The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-05-09
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Game Fish in Kansas.

by H. u NrId4ldii.
AS a great majority Of those farmers
who will attempt the raising of fish are
also irrigationists. it Will not be suppos-
ed that the fish raising is the chief OBJ
ject to be sought. Fish culture VIII
be, with them. but a side issue, like the
raising of bees or Of poultry by the al
falfa farmer and the raising or truck pE
the orchardist. This being true. there
are yet some considerations worthy OF
attention by the pond builder that Will
at once insure greater success IN grow
ing fish. and at the some time not in
terfere with the chief object for WhiCN
the pond was built.
Among the considerations may he
named the shape of the pond. II il Is
desired that the fish shall not only in
crease in size, but shall multiply IN
numbers as well, then some provision
must be made for the protection Of the
fry from destruction by the mature
fishes. II is also necessary that some
provisions be made for the spawning Of
the breeding fish. To accomplish both
of these objects, it is necessary that
there shall be a considerable expanse
of shallow water. The Spawners Of all
varieties of pond fish require q shallow
depth of water which viii be readily
warmed by the sun, and wherein may
grow an abundance of plant life in
which to deposit their spawns. The
carp and other fishes, being vegetable
feeders, viii need this plant growth for
their better sustenance and IL Will prove
a haubOr for the animal life necessary
for The carnivorous fishes. In addition,
, this shallow water VIII become the nur-
sery for the fry Of all varieties, and pro
tect them from the greedy maws of
| over-affectionate parents or relatives.
In stocking a new pond the variety OF
fish 10 be selected is of importance.
Until nature can adjust herself 10 the
new conditions created by the building
OF the pond it is earnestly recommended
that German carp only be used. Being
vegetable feeders, the carp are more
easily fed and cared for until the pond
becomes self-sustaining, and, as they
are bottom breeders also, the fry of the
carp make a most excellent food for
the black bass. crOppie, catfish and
other better varieties with which it may
prove desirable to stock the pond.
German carp may be readily and cas-
fly obtained from the fish commissioned.
from lonG-established ponds, or from
few streams of the state. The better
way will probably be to secure them
from the owner of pond where the are
breeding. Although every neighbor-
hood in eastern Kansas has them, and
the writer knows of one place where the
bitches along the railroad larry TEEN
with them.
it Will also be necessary that some
portions of the pond be made deeper
than the bottoms of the gates in order
that the fish may be retained in the
pond when the gates are opened.
y very desirable addition TO the ap-
pear&nce of the pond may be made by
the judicious planting OF water-grow-
ing plants in the shallow margins, and
OF trees and shrubs on the ground out
side the emba nkment. These cost but
little and may be made the source Of d
very considera bic profit in fruit re-
turned, besides their value as shade
for the pond.
This is a new era for western Kansas
and the work of the pond builders shall
occupy the sites OF those of the Mound
Builders, and the wind mill shall ac-
complish in round measure what the
timber culture act failed TO 90, and the
bee, the hen. the COW, and the fish shall
be prominent among the agencies
which shall assist the resident farmer
in his conquest Of the Great American
Desert"