TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES 209 



All the camera except lens should be covered with a black cloth 

 at time of exposure to prevent its own reflection in the aquarium. The 

 author believes that sunlight furnishes the best illumination, giving better 

 color values and modelling than flashlight. Exposures should be made 

 only on very bright days from eleven until two o'clock, and in the period, 

 if possible, between April 10 and September 1. At other times flash- 

 powder will be better, using a liberal supply. Care should be taken not 

 to allow the dust from flashlight to settle in the aquarium, as it contains 

 metallic salts injurious to fishes. Keep the sun on the subject and directly 

 behind the camera. The water should be as free as possible of all par- 

 ticles, as they show in the picture with annoying distinctness. Much 

 patience is sometimes required to get a fish into a satisfactory "pose," but 

 when a good picture is obtained, it is well worth all the trouble it costs. 



The photographing aquarium shown herewith was constructed by 

 pouring cement in a form surrounding the four uprights. Just after the 

 cement is poured, quarter-inch square sticks of wood should be pressed 

 in where the glass is to stand. These are removed when cement is dry. 

 Waterproof the base as described on page 216, then fill all four depressions 

 and posts with aquarium cement and insert glass. Owing to small size 

 of aquarium it is best to do all cementing before any glass is inserted 

 for it is impossible to satisfactorily reach inside. Only the front needs 

 to be of plate glass. This should be inserted first and all surplus cement 

 neatly cleared away. It will be noted that this style of construction has 

 no bottom metal frame to interfere with photographing when the subject 

 happens to be low, which is often the case. One part of cement to two 

 of sand is a good proportion. White cement makes a pretty effect and 

 when using a white background, no other inside reflector is needed. This 

 aquarium was used in making the photographic illustrations of fishes in 

 this volume. 



Unless the base immediately in front of the glass is of a dull black 

 it will be desirable to cover it with a dull black or red cloth. Black is 

 better. 



