A QUARTERLY
MAGAZINE Edueatioq and
I^eciieation.
50 Gents a Tear. Single Copies, 25 Cents each.
HUGO MULERTT, BROOKLYN, Copyright.
N. Y.
All Rights Reserved.
Y., Entered at the Post-Offlce at Brooklyn. N. as second class mail matter.
ACh^'^-
son"^^
HEADQ CARTERS FUR THE
\
FIJSER
Gold Fish, Japanese Fantails, AND
ALL KINDS OF AQUATIC PLANTS. For
Descriptive, Illustrated Catalogue, send two cents,
EDWARD
ADDRESS,
SCHMID,
S. AQUARIUM DEPOT,
NO. 712
TweM
Street, W.
W.,
WflSHINGTDN,
D.
C
NICHOLAS WAPLER, IMPORTER OF
China and Glassware, EARTHENWARE AND LAVA GOODS,
French Crystal Grlass Shades. Manufacturer of Round, Oval and Square Glass Shades, Fish Globes, Aquaria, Glass Jars and Floating Animals.
NEW YORK. m 50 BARCLAY STREET, OUR SPECIAL OFFER OF GOLD FISH 2 Single 2
tail,
i
Fantail,
i
J^IwoMer,
i Scaleless, with 2 boxes Fish Food and Also, a fine Canary and Cage for $4.00.
Transparent,
Bunches Water Plants, $2.00.
JUMPING BEANS,25JEm
They are a natural
Kun from
Mexico, and jump about without any cause or assistance.
We have a fine variety of Japanese Fantails, Telescope, Paradise, Scaleless and Transparent Gold Fish. Canaries, Parrots, Cockatoos, Japanese Robins, Fire Weavers, Java Sparrows, Cardinals, etc. Send 10 cents for book on gold fish. Send 2 cents for catalogue. Send for free circular.
THE 908
MQUKRIU7VY,
PENN AVENUE,
PITTSBURGH, PA.
WE SOLICIT TOUR TRADE.
^Mv^'^S
Vol.
OCTOBER,
III.
Copyright
1894.
No.
1894.
A DREDGING EXCURSION.
steam, awaiting our arrival.
Among
received by the
the various excursions that
had been arranged by the
com-
local
mittee for the entertainment of the
vis-
members at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at Brooklyn, were two " Dredging Excursions." The iting
United States Fish Commission steamer " Fish Hawk," which had been placed at the disposal of the association for the
purpose, had come from Wood's Holl, Mass.,
York
We who
summer
its
esjiecially for
were
among
station,
New
to
the purpose.
the party of thirteen
availed themselves of this rare op-
portunity of witnessing deep-sea dredg-
'
,
us to United States ' and presented Fish Commissioner M. McDonald.
Just twenty minutes after ten o'clock
we
taking
the pier,
left
the
direct
" grounds," which were on the famous " Cholera Banks," twelve miles from Sandy Hook, and about ten miles from Rockaway Beach. Steaming down the bay, the handsome North German Lloyd steamer " Kaiser Wilhelm II," passed us, fairly loaded with passengers going to Europe, and when in the lower bay the scenery became less interesting, the course to the selected
This was the jaw of a so-called man-eater; it was yet fresh and was spread over a Avooden frame to dry. The jaw was wide enough to swallow a twelve-year-
modern
science has produced, and
on board of a vessel built for the purpose.
In the morning* of August
New York
city
by
its
18tli
When we
landing, Dr.
we
boat
ferry
for Staten Island.
rived at
Capt.
aft
captain showed us one of his pets, as
all
bound
were
experienced hands,
executed by
with
left
sel,
We
commander of the vesPratt, U. S. N. who led us
the apparatus and machinery
ing,
that
83.
All Rights Reserved.
