120 GOLDFISH VAKIETEES AN^D 



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 follow their study of exotic amphib- 

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

 the subject can he made one of absorbing interest, offering special attrac- 

 tions 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. Un- 

 doubtedly there is still plenty of room for individuality O'f treatment which 

 would give one more the feeling of a bit of Nature brought to the home 

 rather than into a miniature prison. 



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

 many of them are of distinctly attractive appearance, even to the novice 

 or outsider. Those of us who have learned to admire the Telescope 

 Goldfish should suspend judgment on some of the apparently less attrac- 

 tive specimens in the terrarium. for it may be that both standards operate 

 on the same general principle, that is, the more hideous, the more admired. 



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

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

 the European catalogs one is struck with the large number of lizards, frogs, 

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

 will be seen therefore 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 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. 



The dry-temperate terrarium is naturally the simplest in construction, 

 the principal requirements being open ventilation and a small drinking 

 pool with cement edge and mirror bottom. This seems to be necessary 

 to some of the creatures, as they are accustomed to seeing the sky re- 

 flected in water and without this they do not at first recognize it as water. 



The moist-temperate form is only slightly ventilated and is supplied 

 with a larger water pool, as the animals are usually amphibians. It is 

 well to be able to drain this off without removal. 



