8 



THE AQUARIUM. 



It is, of course, impossible to lay down any rule as to 

 how many animals and plants should be allowed to an 

 aquarium of a given size, or to a certain bulk of water, 

 for the size and character of the animals and plants 

 must be taken into consideration. This is a matter 

 which a little practical experience will set at rest. An 

 aquarium cannot be maintained as a mere toy any more 

 than a garden can. It is easy to purchase large quantities 

 of shrubs and flowers, and by arranging them tastefully 

 in the ground secure an attractive garden, — for a time. 

 But if those plants have been planted without due regard 

 to their natural soil, situation, and the proper degree of 

 dampness round their roots, the garden will soon become 

 a desert. The same thing holds good with the aquarium. 

 Neither can be started and maintained without a little 

 thought, neither can be said to be well-established until 

 some months after starting. But an aquarium when once 

 fairly established requires little care — it is self-supporting. 



