22 Fresh Water Aquarium 



previously been subjected to the most minute 

 inspection and to a thorough washing" and 

 cleaning; for they frequently harbor pests 

 of almost microscopic dimensions but which, 

 when introduced in the aquarium, multiply 

 rapidly and bring death or disease to our 

 pets before we are aware of it. 



The planting process itself is of the sim- 

 plest. After the plants have been assorted 

 as to their varieties, a deep hole is made 

 in the gravel, from three to six stems are 

 inserted and the gravel is then firmly pressed 

 around the plants, so that they cannot be 

 torn up by the fishes. In transplanting 

 aquatics sudden changes of temperature 

 should be avoided, as they often damage 

 the plants. To do this, newly acquired or 

 collected plants should be carried home in 

 some of the water in which they have been 

 growing. If this should be practically the 

 same temperature as the water of the aqua- 

 rium into which they are to be transferred, 

 the change will be inconsiderable and there- 



