10 THE VIVARIUM. 
side of the door, and is securely fastened at the bottom by the 
help of two buttons, or little hooks and eyes. The door falls 
against a strip of wood fastened on the inside. This opening is 
very useful for the purpose of cleaning out the Vivarium, and for 
introducing food and water. 
The front of the case is also made by means of a frame; but 
each lath is so cut that there is a groove on the inside. The 
lower and end pieces are nailed or fastened together, and the 
glass, stout window-glass, cut the right 
size, is gently slipped into the grooves 
ready to receive it, and then the top 
lath is carefully and firmly affixed in 
its place. The bottom of the case is 
formed by nailing together three pieces 
of match-boarding, cut the proper length. 
The back and the front are now 
screwed on to the ends, and the bottom 
on to the frame thus constructed. The 
i re top is fastened with three strong hinges 
A, Strip of Wood; B, Door; to the upper side of the back, and is 
pe ot ees >: thus made to open and close like the 
Wire Nails used as Hinges. lid of a box. It is very necessary 
to see that the lid lies so nicely in its place 
that even a fly would have difficulty in crawling between it and the 
rest of the case. The lid is made secure by means of hooks and 
eyes. If preferred, a small beading may be‘nailed to the front of 
the case and so improve its appearance. 
The Vivarium is now almost completed and can be painted 
according to taste with Aspinall or other suitable colouring. 
This kind of case is very strong and light, and can be unscrewed 
at any time and packed away when not wanted. It is suitable for 
placing in a sunny window, as the canvas does not impede much 
light, and yet effectually prevents curious people without from 
looking into either the case or the room. 
A branch of a tree (Fig. 1) ought to be fixed in such a way 
that the inmates of the case may climb upon it for sunning 
purposes, and the bottom of the Vivarium should be covered with 
clean and fine gravel. In the lid there is a glass funnel through 
WS OFT. 
