THE GOLDFISH AND ITS CULTURE, 61 
position. After washing.the sand particles off the inside of 
the glass to prevent scratching, clean the entire inside of 
the tank by rubbing it with ordinary table salt, using the 
fingers instead of a brush. All the brownish or green matter 
being taken off, the tank is once more washed with clean 
water, and is then ready_again to receive the collection. 
The sand should be well washed in various waters until 
perfectly clean before it is put back into the tank. Where 
sand is easily obtained a new supply is preferable. 
The rock-work, or the rock used for it, should be scalded 
and then washed in salt water with a rough sponge or small 
.scrubbing brush before replacing in position. 
The plants are then looked over and the most desirable 
ones selected and planted again without delay, the tank 
refilled, and fish, etc., returned as soon as possible. 
Two or three hours of labor once or twice in a year— 
what ‘a wealth of pleasure, information and pastime will these 
bring to a home, school-room or hospital ? 
I cannot leave this chapter without calling attention to 
Emerson’s words: “What is worth doing at all, is worth 
doing well.” 
