New-York tribune., 1902-08-24

richness of color these are perhaps the most de-
srabe one containing the tall. vivid green
Sagtaria (Which does not look unlike eel grass Is
especially charming. the jar is nearly full Of
water upon the surface which drifts the exquisite
Ricca natans I floating aquatic plant Tiny fish
and a tadpole two are the present occupants
AS soon as the latter has attained the estate of
froghood a small bit of board will be put in the
jar for him sit upon Frogs seldom round out
their normal terms of existence under conditions
such as are furnished by eight gallan jar. and
so there is little danger that the size OF the frog
will prove future objection
All the lars are of round. eight gallon variety.
and are the sort recommended by Mr.. Spencer for
home use Those with perpendicular sides are best.
because they are the easiest 10 clean The use OF
the ordinary goldfish globe Mr. Spencer denounced.
Nothing for the purpose could have been
invented he said. One OF its objections is the
small opening the top. which exposes only
small surface to the air.
"A healthy aquarium" said Mr.. Spencer. must
have balance of animals. plants and light The
light upon the plants produces oxygen for the ami
mails The carbOnIc acid gas thrown of by the
animals supplies plants. Together these purify
the water. Since the plants absorb carbontc acid
gas In small quantities. must be taken not to
have too much animal life in the aquarium II
removed promptly a balanced aquarium will not
sides T can be easily wiped inside the wateF BY
means of a swa5 made by attaching a soft cloth TO
upon fresh water aquarium. Too much pro-
duCss the conferva the green scum. that forms on
When. once a year or possibly oftener. the
aquarium Is thoroughly cleaned. the best way is
remove all the animal life with little net. Then
take out the water with siphon-a piece OF one
half inch rubber tubing three feet long is best
and lastly. remove the plants carefully Wash the
gravel thoroughly and the inside OF the jar Then
replace gravel, plants and animals
FRESH WATER DENIZENS.
For inexperienced persons 1 would advise a
fresh water aquarium. because IL is the most
easily managed. Gravel about the size OF bird
gravel should cover the bottom in sufficient depth
to hide the roots Of the plants. To prevent the
plants from floating wind strips Of sheet lead
loosely around the lower end Of the clusters of
stalks and sink them in the gravel. When
sufficient number of plants is in position place two
or three small pieces OF rock for artistic effect
about the gravel You then ready 10 fll re-
aouartuu with water. II is a good idea not 70 put
the animal life for a day This plan
allows time for a proper seration of the water
The next step is stocking with animal life
From many streams and ponds Of the country
can be collected aquatic plants suited 10 the
aquarium or plants may be bought from
dealers From the same sources NAV be ohtai1ad
the animal life Several species OF FontinaIIs are
attractive Then there Valisnaria spfraIts and
Sagittaria both of which look like grass Ana
charts canadensis is common aquatic found in
most places Cabomba caroiinenss is good
plant and does well For floating plants ike best
Riccia NJ ans and Naias nexilis They grow freely