The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-03-27
A Parlor AQuarlam.


than an aquarium, and few things more
easily kept II one takes delight in
such things, the little attention they re-
qure will not be disagreeable task, but
a real pleasure.
To the young students Of nature the
growth of water pla, is and the action
Of fishes are both objects of deep inter-
est, and should they become possess ois
of these glass marvels they will learn
more rapidly from the natural object
than from the description given in
books.
II rightly managed, the aquarium is
not only a teacher but parlor ornament
as we'll Large ones made of heavy
plate glass set in German silver are ex-
pensive, but small ones may he made or
obtained at n trihing cost If n globe
be used see that the mouth Of il be quite
large; If tank, it might be made at
home. The sides are, of course, Of
glass, the bottom of metal, fitted into a
frame work so that it is water tight
The wiry water grasses, reeds, and
plants that grow in pools will thrive
nicely in an aquarium, and will absorb
the poisonous ga-es so fatal to fish if the
water stands unchanged for too long
period. Dig the roots from their muddy
beds and plant in the bottom Of your
globe or tank. Fill with water and al
low them to get good start before fish
are added. The first fish one would
naturally select are the beautiful and
easily kept goldfish. These are found
with brilliant and peculiar markings,
rs they dart about among the green
reeds and grasses
The catfish when in its early infancy
and when it measures from onehalf of
an inch to two inches long, is n sturdy
little fish to keep. and stands quite u
good deal of handling and air. These
are velvety black and make pretty
contrast to the goldfish.
The little minnows from the streams
are desirable and fash like restless rain
bows through the greenery of their
water prison. Baby perch. too, are an
acquisition, and small eel, some tad.
poles, and n frog or two. These will
furnish much amusement and create n
new interest in natural history. If u
newt can b, obtained it will prove a
valuable adjunct, as at different seasons
of the year it changes its coor, assun-
ing, at times, most brilliant hues.
To keep the soil in place at the bottom
of the aquarium, place a layer of sand
over it and upon this layer of shells,
some pretty pebbles. etc. Change the
water about every other day, il quite
small, every day. This can be done by
placing the jar in the sink under the
faucet, covering the top or opening with
musquito netting or something of shat
sort, and allowing the water to run
gently into the jar. This overflows the
aquarium, and in a very short while the
water will be entirely renewed.
1t Is best to have stand or small
table placed expressly for the aquarium
near sunny window. A metal tray
upon this table will save it from getting
damp or discolored and the table may
have felt lambrequin embroidered in
suitable design-say fish net and fish,
or coral, fishing smack, water lilies,
etc.
Snails are interesting, but unless a
wire netting be stretched across the
opening of the jar or tank, they will
persist in climbing upand out So, also,
the frogs (which should have biggish
rock upon which they can climb) will
cause trouble by jumping out upon the
floor if netting is not used. A good plan
is to make cover for your jar of the
wire netting, as this can be used instead
of the mosquito netting when refilling
the Jar. should prefer large jar to a
tank, as it is prettier and more easily
managed.
once had large aquarium of heavi-
est plate glass, set in German silver, and
this kept upon wide sill in my sun
NEST western window. For a while l
was content to watch the graceful gyra-
tions of whole school Of tiny catfish,
caught in dip net, and watched them
grow to the dignity of two inch stature.
then had some baby turtles presented
me, and added them to my crystal box.
All went we'll for some time until-un-
lucky day!-I caught swapping turtlS
in the yardl 1t was laboring across
country toward the winding Miami
River near by, and captured it there
and then got it into the aquarium in
splendid shape and saw it dart down
and lie perdu under some rough, odd
looking rocks had placed in the center
of the tank waited to see it reaper,
but waited in vain. My snapper was
surly and refused to grant me an inter
view, and l went to bed that night to
dream of broad backed, shiny monsters
] OF the deem. W.