Patten,
ar-
the
scientist in charge of the biological part
aboard the "Fish trip, received
Hawk"
during our
us and guided us to the
United States lighthouse the " Fish Hawk " was
pier,
lying,
where under
he called
it.
huge shark, a
old boy right easily. The monster had been caught accidentally a few days before, and when it was opened its stomach was found to contain about half a barrel
full
of
beef
and about a barrelful bones he
may have
following one
of
bones, ribs,
etc.,
of codfish.
The
picked up while
the
large
steamers
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER,
130
1894.
across the ocean and the fish he caught
white
near the shore.
while covered glass jars (Mason's jars)
Although the weather was very beauand the surface of ''old ocean" only
tiful
slightly disturbed, four of our party,
a,mong them a lady, had to pay tribute to Neptune as soon as we had passed Sandy Hook. They were not able to leujoy the gambols of the porpoises as they played immediately in front of our bow, shooting hither and thither and turning summersaults, showing their white bellies in the bright sunshine.
At noon we passed Sandy Hook lightand now the preparations were begun for the work before us. Below deck,
in the fore part of the vessel,
eight of the crew
the " Fish
— the
entire crew of
Hawk " numbers
dressed in the regulation of the United States
Navy
thirty- five,
summer
—
attire
got two long
swinging tables in readiness. These Avere on the right side of the vessel this time, because the wind came from that direction,
and
the big opening,
the
''port," (see illustration) on this side
was to be used
On
to haul in the trawl.
each of these were placed several
of various
dishes
and in
of assorted sizes
sizes,
number,
liberal
were set on an elevated place in the vessels containing middle of the ship preserving fluid and buckets filled with fresh and others with sea water were ;
placed handy.
This
having been attended
all
to, to
the satisfaction of the officer in charge of this deck, the
men were
ordered on
the uj)per deck to join their comrades.
Here, personally directed by the captain
United States Fish Commission Steamer "Fish
ship,
china
Hawk" (From
and
his
U.
Report
S. F. C.
officers,
they got the trawling
The "
trawl-
put in position.
This
apparatus in readiness.
beam" was
first
1881.)
wooden pole, projecting from the first mast forward (towards the bow), is
a strong
with wheels inserted in each end, over
which a in double
moved
in
tration.)
steel
cable
runs.
so
that
pivots,
It it
works
can
be
many directions. (See illusThe machine that works the
cable was adjusted
and the "trawl"
fastened to the cable.
The
trawl
is
a
bag but without a bottom to it. At its mouth it fits an iron frame seven feet wide and two feet net, shajDed like a
THE AQUAEIUM, OCTOBER,
1894.
131
Some of the Specimens that were Caught.
high.
It is fifteen feet long,
narrower towards the end.
becoming
The meshes
and also Near the frame the meshes are one and a of the net are of different sizes
of different thicknesses of twine.
quarter
inches,
I'unning
gradually
smaller until they are about one-quarter of an inch at the end.
The strong
iron
frame is mounted on two braces, one at each end, not unlike the runners of a sleigh, which tend to keep the frame in
an upright position when dragged over The trawl being fastened the bottom. to the cable it was spread on deck and a heavy weight of cast iron, about twenty-four inches in length and shaped for the 25urpose, was placed inside of it nearest the end and tied securely with Thus the bottom of the strong rope. trawl and also a sinker for same was formed.
While these preparations were going
THE AQUAEIUM, OCTOBER,
132
on another
man had
gotten the appa-
ratus in order to take
'^
soundings."
is on the opposite side where it is out of the way It is an apparatus made of the trawl. From a bronze of bronze and steel. wheel runs a steel wire on which hangs
This apparatus of the vessel,
heavy bronze-covered cylindrical a weight with a hollow bottom. (See This bottom is partly illustration.) Immediately filled with soft tallow. over this weight, also fastened to the steel
wire,
hangs
a peculiarly
shaped
thermometer, which is securely covered Above this with a folding mantle. thermometer, secured by a twin hook, hangs a little ball. When this apparatus is used the weight strikes the bottom with a shock which opens the mantle of the thermometer. After a certain lapse of time the little ball is loosened,
slides
down
the
wire
and
mantle again. The temjoerature at the bottom is thus registered and the sounder is raised.
