Thunder-fish.
The Thunder-fish is of the Loach kind and is imported from the Danube and its tributaries. Most loaches become active if thundery weather is about; the Thunder-fish goes quite frantic, and rushes about on the surface of the water at the approach of a storm. At other times it re- mains hidden on the bottom. They grow to a slightly greater length than the English varieties.

The Common Goldfish.
The common goldfish needs no description ; it may be seen in shop windows everywhere. However, there are so many varieties and so many colours that a survey of this parent form may be not out of place. The ideal goldfish is deep bodied, deep reddish-gold in colour, and the fins are semi-transparent yet with well defined out- lines. A healthy specimen has a well-groomed look with fins erect and a slow, stately motion. Piebald goldfish are not rare, but for show purposes a self-colour of any shade from the palest primrose to the deepest red is preferred. White is a drawback whether as a self-colour or as patches. The Chinese have bred goldfish for over a thousand years ; the Japanese are mere novices, having taken up the cult a bare four hundred years ago. Patience and skill in selective breeding have transformed a dull-looking fish into the beautiful goldfish as we know it to-day. By skilful pairing and, I think, a little jiggery-pokery, a host of ' fancy' varieties-some hideous in the ex- treme-have been evolved.

* The Comet.
This variety has an exception- ally long, well-forked tail, a high dorsal fin and a smallish, slender body. The usual goldfish colourings prevail. They cost from one shilling and sixpence to seven shillings and sixpence each.

*The Japanese Fan Tail.
The tail, as the name indicates, is broad and fan-like ; the body is more squat than that of the Comet. It is, in reality, a semi-veiltail.

* The Swallow Tail.
Although more or less fan shaped, the tail of this variety is more forked than the Fantail ; also it is slightly longer.

*The Veiltail.
A remarkable and really beautiful fish is the Veiltail with its large flowing tail, high dorsal fin and elongated pectoral and ventral fins. Seen swimming one receives the impression that the fish is swathed in waving veils. The body is almost round and hardly seems capable of carrying such a tremendous amount of sail. In spite of being so abnormal, the veiltails-they may cost up to £3 or more a pair-are fairly hardy.