The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-11

tinalis Antipyretica millow mossl The
best way to do this is to gather the brown
sand, placing little pebbles thereon to keep
them down, and fill the groove with sand
Sprinkle the plants to prevent their dying,
for as yet we have no water in the aqua
RUM
in another place plant about three sagit-
taria nataus (tioating arrowhead) The
handsome plants flower freely indoors. often
all the year around Separate the long roots
into three parts, planting as suggested for
Sagittaria, placing light stones on the ends
TO hold them down. Ludwigia is also at
tractive on account of it's bright green and
pink leaves.
Now it is time to fill the aquarium which
should be done with small pitchers of drink
Ing water placing your left hand near the
sand, with the palm up, and pour the water
in gently so it will strike the palm of the
hand and trickle over gently without dis
turbing the roots Of the plants or wash up
the sand. Keep your hand always just
above the water in the aquarium and con-
tinue until the aquarium is filled to within
two inches of the top.
Sprinkle q handful of clean pebbles pro-
miscuously over the aquarium so they will
fall gently on the bottom. Disengage and
float out in a natural way the foliage of the
various plants. Allow the aquarium to re-
main day to accumulate oxygen and per-
nit the water TO clear before adding the
fishes.
The aquarium mentioned above and shown
in the illustration has a capacity of four
gallons and but one goldfish of the usual
size, that is not exceeding three inches In
length, should be allowed to each gallon
of water But if the fishes are smaller, the
number may be increased proportionately.
Now that we understand the necessities of
the aquarium, and having obViated the fire.
quent changing of water, those who desire
may indulge n fish culture. Where this is
the intention tadpoles or pollywogs, and
pond snails should be kept in the aquarium
to eat the decaying vegetation, conferVoid
groWthS on the glass. Beginners usually en-
counter their first trouble in feeding.
goldfish three inches long requires, in win
ter, to be fed daily with a piece of flake
y
and in summer double this quantity. Feed
your fishes at q certain hour each day, and
if possible, give each fish a piece of earth
worm or raw beef free from fat. Impale
it on straw taken from broom and in
this way a portion may be given to each
fish TadpoleS and snails do not require
artificial food, as they find plenty of nour-
shment in the aquarium. Replace the
water as it evaporates, being careful not to
allow sudden changes of temperature.
There are many varieties that cannot De
safely kept with goldfish. The following
specimens agree nicely with goldfish when
not exceeding each other in size: Carp,
sinner, dace, sucker, dart, golden orfe,
nevis. fresh-water clans and snails. Never
keep pike, pickerel, bass sunflsh, perch,
stickebacks, cells. catfish, trout paradise
fish, lizards. frogs, turtles or beetles with
The perfect goldfish exhibits a plump,
symmetrical body, cean-looking fins, close
fitting gill covers, complete erect dofSaI mn,
clear eyes and no missing scales. The two
front pairs of fins, pectoral and Ventral ms.
are used to propel stop or carry the fsh
backwards and TO force fresh water
through the gils. so that the blood Which
circulates direct from the heart may at all
times be charged with oxygen. The anal
and caudal fins are used to advance steer
and steady the fish in swimming, while the
dorsal fin serves to maintain it III an up
right position and prevent rocking of the
body.
Friction when passing through the water
is greatly reduced and the fish rendered
waterproof by the mucus which Is eXuded
from the lateral line or series of tubes in
dicated on it's side scales. Fishes rise and
sink by initiating and contracting the air
bladder aided by the action of the fins.
A sick fish may be recognized by it's
folded dcrsal fin. poor color. blood-streaked
fins, usually swimming near the surface OF
the water with its nose protruding White
spots on the fins Indicate stomach troubles,
proceeding usually from improper nourish-
merit or overlooking.
Besides the common goldfish the rarer
species are desira BILE such as the Japanese
fantail goldfish. Japanese fringetail, comet
goldfish, telescope and celestial telescope
goldfish.