1894.
which had been raised overboard was suspended from the beam, about ten feet away from the vessel now the order was given to lower the same. The excellent discipline that prevailed on board was here manifested. Everything went with the regularity and promptness as if it was an artillery drill everyone knew his place and his particular duty a respectful silence prevailed, just as if something of great importance was to be done. We must confess that it touched certain chords in the heart of the old soldier, and reminded us of by-gone days. still
;
;
;
It
was just 2 P.M. when the net touch-
ed the water. The engine was
still
stop-
ped, and the steamer drifting with the
wind this drifting was the only power employed to drag the trawl along the bottom of the ocean. After twelve ;
minutes the order came to raise the This was done with great rapidity by means of the little engine next
closes the
trawl.
According to the captain's calculation we had arrived over our grounds, the engines were stopped aiid the sounder was "let go." At this order the weight went down with great rapidity, and when it had struck the bottom the apparatus above registered a depth of thirteen fathoms (78 feet). The quartermaster called " time "from
trawl had dredged over about two hun-
the wheel house, and the sounder was raised.
Upon examination
of its bot-
tom, small pebbles, about the^size of beans, were found adhering to the tallow. This proved that
we were on the
desired bank.
Now
the quartermaster stated from
to the mast.
dred and
(See
fifty
illustration.)
of
feet
Now deck
the place of interest was on the
We
beloAv.
stairs to see
all
went quickly down
the trawl hauled aboard.
It was yet suspended in midair, the bottom of it being just before the port, when we arrived. This the men grabbed and pulled to the deck. Here the iron weight was quickly untied, the net lifted, and in a second later all it contained lie before our wondering eyes on deck, forming a little pile of gravel, sea shells, etc., from among which the
living creatures soon
We
made
the temperature of the atmosphere and
missioner, Dr. Patten,
water surface, condition of the sky, di-
itors, as far as
recorded by another
officer.
which was
The
trawl
their appear-
picked them up, the
ance.
etc.,
bottom during
this time.
the wheel house the correct time of day,
rection of the wind,
The
and
all
Com-
the vis-
the sea-sickness did not
prevent them, taking a hand in
it, each one selecting to his particular fancy
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER,
133
1ÂŤ94.
whatever was of most interest to him. The first dredge brought up several species of crabs, inchiding three species
a crab were overlooked; the occupation
of Hermit crabs, and three fine speci-
some of us were
mens
itor
of
Rock
some
crabs. Starfishes,
bright red, others violet, yellow, brown or gray, of
of
from :f-inch to 8 some excellent specimens
all sizes,
inches across
;
Sand-dollars,
Scallops,
sizes,
all
Holoturium, Sea anemones, ^several young Hake and about a dozen Skate eggs in which the embryos were a
white
plainly visible
when
up against the
the eggs were held
light
these specimens Avere
As quickly as picked up they
of picking
up specimens was
so fascin-
ating that the positions assumed real comical
;
one
got so deeply interested in
it
by vis-
that
he dropped his eye-glasses, lead -pencil, pocket knife, match-safe, in fact, all the contents of his pockets, including
some small change, right among the Crab, Fish and Sand-dollars. This second haul duplicated many we had already found in the
things first.
