36 FBESH-WATER AQUAEIA. 



that it projects a short distance on either side of the lid. 

 When the lid has been put into its place, it is fastened 

 there by soldering a strip of tin over both extremities of the 

 projecting wire. After this can has been paiated with Brunswick 

 Black or with enamel, very few would be able to see that it 

 was originally a cofEee-camister. I have found such a con- 

 trivance as this very convenient, and have carried fish in it 

 a distance of more than 200 miles by rail. 



When the aquarium-keeper intends, during his hunting 

 expeditions for specimens for his aquaria, to include fish among ' 

 his other captives, it is a good plan for him to set out pro- 

 vided with a can ia which he has placed one or two short, 

 wide-mouthed bottles. He will thus be able to sort his prizes 

 in such a way as will be conducive both to their safety and 

 their comfort. He ought, however, to prevent all movement 

 of the bottles within the can by cutting a piece of tin, zinc, 

 or wood in such a way that it will fit inside the can and 

 go over the mouths of the bottles. If the holes, which are cut 

 in whatever material is chosen, fit the tops of the bottles 

 exactly, the latter cannot move sufficiently to hurt the 

 fish or anything else in the can. The clear glass jars which 

 have a lip but no neck, and which are sold containing jam, 

 are excellent vessels for placing within the bait-can, and also 

 upon the shelves of the cabinet aquarium. 



Should it not be the intention to catch fish, however, 

 the can ought to be left behind, and several wide- 

 mouthed bottles taken in its place. These may be very 

 conveniently carried by placing, say, three of them side by 

 side in a narrow and light wooden box or wicker basket 

 made for the purpose. Good bottles for this purpose are 

 those made by Messrs. Clark. They are of a portable size, 

 and their tin covers, which screw on, are very useful 

 for preventing both the splashing of the water into the 

 basket or box, and the escape of the inmates. If the 

 receptacle for the bottles is a little deeper than they 

 are, there will be room above them for forceps, brush, 

 macintosh, magnifying-glass, and any other small appliance 

 which the aquarium-keeper may require. 



