TERRARIA AND AQUA-TERRARIA 



latter should have an ample growth of small vegetation, sod, moss, litchens 

 and ferns, and an abundance of larger foliage and flowering plants. 



In the Dry terrarium the water basin may be treated as incidental, 

 but in the Moist terrarium it should be one of the principal features. 

 The best form has three vertical sides covered with a thin coating of 

 hydraulic cement into which small pieces of stone, pomice, tuftstone, etc., 

 have been pressed to resemble rough stone walls, and one partly sloping 

 side to permit of a gradual approach to the water level, in the foreground, 

 arranged to resemble a pebbly beach. The water may be siphoned out 

 or a drainage pipe led through the side. In large terraria the water tank 

 is often utilized for semi-aquatic plants in concealed pots. 



In terraria miniature bridges, castles, fountains, cascades and other 

 landscape features are introduced with pleasing effect. Backgrounds are 

 made of rocks cemented at different levels to the back of the terraria and 

 in the pockets so formed ferns and other plants are grown. Pomice is 

 well adapted to this use, its, pores absorbing large quantities of water. 

 The general appearance will be improved if the raised sides of the soil 

 tray are concealed by painting the glass to that level. 



Reptiles require heat and strong sunlight, as they delight to sun 

 themselves for hours; but amphibious animals generally should be shel- 

 tered from strong light, as it is objectionable to them, and a temperature 

 of about 75° to 80° F. by daylight and not below ^^° F. at night is best 

 suited for the indigenous forms ; but for tropical species temperatures 

 from T 5 to 20 degrees higher are required. 



Plants for Terraria. For the Dry terrarium cacti, aloes and 

 agaves are best suited for direct planting in the soil, and houseleeks for 

 the pots ; also hardy ferns and a number of other plants which will thrive 

 in pots in a dry atmosphere. For the Moist terrarium a much larger 

 number of plants are available and almost all that thrive in the greenhouse 

 may be successfully introduced. The plants should be frequently sprayed 

 with water. For this purpose either a small sprinkling can or a florist's 

 aspirator is best. 



Animals for Terraria. Almost any of the lower forms of small 

 land animals may be introduced. For the Dry terrarium, butterflies, 

 beetles and other insects, land snails, slugs, hop toads, tree toads, horned 

 toads, lizards, snakes and small tortoises ; and for the Moist terrarium 

 aquatic insects, snails, tadpoles, frogs, newts, salamanders, water snakes 

 and turtles. Most interesting collections can be made of animals which 

 live in harmony with each other and such added which will serve them as 

 food. 



331 