In addition
it
adult Skates, about
contained several fifteen
inches in
were deposited in the dishes on the containing fresh sea water, where they soon got over their scare, and where their motions could be watched. The Commissioner and Dr. Patten tables,
were now much besieged men half a dozen questions were jiut to them at once, and every one of tliem was answered in a most satisfactory manner. Dr. P. cut the horny shells of the Skate eggs open and separated the embryos from the yolk and the albumen, describing, while he was doing this in a dish ;
of clear water, the different parts. little
The
Skates were in different stages of
develojiment, from one to two inches in length;
all
Wandering of the Left Eye of Young Flounder. (After Benecke.)
however were far enough de-
veloped to show the characteristic shape Being highly inter-
length, a Sculpin, several Tautog, small
specimens, the doctor prepared
some colonies of Hydromedusfe and Anthozoa and two species of marine worms. The third haul brought among some Sea urchins and other specimens some full grown Flounders and also several
of their parents.
esting
them
at once in fluid,
to be used as
museum specimens. By this time
the re-
fuse of the dredge having been shoveled
overboard, the trawl appeared again in
was promptly heap of ''wonders of the deep" was soon surrounded by us all, each searching, feelfront of the port.
hauled in
and
the
It
second
ing or scratching in the pile as if it contained precious stones. Such little things as being pinched in the finger by
Pipefish, a different species of Spidercrab,
young
of these interesting fish, the lat-
from one to two but No. 1 of the different stages of the wandering of one of their eyes, as rej)resented in our drawing. The young flounders swim in ter
ranging in
inches,
sizes
showing
all
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER,
134
their first infancy until their skeletons
are perfected, in
same
position as other
with their backs up. After that they swim leaning towards their fishes do,
left side until this is finally
be their under side.
During
formed
to
this period
the left eye, not being used, leaves
its
1894.
house wharf again at 7.30 P. M. one could see by the countenances of
and
all
when we left board, that United States Fish Commissioner McDonald and Captain Pratt had succeeded in making this day a the hearty hand-shaking
memorable one
to all the participants.
socket and, gradually crossing over the yet soft skull, settles permanently
the right or upper side of the
fish.
on
HYACINTH CULTURE
The
IN
PIOLLAND.
lower side not being exposed to light
remains colorless or white, while the
We
advise everybody, who, sooner or
upper side takes the protective color of the surrounding bottom in which the These young specimens fish burrows. being, as is shown, of especial value, were also preserved by Dr. P. for fur-
later,
intend visiting Europe, not to
ther use.
fulness to the landscape,
The captain now ordered the engine of the "Fish Hawk" to go ahead for
different
minutes and then a fourth dredge was made. When this came aboard it contained besides many shell fish two
degree from their next neighbors, the
five
omit Holland, which neat
mills, its
a very inter-
is
With
esting country.
many wind-
its
roofed houses and
tile
beautiful cattle that impart such peace-
The
rope.
it
entirely
is
from any other part
of
Eu-
people, too, differ to such a
Germans and the
rocks, the latter covered with interest
Belgians, that one an ocean was between them. In Holland everybody seems to cultivate plants and flowers. One can-
ing low forms of marine
not pass a house, in city or country,
species of sponge
and two or three huge
life. These had torn the net to such an extent that no further dredges could be made. The ''Fish Hawk" was turned homeward, the trawling apparatus taken down again, and we all had our hands full to care for those specimens which we had selected to
stones, however,
think
could
without seeing well cared for flowering or foliage plants in people's windows.
They
are generally
specimens
made
signed jardiniers or of real bronze.
each other
The anemones which Dr.
other in
had under
as
i^orcelain
single
pots
(Delft) or in groups in artistically de-
take along for our individual collections. P.
grown
fancy
in
— one
of
same material seem to rival
Peoj^le
is
trying to surpass the
window gardening.
Window
had opened out beautifully, and after having been admired by all of
panes as bright as crystal, lace curtains
they were successfully preserved in
these are plants in beautiful jardiniers,
his care
us,
this
expanded position by the doctor
for further use.
We
agreed that this trip on board United States Fish Commission steamer " Fish Hawk " constituted one of the most pleasant and interesting excursions we ever made, and when we had arrived at the United States lig-ht-
of the
all
of an
this
when a
exquisite
is
the
window one sees through the streets of
typical
strolling
town or
pattern, and between
city in Holland.
