IN CALIFORNIA 93 



receipt, but as reliable as can be made: Take 3 

 parts litharge; 3 parts fine white sand, perfectly 

 dry; 3 parts plaster of Paris; 1 part finely pulver- 

 ized resin. Mix thoroughly and make into a soft 

 putty with linseed oil to which some dryer has been 

 added. You may use the cement in two hours after 

 mixing and put water in tanks in less than twelve 

 hours after setting the glass. Use second-hand plate 

 glass for sides and ends and one-fourth inch sky- 

 light glass, corrugated on one side for bottom. 



CARE OF AQUARIUM 



When the aquarium is to be thoroughly cleaned 

 and rearranged, which should be done once or twice 

 every year, the water is carefully dipped out or 

 drawn off with a rubber syphon to within about six 

 inches from the bottom. This water, if practicable, 

 is saved and used again when the tank is refilled. 

 The older the water the better. The author has 

 used water for years in this way. Next take out the 

 rockwork, then all the plants, also the larger pebbles, 

 and now carefully catch and remove the fish, etc., 

 placing them in a clean tin vessel with plenty of 

 water of suitable temperature. Take out the re- 

 mainder of the water now and also the sand, but do 

 not move the tank, if a heavy one, from its position. 

 After washing the sand particles off the inside of 

 the glass to prevent scratching, clean the entire in- 

 side of the tank by rubbing it with ordinary table 

 salt, using the fingers instead of a brush. All the 

 brownish or green matter being taken off the tank 

 is once more washed with clean water and is then 

 ready for replanting. 



WATER-GARDEN PESTS 



Innumerable kinds of aquatic insects breed in the 

 water, and some of their larvae prey upon the leaves 



