74 
BOTANICAL INDEX. 
of the earth ; growing plants evolve oxygen, which is the vitalizing ('lenient of animal 
life, and the exhalation of animals is carbonic acid and gas, which is the vitalizing 
element of vegetable growth ; hence, the exhalation of one kingdom furnishes the 
vitalizing element for the other. But no definite rule can be laid down by which 
animal and plant life can be equalized in confinement together. Its successful work- 
ings entirely depend upon that balance between the two in which plants give off as 
much oxygen as is required for the animal life, and that there should be no more 
animal exhalations than the vegetation will absorb. When once properly adjusted, 
the Aquarium requires hut little more attention than to remove decaying vegetable 
matter, and to keep the confervas (green scum) removed from the inner surface of the 
glass. This can be done with a sponge or rag fastened to a stick, moving it slowly 
in a vertical direction, so as not to agitate the water. The rock work and terre cotta 
ornaments should also be taken out and thoroughly washed upon its 
first appearance, for this is the greatest enemy to a healthy Aquarium. 
In preparing the Aquarium, spread an inch or two of clean, coarse 
sand over the bottom, and to be sure there are no particles of vege- 
table mold mixed with it, wash it well by putting it in a sieve and 
pumping clear water on it, as long as any impurities or muddy water 
run from it. Plant in the sand some good aquatic plant, laying over 
the roots small stones to hold them in place until the plant has 
anchored itself by new roots. Most plants will thrive in sand and 
water just as well as in loam. If it is desired to grow Richardia 
hestata , R. maculata, Caladiums, or AmorphOphallus, they will flourish 'V. , 
better if potted in shallow pots of good rich loam and set upon the 
sand, then covering the pots with small stones or pebbles to prevent 
them from being upset or moved about, also to prevent fish 
from stirring up the mud. Next, arrange the stone and 
ornaments, being very careful to have them stand firm, so 
there will be no chance to fall against the glass and break 
it. After arranging sand, plants, and ornaments, fill the 
Aquarium to the desired height with fresh water, taking 
care not to wash the sand from the bottom. Then it is 
especially desirable to throw in a handfull from some of 
the following list of plants, to float about and supply 
oxygen until the plants just set out take root, viz: Water- 
feather, ( Hottonia inflata); Mare’s-tail, ( Hippuris vulgaris); 
Eel-grass, ( Vallisneria spiralis); Ditch-grass, ( Anacharis 
Canadensis), etc. Also, small mussels, snails, etc., but do 
not put in fish until after the water has settled. 
There is a great variety of hardy native plants, or weeds, 
growing in all the streams, that can be introduced into the 
Aquarium with good effect — for almost all plants growing 
in the streams will do well in an Aquarium; but they are 
■Jr often thought to be too common to be pretty. Tropical 
KBS* plants, such as are kept at the greenhouses for sale, are 
\pf probably the best, as they will remain vigorous all the year 
round. We add a list, with their prices, (on page 86,) 
best adapted, for reference; nearly all dealers can supply 
Fig. 4 T-Gypsy Kettle. &ny from the list . 
And now it will be in order to stock it with animal life. Gold and silver fish are 
the popular varieties, but perhaps no greater pleasure can be derived than from a 
good selection of native river fish, (snails and small mussels having already been 
introduced). Dace, silver-sides, chub minnows, red-bellied minnows, barbet, stone- 
loach, perch, roach, water lizards, eels, etc., being easily obtained in almost any 
Quantity, from the small streams and ponds. The fish will gradually devour the 
snails as they can find them protruding from the shells, and it will be necessary 
to repeat the excursions to the streams or swamps to replace those devoured. The 
most useful snail for the Aquarium is the Planorbis, which is the best of all for 
keeping down the moss from the glass sides, which they seldom lea re. The Lymnea 
are also excellent cleaners, but have a strong propensity for eating some of the plants. 
The Paludina, Bithinia, Physa. etc., are also good sanitarians; but the bivalves ( Unio, 
etc.,) are more ornamental than useful, but add a peculiar charm to it. 
When the water becomes foul or green, draw off all but enough to cover the fish, 
using a syphon, which any tinner can make in a few minutes, but your druggist can 
get you a neat glass one for a small outlay. The same syphon can be used to fill it 
again with fresh water (not too cold) and not disturb the sand bed. 
The Aquarium must not stand in the direct rays of the sun, as it would soon 
absorb the oxygen contained in the water and kill the fish. However, it must stand 