Holland, and especially Haarlem,
is
famous for growing the best hyacinth and tulip bulbs. For miles around this city the almost exclusive business
of the people
is
to
grow flower bulbs for
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER, export, and in April,
when
the hyacinths
135
1894.
above the water
level,
he can under-
to represent
meant by the phrase The Lord has created the world, but Holland was made by the Dutch." The soil in which the bulbs are grown
imaginable color.
in, is for
and
tulips are in bloom, the surround-
ing country, looks as
if
when
seen from a distance,
the ground had been painted
immense mosaics of every The odor from these fields at that season, especially when there is no wind blowing, is simply beyond description. Why the Dutch excel any other nation in growing flower bulbs, hyacinth
A bulbs especially,
when we
and
is
:
'*'
the most part sand, the so-called dune sand, heavily fertilized with cow manure. The color of it differs; in some sections
it is
white or yellow^ in others This is of great im-
brown or gray. portance, as
it
enables the culturist to
Scene in Holland.
understood cli-
but by no and faculty account anything and everysoil,
least, their
to turn to
easily
consider their favorable
mate, their
means
is
stand what
last,
tenacity
When one sees in Holland the thing. peasants, standing in their boats and dredging with a dip-net (not much more than twelve inches in diameter, and fastened to a long pole), the mud
from the bottom of the ditch that surrounds his land, for the purpose of fertilizing the soil and to keep it raised
grow the bulbs following season.
in
different soil each
The land
lies slightly-
even below the level of the sea, and is protected by dykes it was formerly sea bottom and still contains a certain percentage of above, in
some
cases
;
sea- salts.
In preparing the soil for bulb plantit is spaded up during the winter three to five feet deep, bringing the ing
bottom
soil
to
the surface and vice
In the early spring this soil is enriched with cow manure and vege-
versa.
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER,
136
The
Kqukriutv^.
A Quarterly 50
with a knife into six to eight at a later season,
Magazine.
Single Copies, 25
a Year.
cts.
1894.
cts. Eacii.
when
perfectly dry, by cutting out (scooping)
After such
the entire base of the bulb.
Sample Copies Tree.
fields, or,
the bulbs are
proceedings the bulbs are exj)osed to Advertising Rates on Application.
HUGO MULERTT,
draught and sunshine in order to heal
R. S. A., Editor and Publisher, Brooklyn, N. Y. 173 Nostrand Av., F.
I.
tables, potatoes, etc., are cultivated in
during the summer. These having been harvested, the soil is dug up it
and about
about fifteen inches deep,
the latter part of August the hyacinth
bulbs are planted in
age
their
and
According to
it.
up
their
wounds quickly. By the first young bulblets are
process two or three
produced in each section (at the average twenty to one bulb), and these will be of a marketable size about four
When
years later.
followed, to
more
each bulb)
the other process
(about
but
is
one hundred
smaller
ones are
secured, requiring from four to eight
they are planted
size
deeper or shallower, each size or age, and,
of
course,
also
each variety,
By
planted in separate beds.
is
the be-
ginning of frost these beds are covered (mulched) with bullrubhes, reeds, etc., to protect them, and in the early
when
sj)ring, is
over,
again. all
danger of heavy frosts mulching is taken off
all
this
About the middle
of April sees
The famous
the bulbs in bloom.
mosaics mentioned above may then be seen. After the flowers have reached perfection, they are cut off to floral
A Dutch
Hyacinth Bulb Cut Open.
relieve the plant for the benefit of the
years
These flowers are spread over the other beds and spaded under in
salable.
requires extraordinary perseverance and
order to return to the
frugal habits in order to
bulb.
dients which they after
soil
the ingre-
had taken from
it,
which potatoes are planted which,
in addition to yielding a crop, prevent
the wind from blowing away the
soil.
of
cultivation
One can
before
they are
see by this that
it
make bulb
growing a profitable business.
