624 Home Nature-Study Course. 



(8). Dip deep into the edges of the pond and be sure to bring up 

 some of the leaves and mud, for it is in these that the little water animals 

 live. 



(9). As fast as dipped up these should be placed in a pail, so that 

 they may be carried to the schoolroom. 



(10). In introducing the water animals into the aquarium it is well 

 to put but a few in each jar. 



The care of the aquarium. — Care should be taken to preserve the 

 plant-life in the aquarium, as the plants are necessary to the life of the 

 animals. They not only supply the food, but they give off oxygen which 

 the animals need for breathing, and they also take up from the water the 

 poisonous carbonic acid gas given off from the bodies of the animals. 



(11). The aquarium should be kept where there is a free circula- 

 tion of air. 



(12). If necessary to cover the aquarium to prevent the insects, like 

 the water boatman and water beetles from escaping, tie over it a bit of 

 mosquito netting, or lay upon the top a little square of wire netting used 

 for window screens. 



(13). The temperature should be kept rather cool; it is better that 

 the water of the aquarium should not be warmer than 50° Fahrenheit, 

 but this is not always possible in the schoolroom. 



(14). If any insects or animals die in the aquarium they should be 

 removed at once, as tlie decomposing bodies render the water foul. 



(15). To feed the animals that live upon other animals take a bit of 

 raw beef, tie a string to it and drop it in, leaving the free end of the 

 string outside of the jar. After it has been in one day, pull it out, for if 

 it remains longer it will make the water foul. 



(16). As the water evaporates it should be replaced with water from 

 the pond. 



References. — Cornell Nature-Study Volume, "Life in an Aquarium"' ; 

 "Insect Life," Comstock; "The Brook Book," Miller; "Nature-Studv 

 and Life," Hodge. 



