TEOPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES 123 



Tropical terraria, whether moist or dry, are heated artificially from 

 below, the heating device being concealed in a false bottom. The heat 

 may be applied either to a pan of sand or water or used in the form of a 

 miniature hot-water heating system as indicated in figure 75 for heating 

 tropical aquaria. The pipes are not carried over the top, but through or 

 around the bottom. 



The forms of terraria are quite diverse, according to requirements 

 or fancy. Quite a number are divided into two halves, one side contain- 

 ing a shallow pool with tall bog plants, the other side being for dry ter- 

 restrial plants, the two sometimes being connected by a sloping ladder 

 over the division, so that the animals may cross at will. The same 

 arrangement is further developed into the aqua-terrarium by having the 

 moist side in regular aquarium form and filling about two-thirds deep 

 with water. Where tree frogs or other climbing animals are kept there 

 should be a ladder or other arrangement to enable them to seek varying 

 levels at different times, as this desire seems to be an important part of 

 their nature. Tree frogs in some parts of the w'orld are better known as 

 "weather frogs." They are kept where they may either remain in water 

 or climb to different levels at will, and are regarded as good barometers 

 to foretell approaching weather conditions. Undoubtedly the state of the 

 atmosphere has something to do with their movements in this respect. 



Terraria for moths and insects usually have three sides of screen 

 and one side of glass for clear observation. 



Aqua-terraria may be considered a higher development, of terraria, 

 since their possibilities are so much enhanced on account of accommodat- 

 ing both terrestrial and aquatic animals and plants. One of the most 

 interesting kinds is devoted to the observation of aquatic insects. These 

 only contain a few inches of w^ater, in w^hich is planted bog plants, so that 

 the leaves stand well out of water. Very few of the aquatic insects 

 spend their entire lives in the water and some such provision is needed 

 for them. It is important that stones or other creeping-out places be 

 provided for turtles, frogs, newts and other amphibians, for it is a great 

 cruelty to oblige them to remain constantly in the water. 



Quite artistic effects can be obtained in the arrangement and planting 

 of the terrarium and the aqua-terrarium. Natural bridges, lakes, water- 

 falls, archways, ledges, hollows, cliffs, caves, and other details may be 

 used to good purpose, but care should be exercised not to combine the 

 incongruous nor introduce objects out of keeping with the general 

 scheme. Stones cemented together are capable of good pictorial effects. 

 For moist terraria, pumice or other porous stone will be found useful, as 

 it retains so much moisture and makes a good foothold for ferns and 

 creeping plants. 