New
varieties of hyacinths or tulips
are produced by artificial fertilization of the flowers.
The
process of growing
The plants having been thus relieved soon make stronger growth and the
bulbs from seed
bulbs become larger and
ducing a new and desirable colored or shaped flower, it takes half a lifetime to propagate a stock of it.
pact.
About
the
end of
more comJune the
bulbs are taken up from the ground, the strongest of the oldest are now selected for propagation, at this season,
which
is
done,
by dividing the bottom
of the bulb by three or four deep cuts
cess
;
after
is
a
still
slower pro-
one has succeeded in pro-
After being lifted from their beds in June and July, the bulbs are buried once more in loose soil to kill their roots and to close or ripen the bulb.
:
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER, This process is generally completed in about two weeks, the bulbs are now taken to the drying houses, where the
combined action of sunshine and draught make them ready for the market. Packed in buckwheat shells they are shipped, mostly via Rotterdam, to every part of the civilized world.
how
large
the annual
Just
crop of flower
137
1894.
which will be in weeks according to the variety, place them where they will get a moderate light and as soon as the plants assume a healthy green color remove to the lightest possible situation in the window, where they can have an abundance of fresh air in moderate weather. The water should be changed ately filled with roots,
from three
to six
;
bulbs
is
that Holland grows and ex-
on them
ports,
we
are unable to state, but
small piece of charcoal or a pinch of
it
is
fabulously large.
will
salt
once in three weeks; a
at least
assist
keeping the water
in
sweet.
WINDOW CULTURE From
OF THE HYACINTH.
the foregoing description of
Hyacinth in the nurseries of Holland, one is in-
the
cultivation
clined
to
these
of
house
and
of
the
think that the cultivation beautiful
flowers
the
in
connected with similar work
is
but this
trouble,
contrary;
is
just
the
to
Dutch have done They supply us the
the
all
the work for us.
bulbs ready for blooming (see illustraAll that
tion).
we have
to do
is
to
The
culture in moss or sand
pots,
These are
used.
damp moss
or sand, or both, and
the t速p of this the bulbs are
now and
then,
a recreation, watch their
development and enjoy their brilliant colors and rich odor while blooming on our window sills, just at a season of the year when flowers are most welcome to see.
By observing
the following rules in
their care, success in their culture
is
set on this surface as many bulbs you choose, as long as you don't crowd them too much and can arrange
that each of them touches with its bottom the moss or sand. Cover them
full
moss,
fill
the vessel
with water and set
a cool, dark place, treating
rected for those in water.
water and picking
it
in
them as diChange of
decaying scales After
off
are not necessary in this case.
the flower spikes begin to show, the
bulbs should not lack water, and an occasional sprinkling with water over-
The very beneficial to them. Hyacinths are the most satisfacin fact, they tory for house culture are also the prettiest. The bulbs should not be planted later than November. head
is
single
;
secured Fill the glasses with water from the hydrant, or where you can't have this take rain water place the bulbs so that ;
they barely touch it, and set them in a Excool, dark, dry cellar or closet.
amine them
occasionally,
and remove
gently any scales that may be decaying, but be careful not to injure the young roots.
on
You
may
diniers intended for their culture, give
is
set.
as
about half
really
within about
filled to
three inches of their upper edge with
loosely with nice
a passing care
easier
this
plant them in the glasses, bowls or jar-
them which
is
mode of culture fancy jardiniers or window boxes are For
yet.
When
the glasses are moder-
FERNS. {Continued from
last
Nicmber.)
Now comes the question to decide, what kind of soil to use. Much has been said about mixtures of peat and various other kinds of soil, but we need
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER,
138
1894.
not trouble ourselves about any of these;
shrink from the sides of the pot, leav-
the simplest, most easily obtained and
ing a space through which the water
ordinary leaf mould from the
best, is
woods, mixed with a
any fern these
fill
little
will flourish. little
sand
;
in this
When the plants
pots with roots they must
be shifted to others only one size larger,
grown
and
so
men
occupies a pot proportionate to
on until the
The mistake
size.
beginners
full
generally
speciits
made by
to use pots too large for
is
the plants.
