The condition of the place must determine the quantity of ground to be covered with water. I should propose in all, fifteen acres in three ponds, or eight acres in two, and not less. And these ponds should be placed one above another, so as the point of the lower may almost reach the head or bank of the upper; which will be very beautiful, as well as profitable, as will appear afterwards. The head or bank, which, by stopping the water in its current, is to raise the water, and so make a pond, must be built with the clay and earth taken from the pan or hollow dug in the lowest ground above the bank; and that pan should be shaped as half an oval, whereof the flat comes to the bank, and the longer diameter runs square from it. But were there not need of earth for this purpose, it were better to leave the natural soil for the fish to feed upon. I shall give the reason afterwards, and consider the manner of raising and fortifying the bank particularly. _Of the Manner of the making and raising Pond-Heads._ It is obvious, that if you make a dam cross a valley or swamp, where at any time after, the water runs, it will produce a pond; and as the bank or dam is higher at the point or center, which is against the lowest ground, so much is the pond deeper; and if the hills on each side rise steep and quick, the water stopped will cover less ground than if they rise slow. Now first, for making the bank or head, you must be sure it is tight, and that it do not sew or leak, as it will certainly do, if it be composed of mere earth; therefore a bed or wall of clay, the whole length of the bank, must be carried up with good ramming, from a foot or two below the surface of the ground, to such height as you propose the water shall stand. If you do not give the bed of clay this foundation, the water lying under a great weight from the depth of it, will work itself underneath, so allow a spit or two at least for it. Then, as you ram the clay, you must be sure that earth be brought to carry the bank up with it, or else the sun will search and crack it, which is of pernicious consequence; so when it is come to its full height, close and cover it with earth immediately, lest the inconvenience happens. You must allow three feet to the breadth of this bed of clay, and raise it to the height you intend the water shall stand, and lay earth three feet higher; two feet would have served, but that the allowance of one at least must be made for the sinking of the bank; for it will do so notwithstanding the pressing of tumbrels, horses, and men working upon it.