55 



Goldfish arc a special delighl if kepi in large acpiaria. These 

 can often be obtained from dealers in the larger cities. Those who 

 wish to obtain other tish for study should write to the New York State 

 Fish Culturist, Glens Falls, N. Y., who will tell them what species are 

 suited to life in still water and how to get and take care of them. 



The clam. — If empty clam shells are plenty on the bank of some 

 stream after a freshet, a supply of clams can be obtained by raking 

 the mud or sand at the bottom of the stream. They can be kept in a 

 shallow jian, and if the water is warmish and they are left undisturbed 

 for a lime they will move about. If kept in a jar of damp sand they 

 will probably bury themselves. They feed on microscopic plants and 

 might not thrive in the permanent aquarium. 



Crawfish or crayfish. — These can be collected with nets from under 

 stones in creeks or ponds. They can live very comfortably out of the 

 water part of the time. There is small chance for the unsuspecting 

 snail or v/ater insect which comes within reach of the hungry jaws of 

 the crawfish, and the temporary aquarium is the safest place for him. 

 Many who live near the ocean can obtain and keep in sea water the 

 lobster, a cousin of the crawfish, and will find that the habits of either 

 will afford much amusement as well as instruction. 



Fig. \i.— *^ Frog spawn. ^' 



The frog. — The study of the development of the common frog is 

 accompanied with little or no difficulty. To be sure there are some 

 species which require two or three years to complete their growth and 

 changes, from the egg to the adult, but most of the changes can be 

 seen in one year. Frogs are not at all shy in the spring, proclaiming 

 their whereabouts in no uncertain tones from every pond in the neigh- 

 borhood. The ** frog spawn " can be found clinging to plants or 