When
particularly
such a
the roots of a plant,
moisture
loving
plant as a fern, are confined, they must
will
run out the next time you give a
supply, and the fern will droop and
Nor
soon perish from drought.
do to
set
them
in saucers of
will it
water, for
that will sour the earth, rot the roots
and
kill
the plants just as surely as
Ferns are very impatient of Set the j^o^s on a moderately thick layer of sand or moss, which can be kept wet to compensate drought.
standing water.
for
the waste
from the
caused
by evaporation and also to
sides of the pots,
supjjly moisture to the air of the apart-
A
ment.
dry atmosphere
is
just as det-
rimental to the growth of ferns as a dry
A
soil. is
very pretty and efficient way
to procure a
wooden box
as
wide and
long as your table, and deep enough to hide the pots.
The ends and
sides
may
be painted or otherwise ornamented to
your taste. In this box fit a zinc pan about an inch deep, and fill it with sand upon the sand j^lace a layer of moss thick enough to raise the bottoms of the pots above the rim of the pan. When the pots are placed upon this moss, if you happen to give too much water it cannot drown the plants, because it will run over in the pan and suit
;
Seedling op Maiden's Hair Fern. (P. P.) The primordial scale (W. h.) roots plant. Thirty times enlarged. (After I. Sachs.) ;
fill
;
(b)
the pot and permeate the whole ball
of earth, otherwise there
is
danger of
becoming sour, causing the roots to rot, and the plant to languish and die. The size of the pot must be the
soil
in proportion to that of the plant.
Now
place
where they
the pots in a position
can be drained into a vessel beneath, to protect your carpet. If the evaporation from the moss and sand does not fur-
nish sufficient moisture to the air of the room, to keep the plants in a fresh and vigorous state, some means must be adopted to increase it. If you have a
have an abundance of and keep them in a uniform state of moisture. But how can this be done, you ask. If you set them on a table and water them, no matter how thoroughly, evaporation
stove,
will
light but no direct sunshine,
keep a vessel of water on
it; if
a
furnace or open grate, a shallow dish of
wet moss or sponges placed under the will answer the purpose.
fern stand
goes on, not only from the surface of soil, but also from the sides of the
This
the
warm weather comes your
porous pots, and in a few hours the ball of earth will dry out, and
more of the outside air, the Avindows must be opened more or less, and later
little
is
the winter treatment.
When the
plants Avant
;;
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER, some
of the
more robust ones
will
do
well altogether out of doors in the shade.
But
if
you put any
ones out,
more
of the
delicate
be in a position where they will be protected from winds and let it
We
beating rains.
them
think
it
best to keep
room where the windows can be closed in case of storms, for the wind in a
breaks the delicate fronds,
the rain
them down, and night prowling
beats
cats are very destructive.
the house
it
is
much
easier to
them against the ravages pers, caterpillars,
Do
mies.
Besides, in
guard
of grasshop-
bugs and other ene-
not sprinkle the fronds every
time you give the plants water, but only
enough to keep them clean and from dust. It would also be a good plan to have a post at each corner of your fern stand, or some other arrangement by which the plants could often
free
be covered with a light sheet while
sweeping and dusting the room.
Now, having given
a sketch of the
139
1894.
mould, in a glass bottle and covered it A short time afterward, as he described it, a speck or two of vegetation appeared on the surface of the mould, and to his surprise turned out
over.
and a grass. His interest he placed the bottle in a favorable situation and found that the plants continued to grow and mainto be a fern
was awakened
;
tain a healthy appearance.
