New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-24

Gotten net would keep the flying insects from
escaping. and might be tied on permanently Dust
may be skinned off the top Of the water or re-
moved by laying pieces Of blotting paper on the
surface for a moment.
IF any Of the Inhabitants do not take kindly 20
the life in the aquarium they can be taken out and
kept in a jar by themseves-a sort OF fresh-a
and cold-water cure II any chance 10 die they
unfit for the others Bits OF charcoal in the water
are helpful II deodorizer dlslnfectant Is needed
PLANTS THAT ARE USEFUL.
MANY Of the common marsh or pond plants are
suitable. Nothing be prettier than some OF
these soft delicate plants in the water. The eel
grass. or tape grass. is interesting study in IT.
self, especially at bossomng time. whom the spiral
stems bearing flowers appear.
Amy who are especially interested in the life-his-
tory Of this plant read in reference books a
great deal about what other observers have learned
from the plant about It's methods Of growth and
development The best that learn will be what
the plant itself tells US day by day.
Some OF the best reference books on both plant
Tescher@' Library and can be obtained by teachers
through the School Commissioners. Duckweed, or
ducks meat; grows on the surface. dangling It's
long threadlike roots In the water.
WHAT ANIMALS TO SELECT.
"Snails-The common pond snail. with its spiral
shell, either fat conical can be found clinging
to the stems Of cattas or flags and TO floating rub
bish In ponds or swamps II these are picked on
carefully and taken home in a pail or water tney
VIII be valuable Inhabitants for the aquarium
They are vegetable feeders. and unless there Is
some green slime in the water cabbage or lettuce
leaves can be put where the snails can get them
The eggs of the snail excellent food for fishes
and II a few could be secured for special study
their form. habits and development can be made
delightful observation and drawing lessons.
"Minnows can be collected with dipper or net
and will thrive in aquarium If fed with worms.
flies or other insects II kept I'm small quarters
where food Is they will soon dispatch the
othcr occupants OF the Jar. They will. however eat
bits of fresh meat II the aquarium Is large enough
II would hardy be complete without minnows.
Goldfish are a special delight II kept I'm large
aquaria. These can often be obtained from dealers
in the larger cities Those who wish to obtain
other fish for study should write to the New-York
State Fish Culturist, Glens Falls, y. Y, who Will
tell them what species suited 20 life In sun
water and how TO get and take care Of them
"The ClaSn.-If empty cam shells are plenty on
the bank OF some stream after a lresnet Il supply
OF clans can be obtained by raking the mud or
sand at the bottom Of the stream. They can be
kept in shallow pan, and II the water - warm
ish and they are left undisturbed for a time they
will move about II kept I'm a Jar OF damp sand
they will probably bury themselves. They feed on
microscopic plants and might not thrive In the
permanent aquarium
There is surely lack Of material furnished by
Mother Nature for the study OF aquatic life. Every
one who really believes I'm it's usefulness have
ar aquarium and will feel well repaid for the time
and effort required when the renewed interest In
Nature is witnessed which this close contact with
living beings brings to every student. Let us take
hold with n will overcome the difficulties In the
way and teacher and pupils become students to-
gether.'