12 THE VIVARIUM. 
will be given presently. This case, of course, can be con- 
structed more or less elaborately ; but if the following directions 
are carried out, it may be easily and inexpensively made. 
Slender well-seasoned broomsticks will do excellently for the 
pillars, especially if the case is to be of good dimensions. The 
Vivarium can be built of any reasonable size, but its proportions 
should somewhat correspond to those of Fig. 1. After the pillars 
have been cut of the desired length they ought to be grooved for 
the glass. The two grooves in each pillar must run lengthwise 
and at right angles to each other. The grooves can be made with 
a carpenter’s ordinary plough, or with the help of chisels and a 
saw. The pillars, if preferred, may be lin. square, instead of 
round, or they can be made of stout zine. 
Two wooden frames like Fig. 4 ought now to be prepared for 
the top and the bottom of the case. They may be mitred, or 
fastened together in some simpler manner, according to taste and 
skill. These frames are to be held in their places by the four 
pillars (see Fig. 3), which are attached to them by means of 
screws running through the top and bottom frames respectively, 
at (A) Fig. 4. 
Fig. 4.—FRAME FOR EITHER THE TOP OR BOTTOM OF VIVARIUM (FIG. 3). 
A, Holes through which Screws run for the purpose of Holding the Pillars; 8B, 
Grooves to receive either bottom or top edges of the Glass Sides. 
If it is decided to form the pillars of zinc, the metal must be 
cut into strips the necessary length according to the desired 
height of the case, and about 13in. wide. The zinc strips should 
then be bent exactly in the middle, lengthwise, at right angles 
(see Fig. 5). One piece of zinc, thus prepared, should be nailed 
by means of wire nails (or screws, if at any time it should be 
