160 



aquatic litt 



it was collected in California, which is 

 undoubtedly an error, as the species does 

 not range west of the Mississippi Valley. 

 Too make certain that this range was cor- 

 rect, Mr. T. F. Brady, a California 

 aquarist, ascertained from Prof. H. M. 

 Hall, University of California, that the 

 species was not known to occur within 

 the State, nor beyond the limit given. 



Cells from leaf of Vallisneria spiralis (greatly enlarged) showing 

 chloroplasts the green coloring matter 



To grow sturdy, bright green plants, 

 the bottom of the tank should be quite 

 rich. Though it will do well in sand 

 alone in an old tank with the bottom en- 

 riched by the droppings of the fishes, it 

 is usually advisable to use some sort of 

 fertilizer. Leaf mould mixed with the 

 sand is preferable. In changing plants 

 from one aquarium to another it is well 

 to bave the water in both receptacles of 

 the same temperature. The roots should 

 be well spread and deep planting avoided. 



A study of microscopic animal life — 

 specimens from the aquaria of members 

 — was the feature of the meeting of The 

 Aquatic Association of Maryland held on 

 the evening of July u, in the Lexington 

 Building Annex, Baltimore. 



The members were "tipped off" in ad- 

 vance, and when the meeting began there 

 were jars and bottles in great variety on 

 hand, each holding prized specimens to 

 be scrutinized through the microscope. 

 Daphnia, Cyclops, larvae of mosquitoes, 

 eggs of fishes, frogs and snails, all passed 

 parade-like beneath the lens. Some of 

 the embryonic snails could be seen doing 

 gymnastic stunts. A glance through the 



"barrel" was sufficient to convince one 

 that the time for "swearing off" had 

 arrived. 



The Association, though still in its in- 

 fancy, has made wonderful strides in 

 membership. Five new members were 

 enrolled at the meeting, and the names 

 of two women fish fanciers, Mrs. H. A. 

 Altpeter and Mrs. F. F. Schneider, were 

 added to the list — the first women to be- 

 come members. President Cassell read 

 letters of acceptance from Professor Cas- 

 well Grave, Department of Biology John 

 Hopkins University, Dr. Hugh M. Smith, 

 Commissioner, H. F. Moore, Deputy 

 Commissioner and Henry O'Malley, Fish 

 Culturist, United States Bureau of Fish- 

 eries, all having been elected honorary 

 members. These gentlemen, all of whom 

 occupy enviable niches in the world of 

 science, expressed sincere interest and 

 promised hearty co-operation. — P. C. 

 Cham bliss, Secretary. 



The Essex County Aquarium Society, 

 Newark, N. J., will hold its second an- 

 nual exhibition from September 13th to 

 16th inclusive. The Newark Public Li- 

 brary, Broad and Washington streets, 

 has kindly consented to have the exhibi- 

 tion staged in the library building, and 

 has promised very desirable space. 



The show will be competitive and is 

 open to anyone. Five silver cups are 

 offered as prizes, together with the usual 

 first, second and third ribbons. A large 

 silver cup will be awarded to the society 

 having the largest entry. Information 

 and entry blanks will be furnished upon 

 application by the secretary of the Exhi- 

 bition Committee. 



Entries are invited from the aquarists 

 of Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and from 

 other points from which the transporta- 

 tion expense will not be great. The first 

 public exhibition given by the society 

 lasted but a day, and was non-competi- 

 tive, yet was exceptionally successful. A 

 large number of fishes were shown and 

 it was well attended. — H. I. Hartshorn, 

 Secretary, Exhibition Committee, 12 

 Myrtle avenue, Nezvark, N . J . 



