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AQUARIUM NOTES ! 



ERNEST LEITHOLF 



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TTne Aquarium Original in Oil bj> tne Author 



The meaning of the word aquarium 

 has, in the course of time, been subjected 

 to change. In England, years ago, cellars 

 used for storing liquid medicines, and 

 basins in conservatories utilized for 

 growing aquatic plants, were known as 

 aquariums. Later, when tanks of varied 

 construction came into use for the obser- 

 vation and study of aquatic life, it was 

 some time before a permanent name was 

 adopted. The name vivarium soon gave 

 way to aqua-vivarium, this subsequently 

 being superceded by the word aquarium. 



Of the various types of aquaria, the 

 rectangular, with an iron frame, is un- 

 questionably the best. In durability and 

 merit it far surpasses any other form. 



Some styles should never be used for 

 large or active fishes — the goldfish globe 

 and "miniature" aquaria. Most fishes, 

 with the possible exception of the smaller 

 "labyrinth" and the tiny viviparous spe- 

 cies, when confined in these "prison cells" 

 soon succumb, the water space and oxy- 

 gen being entirely inadequate to sustain 

 them. 



The fad of decorating the exterior of 

 an aquarium with painted scrolls and 

 flowers is reprehensible. It is not only 

 an ornamental failure, but a decided 

 detriment, Inasmuch as it prevents free 

 observation and, moreover, destroys any 

 possible internal effect with plants and 

 fishes. 



