
TERRARIA AND AQUA-TERRARIA 

latter should have an ample growth of small vegetation, sod, moss, litchens 
and ferns, and an abundance of larger foliage and flowering plants. 
In the Dry terrarium the water basin may be treated as incidental, 
but in the Moist terrarium it should be one of the principal features. 
The best form has three vertical sides covered with a thin coating of 
hydraulic cement into which small pieces of stone, pomice, tuftstone, etc., 
have been pressed to resemble rough stone walls, and one partly sloping 
side to permit of a gradual approach to the water level, in the foreground, 
arranged to resemble a pebbly beach. The water may be siphoned out 
or a drainage pipe led through the side. In large terraria the water tank 
is often utilized for semi-aquatic plants in concealed pots. 
In terraria miniature bridges, castles, fountains, cascades and other 
landscape features are introduced with pleasing effect. Backgrounds are 
made of rocks cemented at different levels to the back of the terraria and 
in the pockets so formed ferns and other plants are grown. Pomice is 
well adapted to this use, its pores absorbing large quantities of water. 
The general appearance will be improved if the raised sides of the soil 
tray are concealed by painting the glass to that level. 
Reptiles require heat and strong sunlight, as they delight to sun 
themselves for hours; but amphibious animals generally should be shel- 
tered from strong light, as it is objectionable to them, and a temperature 
of about 75° to 80° F. by daylight and not below 55° F. at night is best 
suited for the indigenous forms; but for tropical species temperatures 
from 15 to 20 degrees higher are required. 
Piants ror TerrariA. For the Dry terrarium cacti, aloes and 
agaves are best suited for direct planting in the soil, and houseleeks for 
the pots; also hardy ferns and a number of other plants which will thrive 
in pots in a dry atmosphere. For the Moist terrarium a much -larger 
number of plants are available and almost all that thrive in the greenhouse 
may be successfully introduced. The plants should be frequently sprayed 
with water. For this purpose either a small sprinkling can or a florist’s 
aspirator 1s best. 
ANIMALS FoR TERRARIA. Almost any of the lower forms of small 
land animals may be introduced. For the Dry terrarium, butterflies, 
beetles and other insects, Jand snails, slugs, hop toads, tree toads, horned 
toads, lizards, snakes and small tortoises; and for the Moist terrarium 
aquatic insects, snails, tadpoles, frogs, newts, salamanders, water snakes 
and turtles. Most interesting collections can be made of animals which 
live in harmony with each other and such added which will serve them as 
food. 
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