The Feeding of the Inmates 311 



and, therefore, its use is practically excluded. 

 A good and easily procurable substitute con- 

 sists of the common earth or angle worm. 

 The best way to use these worms after kill- 

 ing as many as are needed by dipping them 

 for a few moments into boiling water, is to 

 chop them fairly fine, washing the pulp in 

 clear water, so as to remove all slimy parts, 

 thereby preventing the discoloring and 

 cloudiness of the water in the aquarium. 

 Earthworms given in this shape are not 

 only readily taken, but also easily and thor- 

 oughly digested by most fishes and amphib- 

 ians. Very small earthworms can be given 

 to larger fishes and amphibians without be- 

 ing cut into pieces. A good substitute for 

 earthworms can be found in raw meat, if 

 it is entirely free from tendons and fat. 

 Most fishes and amphibians take it readily, 

 if it is given to them finely scraped. All 

 food remnants not consumed after a certain 

 time, should be carefully removed with the 

 dipping tube or the mud-lever, as their de- 



