National Treasure No Longer Wreaks

This moat does not currently smell awful.

Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Japan is one of four castles designated as a national treasure. Here are some fun facts about the castle:

1. It was completed in the 16th century.

2. It is known as the crow castle because of its black exterior.

3. A horrible stench comes from the moat.

Wait a second! There are now only two fun facts because the stench is gone. Pumps were used to remove 100 tons of mud from the moat. The smell is gone and the water is also clearer. Apparently many castles in Japan have this problem because of the stagnant water. Many moats have carp in them with the hope that the fish will clean the water, but this method is not very effective. Other castles throughout Japan may employ this new strategy.

Source: Yomiuri Online
Image: MOILIP (from Wikipedia)