CHAPTER ELEVEN 



Terraria 





The terrarium has not as yet aroused any marked degree of interest 

 in America, but as we have followed Europe in the cultivation of exotic 

 fishes, it is not unlikely that we shall yet follow their study of amphibians 

 and other inhabitants of the terrarium and aqua-terrarium. Certainly 

 the subject can be made one of keen interest, offering special attractions 

 to those fond of making their own collections. Unfortunately, even in 

 Europe, the terrarium itself has not been developed into a thing of beauty. 

 Most of the numerous designs shown for sale are stiff and clumsy-looking, 

 but this may be largely overcome by artistic planting. Undoubtedly there 

 is still plenty of room for individuality of treatment which would give 

 one more the feeling of witnessing a transplanted bit of Nature, rather 

 than a miniature prison. 



The variety of animals which may be kept is extremely large and 

 many of them are of distinctly attractive appearance. Those of us who 

 have learned to admire the telescope goldfish should suspend judgment 

 on some of the apparently less attractive specimens in the terrarium, 

 for it may be that both standards operate on the same general principle, 

 that is, the more hideous, the more attractive! 



Aside from the matter of beauty there is a wonderful range for 

 observation, study and original research in the terrarium. In looking over 

 the European catalogs one is struck by the large number of lizards, 

 frogs, newts, turtles, reptiles, etc., which are exported from North America. 

 It will, therefore, be seen that we do not have to leave our own shore to 

 obtain good collections. 



Terraria are divided into four natural divisions, according to the 

 needs of their occupants: dry-temperate, dry-tropical, moist-temperate, 

 and moist-tropical. The differences in these will readily suggest them- 

 selves to the mind, being matters mainly of ventilation, moisture and 

 artificial heat. The sides are usually of glass, one of them, as well as the 

 top, being removable in order to work inside or to introduce or take out 

 specimens. 



