CHAPTER XII 

 FISHES— AQUARIA 



In the spring, when the ice goes out of the lakes and 

 streams, the small boy begins to think of going a-fishing. 

 This natural interest should be utihzed by giving a series of 

 lessons on fishes. The best illustration, of course, is the live 

 fish. There are excellent glass aquaria to be had, both globe- 

 shaped and square, but almost any kind of vessel will do, 

 as a wooden pail, a stone crock, a porcelain dish, a fruit jar, 

 or a candy jar, etc. Common battery jars are excellent and 

 may be had in various sizes. A very good aquarium may 

 be made by a tinsmith out of angle iron soldered together for 

 a frame, with sides and bottom of strong glass cemented into 

 it with a water cement. Such an aquarium is a useful ad- 

 junct of the school, and adds a decorative effect to the room 

 if properly stocked. Medium sized aquaria are best, as a 

 large one cannot be readily or safely moved, amd by using 

 smaller vessels the animals may be kept separated. A good 

 size for a built-up aquarium is 12x18x8 inches. There should 

 also be aquaria of various smaller sizes, some tall and narrow, 

 others wide and shallow, in order to suit different kinds of 

 plant and animal life, according as they live in deep or shallow 

 water. Insect aquaria and those for frogs, etc., should have 

 a wire cover to prevent the animals from escaping. 



Stocking an aquarium is a work the children delight in. 



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