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the limited spaee of an aquarium will present the most pictur- 

 esque appearance, for upon them in a great measure will the 

 beauty and attractiveness of the whole depend. The larger 

 plants may be grown in pots, the smaller ones will look hand- 

 some springing from the crevices of the rockwork. Around 

 the large pots may be placed mounds of stones to hide the pots 

 from view. A sufficient variety of plants may be obtained to 

 to make the aquarium fascinating with the additional charm 

 of animal life. 



The AXI3IALS. The great mistake of the amateur, and one 

 which is sure to prove fatal to a certain extent, is crou ding. 

 Two fish, three snails and two plants are sufficient for each 

 g-illon of water, this is the proper proportion as far as we are 

 able to determine. And now we must leave the selection to 

 you, only saying that you must not overlook the Mollusca or 

 snails (Planorbis Corneas is preferred,) for it is they who con- 

 sume the refuse matter, hence keep the water pure for the 

 balance, gold and silver fish, minnows, newts, tadpoles and 

 frogs. The variety and number will depend on the capacity 

 of the tank. 



Fernekies. Although Ferns do not pro- 

 duce flowers yet it seems that in the hear^ 

 of every lover of Nature there Is a spot oc- 

 cupied by love of Ferns. We cannot but 

 admire them, the delicate maiden hair 

 varieties as well as those of more robust 

 growth that produce their grand fronds 

 from eight to twenty feet in length. Per- 

 haps none, or, at most, but very few of our 

 readers will have a suitable place in which 

 to grow these large-growing species, hence 

 we will pass these, simply saying that all 

 Ferns require about the same treatment* 

 They will vary some in regard to the heat 

 required, but they all require moisture 

 and shade. The chief trouble in g:rowing them in the house is 

 the dry atmosphere. This can be overcome by growing them 

 In a glass case. This idea was first advanced by W. B. Ward, 

 who invented what is now known as the Wardian Case; it is 

 made pretty much in the same manner as an aquarium : in 

 fjict, if a glass roof be added to a rectangular aquarium it makes 

 a model Fernery, The roof should be made in two pieces so 



