Evening star., 1933-10-16
own good in q tank where its food 1
supplied to 1t regularly.
II Il

own good In q tank where Its food Is
supplied to it regularly.
X
There seems to be no other way, how
ever.
Food science, even among human be-
ings, is in its infancy, despite the thou
sands Of years Of research, and espe-
cially in spite Of the real advances
made In this science during the past
half century.
This comes about largely because Of
the difhculties OF proof of theories. To
read book, and then to do-these ac-
tions are not enough. Every one has
become enthusiastic about some diet
idea, only to have 1t fail one in q time
Of crisis.
Knowing and doing are tremendous
ly different things.
When we come to feeding fishes under
the artificial and unnatural confine-
ment OF the home aquarium, the best
way worked out to date is the regular
feeding of small amount of concen-
trated food. The fishes come to know
the time, and to look for the food at
that time.
This does not mean, however, that
some day some genius in this matter
may not evolve new method Of feed
ing which will permit such confined
creatures to be fed in a way more nat
ural to them. When this is achieved,
If ever, fishes of all types will have q
greatly increased life in captivity.
What may be called the instinct for
success, In the keeping of ornamental
fishes, is Of more value to the amateur
than science.
G~l 60 60
recognized the value of old water, with
out ever being able to give any proof of
its real value. Scientific research is be.
ginning to prove it for them.
The instinct Of the feeder has some
thing to do with the health Of his pets
Despite the claims and the counter
claims Of the advocates Of one feeding
per day and the advocates Of more
than one, Of those who insist on one
food, and those who feed variety OF
foods, he goes right ahead on the basis
Of his own observations.
Thus in time he will come to recog-
nize that. since the fish are the ones
being fed. they ought to be consulted
about their food
Watching their enthusiastic wrig-
Cling as he approaches the tank, and
their spirited consumption of the food
ne Will understand that this Is the high
spot of their entire day.
He will come to believe that II they
are thus happy. once day. they might
as well be thus pleased twice a day
at least.
And he will be right.
X X
As for variety, he will see in this the
best means of emulating Nature, and
may establish food chest which would
do credit to the good earth and the
good sea. too.
Several amateur fish culturists In
Washington have food cabinets contain
ing as many as so different brands OF
fish foods. Some of these come from
foreign lands. since the interest In
fishes. like music. is universal.
Variety is not only the spice Of life
it is the spice of feeding, for men OF
beasts. 1t makes sure that If any ele-
ment is wrong. it will not be fed toe
often. whereas If any is good, it will
come around in its turn.
Just as feeding is the high spot In
the daily life Of the home aquarium
fish. SO it is one of the most interesting
aspects Of the hobby to the amateur
aquarist. And if he has his own ideas
about these things. he should stick tc
them, because he can rest assured that
few persons really know any more about
them than he does.