inches in dianiclcr and the same heiyhl. Tiie best furni of acjuariiun, hi)\ve\-ei", is reclanyuhir, with 

 soapstone or slate botioni. and with I'mir j^lass sides or with ends of stone. The smallest size to be 

 reconiniended is 15 inches Ions;', 9 "V lH inches wide, and 9 inches high. If room is a\ailable, the most 

 satisfactory size is 20, 24, or 30 inches long. The width shonld exceed the height, and fur the largest 

 size mentioned the width might he 12 tu 14 inches and the height 10 to 12 inches. Cylindrical jars and 

 rectangular aquaria of all ciin\enient sizes may be obtained fmm \arinus dealers in all [jarts nf the 

 country. 



The aquarium luay rest on a window ledge, on a pedestal, on a stout table. "V. if large, on a 

 siK'ciall}- constructed support. It shnulil lie placed where it will recei\e am])le light, and the direct 

 rays of the sun should enter the water for a part of each day, but ^Imuld m it be admitieil in such 

 amduut as to raise the temperature of the water unduly. 



The use of running water in a house aquarium is usually unnecessary and undesirable. By 

 iibserving conditions closely, it is possible to so adjust the \'aiious elements that an aquarium will 

 beciime "balanced," and will luaintain itself indefinitel}- without change of water. This is important 

 and may lie attained liy adapting the number of fish to the volume of water, by securing a proper 

 oxygenizing of the water through surface absorption and plant aclidii, by having plants take up the car- 

 bimic acid gas resulting from the \ital acti\'ities of the fish, and bv ])rii\iding fur the remowal of waste 

 products (excreta, unconsumed food, decaying vegetable matter, etc.j 1)\' the use of animal scavengers 

 and by periodic cleansing on the ])art of the attendant. L'nder ordinar_\- conditions, fresh water need be 

 supplied only to replace that lost by evaporation, the source of the water being immaterial provided it 

 is clear, of ])roper temperature, not lacking in oxygen or containing injurious gases, and not strongly 

 miiH'ral. 



98 



