FOUNTAIN FOR AQUARIA. 35 



syphon E. The water will of course continue to 

 flow until the level of the water in the bottle falls 

 below the mouth of C. The tube B is for the escape 

 of air whilst filling. A very short experience will 

 enable the student to work this cheap fountain, and it 

 is evident it will flow for a greater or less space of 

 time according to the magnitude of the feeding bottle 

 and the bore of the indiarubber pipe, N which is. bent 

 upwards at its extremity for the purpose of throwing 

 the water into the air. It is true, more water is 

 wasted by evaporation in this manner, but this is a 

 difficulty easily met, as sufficient fresh water can 

 always be put in the service or feeding bottle. The 

 fresh-water aquarium may be made prettier and more 

 ornamental than it hitherto has been, with aquatic 

 flowering plants, if only pains be taken to render 

 their conditions of growth natural. There is no 

 j reason why we should not have aquatic gardens of 

 this kind in our rooms. 



The dust which accumulates when the presence of 

 such plants renders a closely-fitting glass plate impos- 

 sible, can easily be removed now and then by gently 

 laying pieces of blotting paper, on the surface of the 

 water. The dust adheres to it, and it is then easily 

 removed. Or it can be skimmed off by using the edge 

 of a sheet of writing paper. By a little skill and 

 care, we might easily possess semi-aquatic gardens in 

 which miniature fountains are made to play ; and the 

 whole rendered a fit and healthy habitat for such 

 creatures as can best be supported. 



D 2 



