3 ^^^^^^ : LB. open cer. 



Drawings and 



decorations by 



G. Ryder 



To Start a Fresh Water Aquarium. 



Round glass aquaria for the house, 

 holding from two to twenty gallons, can 

 be had at very reasonable prices. From 

 three to eight gallons are convenient 

 sizes. Aquaria, oblong in shape, with 

 iron frames, glass sides and ends, 



Many owners of small aquariums, 

 having a few goldfish as inhabitants, 

 make it a practice to change a part or 

 all of the water more or less often, so 

 that the fishes may not die for lack of 

 air. But suppose that the person that 

 cares for them forgets to change the 

 water, or does not do so often enough t 

 The fishes will die. Then, again, many 

 eo pie take the fishes out of the aqua- 

 rium with the hands or a net, and wash 

 the interior, putting in fresh water, then 

 returning the fishes. The poor little 

 things will soon be handled and washed 

 to death. 



There are fresh-water aquaria at the 

 New York Aquarium in which the 

 water has not been changed for more 

 than three years, and they are at the 

 present time in splendid condition. The 

 loss by evaporation must necessarily be 

 supplied by adding fresh water once or 

 twice a week. All this is explained by 

 Mr. Spencer. — Editor. 



are preferred by many people. Glass 

 globes are not at all desirable ; it requires 

 more labor to keep them clean inside. 

 s For the bottom of the aquaria, use 

 clean washed "bird gravel," though if 

 a little coarser, it is preferable. The 

 gravel looks neat and clean, -the plants 

 necessary to maintain the balance thrive 



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