74 



THE FAMILY AQUARIUM. 



agreeable addition to the Aquarium ; after his glib have 

 disappeared, however, his tastes alter and he has a decided 

 hankering for more terrestrial enjoyment. As a frog, he 

 cannot live exclusively in the water. He is a first-class 

 diver, and an expert at natation, but he cannot remain 

 altogether under the billows, and if forced to, inevitably 

 drowns. By obtaining in April or May, some of the 

 spawn, you will be able to witness, as the frog develops, 

 a continuous succession of piquant phenomena. 



The Spring Frog (Rana fontinalis) makes his home 

 in clear pools and running streams, and feeds exclusively 

 upon water insects. He is one of the very earliest pro- 

 ducts of the season, and is easily domesticated, when his 

 mode of satisfying his hunger is exceedingly interesting 

 to witness. 



The Boat-fly {Natamda) is ingeniously adapted to an 

 aquatic life. His hinder legs are fringed and compressed 

 in the lower joints, so as to look like oars, and he delights 

 in swimming upon his back — his eyes being so placed, that 

 he can observe both above and below his body, and thus 

 gain intelligence of the approach of danger or the vicinity 

 of his prey. You will find him in stagnant pondaj and in 

 tardily-flowing streams, and will be gratified with his 

 comical antics and manoeuvres if you make a place for 

 him in your aquatic community, and feed him so as to 

 keep him in health and activity. If not fed regularly, he 

 becomes voracious, and preys upon other insects without 

 mercy or remorse. You will see him lie, listlessly, close 



