September, 1912 
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The glass tank form of aquarium 
There is no positive way of telling the sex of young fish 
and no distinguishing marks to identify the old except at 
the spawning season, when an ordinary study of the roe 
fish will serve to identify her. If, however, one has his 
fish in a large aquarium in the house in the Winter, and will 
observe closely, it will be quite possible by Spring to have 
them sorted so as to select breeding pairs with certainty. 
It will be noticed that whenever the aquarium is changed 
and cleaned that under the stimulus of fresh water, well 
charged with oxygen, the fish show much activity. Playing 
freely, especially in the evening and early morning. It will 
be noticed that in their play one fish always chases and fol- 
lows close behind another, rubbing its head against the 
other’s head and side. This last fish is always the male fish, 
and one should note carefully his color and markings, as well 
as those of the female which he is pursuing. ‘The same 
method is practicable in the pond, though one seldom gets 
as clear a view of the fish among the moss and lily pads as 
in the more open aquarium. 
Most of the young fish can be removed from the pool 
when wanted by means of a minnow net, but after a few 
netsful are taken the remainder become timid and it will 
be necessary to leave them in the pool until cold weather, 
when the Lily pads should all be cut and as much of the moss 
as possible removed for sale or Winter use, and the water 
drained from the pond and the fish picked up from the re- 
ceding water. It will be necessary to turn over every leaf 
and bit of moss and explore every little depression in the 
mud for the fish, and one must have a tub of water handy to 
receive them. Indoors the care of fish is simple: as little 
handling as possible, an abundance of fresh water, but not 
too frequent change, just so often as the water appears 
cloudy and sufficient water plant to keep the water perfectly 
aerated. The Cabomba is the best plant for the purpose 
and it should be used in bunches weighted with a strip of 
lead about the ends. Cover the bottom of the globe or 
aquarium with pebbles, as these hold the dirt in the bottom 
and prevents it rising and mixing with the water. 
When the aquarium is to be cleaned, all moss and stones 
should be removed and thoroughly washed, scalding the 
stones and such ornamental castles, etc., as may be present, 
washing the sides and bottom of the aquarium. If a large 
one, the water may be syphoned out with a length of hose, 
which will pick up and remove all the dirt from the bottom; 
where this is done no stones or shells small enough to enter 
the hose should be used and care must be given that no small 
AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 
329 
fish are caught and carried outside. Even when exercising 
considerable care, I have found fish in the pool of water 
on the ground, and as this usually occurs in cold weather 
they are very apt to be frozen stiff and care must be taken 
in lifting and handling them, as the tails and fins are liable 
to be broken. No treatment, other than to place at once 
in the fresh water of the aquarium, is required, as a tem- 
porary freeze does not hurt fish, indeed all sorts of fish will 
stand a surprising amount of hardships and accidents, pro- 
viding it is not unsanitary, but filth and disease is fatal to 
fish. 
When for any reason it is necessary to defer renewing 
the water in the aquarium until it becomes unsanitary and 
the fish show signs of injury, they should be removed to a 
dish or tub of fresh, cold water, to which has been added a 
liberal handful of table salt; indeed, salt is the one universal 
remedy for most of the ills to which fish are liable and it is 
an excellent idea to give them a salt bath frequently during 
the Winter. In removing the fish from the aquarium it is 
best to let out most of the water first and then lift the fish 
by catching them between the palms of the hands, the head 
of the fish at the tips of the fingers—in this way they do 
not struggle and are less apt to be injured or frightened. 
Always provide the aquarium with a castle or other object 
having various sized openings, as they love to hide away in 
these. Very attractive ones can be manufactured at home 
of pebbles and cement reinforced with wire, if the pure 
white cement and marble dust is used, the result may be 
very successful and will be of a size to harmonize with the 
globe or aquarium; failing, then pile a few large stones for 
a grotto or cave and see how much they will be enjoyed. 
The best Winter food for fish is rolled oats, scattering 
upon the surface of the water just what they will eat up clean 
during the day and not giving more until this is all eaten. 
(Continued on page 336) 
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A globe of goldfish in fitting surroundings is always an_ interesting 
decorative feature 
