FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 277 



inches above the surface, then pour it back, not so rapidly as to disturb the plants 

 too much ; the stream passing through the air carries oxygen with it into the 

 aquarium. If the sun is allowed to shine on the aquarium any length of time, too 

 much confervae will form on the glass. The aquarium will need a thorough cleaning 

 probably once a year, possibly oftener. The best method is to remove the animal 

 life with a small net, then the water can be taken out by using a siphon ; a 

 piece of one-half inch rubber tubing about three feet long is best, then carefully 

 remove the plants; now the gravel can be thoroughly washed, also the inside of the 

 aquarium ; then replace the gravel, plants, water and animal life. To clean the glass 

 on the inside without removing the stock, use a small pad, made of a piece of soft 

 wood covered with woolen cloth. Be sure every day to remove all dead matter, 

 such as food not eaten by the animal life, also any dead parts of the plants. 



A 3alt Wafer glanced Aqaariam. 



The principle of a salt water balanced aquarium is practically the same as for one 

 of fresh water. It is well to procure the water at or near high tide if it is taken in a 

 bay near the shore, or a river situated like the Harlem or East rivers. The water at 

 such a time will have greater density and less foreign matter. I always use coarser 

 gravel than for a fresh water aquarium ; beach gravel is clean and smooth. You will 

 require some pieces of rock for the sea anemones, as they will attach themselves to 

 the smooth places. About the only marine plant that is always reliable for aeration 

 is " sea lettuce," ulva latissima, which grows in sheets, and is found in tide pools and 

 near shore in shallow water ; instead of placing this plant on the bottom of the 

 aquarium, use pieces of cork and float a portion of each piece or sheet on the sur- 

 face of the water, allowing the remainder of the piece or sheet to hang down near 

 the bottom towards the rear side ; this will give a clear view of the animal life, and 

 make a beautiful background. A very pretty and bright colored plant which is often 

 used for its color and beauty is Solieria chordalis ; it also aids aeration. For animal 

 life first of all is the sea anemone, or " flowers of the sea," of which we have several 

 species that are found in great numbers in the immediate vicinity of New York 

 city ; living coral can be procured in Long Island sound and on the New Jersey 

 coast. Of snails the Nassa, as it is called, is the best ; the common shrimp, Crangon 

 vulgaris, is the best of the crustaceans. For fishes the cunning little Lebia is the 

 prettiest ; the two-spined stickleback is the best of all the family, and is a nest 

 builder. The sea anemones and coral must be fed by placing pieces of food (clams 

 and oysters are best) cut to a size to suit the animals, on the small end of a 



