to the fish. If large piece be
thrown, the tough old fellows group around it,
heads together and tails making every possible
angle in the water and fighting vigorously
for the entire meal.
| There are some of these fish with silver
rings IN their noses, and 1t is said that in the
nOstrils Of one of them is the silver circlet
with the date engraved thereon, and placed
there by the fair and unfortunate hands o
Marie Antoinette. But, as it was SAID, this Is
a matter of tradition, and one of the things
that for certain no one can find out.-CiHcin
natl ToDrTPTriIl