TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES 209 
All the camera except lens should be covered with a black cloth 
at time of exposure to prevent its own reflection in the aquarium. The 
author believes that sunlight furnishes the best illumination, giving better 
color values and modelling than flashlight. Exposures should be made 
only on very bright days from eleven until two o'clock, and in the period, 
if possible, between April 10 and September 1. At other times flash- 
powder will be better, using a liberal supply. Care should be taken not 
to allow the dust from flashlight to settle in the aquarium, as it contains 
metallic salts injurious to fishes. Keep the sun on the subject and directly 
behind the camera. The water should be as free as possible of all par- 
ticles, as they show in the picture with annoying distinctness. Much 
patience is sometimes required to get a fish into a ‘satisfactory “pose,” but 
when a good picture is obtained, it is well worth all the trouble it costs. 
The photographing aquarium shown herewith was constructed by 
pouring cement in a form surrounding the four uprights. Just after the 
cement is poured, quarter-inch square sticks of wood should be pressed 
in where the glass is to stand. These are removed when cement is dry. 
Waterproof the base as described on page 216, then fill all four depressions 
and posts with aquarium cement and insert glass. Owing to small size 
cf aquarium it is best to do all cementing before any glass is inserted 
for it is impossible to satisfactorily reach inside. Only the front needs 
to be of plate glass. This should be inserted first and all surplus cement 
neatly cleared away. It will be noted that this style of construction has 
no bottom metal frame to interfere with photographing when the subject 
happens to be low, which is often the case. One part of cement to two 
of sand is a good proportion. White cement makes a pretty effect and 
when using a white background, no other inside reflector is needed. This 
aquarium was used in making the photographic illustrations of fishes in 
this volume. 
Unless the base immediately in front of the glass is of a dull black 
it will be desirable to cover it with a dull black or red cloth. Black is 
better. 
