NATURE'S REALM. 
of American and European aquarists. For growing in an 
aquarium we find few plants better suited, and for a fountain, 
small lake or pond, it has few equals. In their natural condi- 
tion they are found growing in soft, muddy or sandy ground, 
consequently the conditions for a successful cultivation must be 
continued, Viz.: grown in soft, loamy soil, while, if for pot or 
tub culture, a layer of coarse sand or small pebbles in the bot- 
tom of the tub is always desirable for all kinds of aquatic 
plants ; at the same time a layer of clean, fine sand, spread 
over the top of the soil, not only looks bright and cheerful, but 
very materially assists in purifying the water. Of course the 
tropical species will not withstand our winter, but must be pro- 
tected the same as other tropical plants. but they can be al- 
lowed to remain in a neglected corner until required again for 
the lawn or show house. The S. séxensis is of very easy cul- 
ture ; it may be grown either way, in water, moss or soil. If 
treated like the Chinese narcissus—grown in a bow] of water— 
it makes a very graceful and attractive specimen within a few 
weeks after it is planted. 
Two Practical Queries. 
1. How long will fish live in a quart jar used for canning 
fruit, when the top is screwed on tight? Jar is made of glass. 
2. Is there any way of keeping water in a tank 24x18x12 inches 
deep, running steadily, without introducing more water? 
William F. Hyde. 
1. How long fish can live in a given quantity of water de- 
pends: 1. On the genus to which the fish belongs; 2. on the 
size and age of the individual; 3. on the conditions under 
which the fish has been used to. ‘ve; 4. on the temperature 
and location the vessel containing the water is placed in. Yor 
instance, a young shad, a young grayling or a young spoonfish 
will drown in a few minutes in a quart of water, even if the jar 
is left uncovered; a young trout, channel catfish or a darter 
would live for several hours, although very tender in this re- 
115 
spect if they have lived, previous to their being thus ‘‘ bottled,” 
in a self-sustaining aquarium for about a month ; while a young 
gar, a little dogfish or a paradise fish, if the bottle would be 
only three-fourths full of water, would live until lalled by want 
of food, which may be in some cases six weeks or longer, pro- 
vided, however, that no sun or artificial heat or frost affects 
the water. 
2. There is a little aquarium fountain sold in Germany which 
answers this purpose. Itis set in the centre of the aquarium, 
draws its supply from the aquarium and returns it. This foun- 
tain can be made, by changing the jet, to flow like a little 
stream, which in turn drives the wheel of a miniature water 
mill. The pump of the fountain is run by electricity. 

Feeding the Fish. 
Putting a whole or half sheet of prepared fish food in an 
aquarium, with the intention of giving the fish a week’s ration 
at once, can be compared to placing enough fresh meat on a 
dinner table to last for the week. It will not only lose its 
value as food, but will also poison the water. Offer your fish 
food every day, and, if they don’t seem to care for any, don’t 
give themany. At any rate let no food remain in the aquarium ; 
remove it at once if refused by the fish. 
Snails for Aquariums. 
The ramshorn snail (Planorbis trivolvis), next to tadpoles, 
we consider the best agent to remove the foo much green algz 
in an aquarium. All the Planorbis are fonder of the conferve 
than of the larger plants, and are therefore ea_c‘ient inhabit- 
ants for the fresh-water tank, whilst the Lymnz, most of them, 
are too dainty to eat up the troublesome, minute plants, but 
will be sure to make away with your more tender plants, such 
as anacharis, etc. 