"The
use of the
first
Wardian case
was to preserve plants for the scientist for a short time in good condition. It was very good for that purpose. But when it comes to practical use for the amateur who wishes to see the various ferns and ornamental foliaged plants put forth their beautiful leaves, it is a failure. He will do well if he preserves the old leaves the plants already
have when introduced into the case the new growth will be slender and sickly looking. But even .supposing the plants are in a fair condition, they
general culture of ferns in the house,
are concealed
we
shade, like goldfish in a globe of
treatment
will defer the particular
we come recommend
applicable to individuals until to describe the varieties that
themselves to our care.
under the sweating glass
muddy
but half the pleasure of growing plants when one cannot work around them, pick away a leaf here water.
It is
and there, and train them in a desired
{To he contiuKed.)
All this
direction.
is
prevented when
yourjilants are in a closed case, whether
A PRACTICAL FERNERY. For
the benefit of lovers of ferns
it is
we
reprint the following article written by
American Gardening "Those who have had experience with the glass shade fernery or Warus for
:
dian case, have found that they give
very
little
or no satisfaction.
The
his-
tory of the \^'ardian case dates back to
name
when a gentleman by the Ward, of London, first noticed,
1829, of
cidentally,
ac-
the growth of vegetation He had placed glass.
under a closed
the chrysalis of an insect, with some
round or square.
" In constructing a practical fern case we were guided by the following points tions,
:
—
1.
Plants,
with
few
excep-
must be protected against sud-
den changes of temperature, draught, 2. dust and too dry an atmosphere. air fresh supplied with must They be a suitable temperature, moisture both to their roots
and
and over their
foliage,
light.
"All these points are obtained in our case,
which
"An
is
constructed as follows
oblong wooden frame or box
:
is
-
THE AQUAEIUM, OCTOBER,
140
lined with a zinc pan three inches deep; in this a hole
This
is
is
the base.
punched
for drainage.
The top
of the case
consists of a similar but lighter
frame
;
pane of glass is loosely fitted. These two frames are connected at the inside corners by four uprights made of galvanized sheet-iron, bent at right angle, one inch wide and twelve or more inches high. The four panes of glass that form the ends and fronts of in this a
the case are set against the uprights,
1894.
wooden balls, from the table. This simple structure, Avhich any person can put together, furnishes all the necessary protection most plants need. "In arranging such a fernery even landscape gardening can be indulged in. A little lake can be formed by means of a shallow bowl, over which a Rocklittle rustic bridge can be built. work can be formed with pieces of tuff stone or other porous rock, and to case
is
raised by four 2 in.
which serve
as
legs,
^ilC^L./i-p^" -fERNfRYleaving these inside.
Resting on the
liven
up the
scenery, a
little
turtle,
base and loosely fitting against the top
spotted newts, or one or
frame, they are held in place by small
manders may be introduced. " The management of such a fernery Through the is pleasant and simple. sliding doors you are able to sprinkle the plants when they need it, to pick
quarter-round wooden strips nailed to the top and bottom frames to form grooves.
These
strips,
however, should
not meet at the corners, in order to enable one to use any of the four panes of glass as a sliding door. in the top
The
glass
frame remains loose and ad-
more
sala-
out imperfect leaves, or to place cut flowers, that you think much of, in the small lake for longer preservation."
justable for ventilation.
''To secure a certain amount of bottom heat for the plants, the entire
Did you pay your subscription
The Aquarium
?
to
— :
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER,
WHY THE LATE GERMAN PEROR, WILLIAM
Max
Borne was one
V. d.
successful
fishculturists
We read so often about tlie royal, even the imperial flower of Prussia, and in every instance we find that the cause,
Especially in
why
fishes of
just
this
common
field flower is
by the Germans, is not known, or at any rate no mention is made of it. Here is how it all happened so celebrated
In the year 1807,
when Queen Louise
of Prussia, with her children,
had
left
which was then in the possesNapoleon I., to accept an asylum that a country gentleman m the vicinity of Danzig had offered her, a broken axle of her wagon caused a delay of a couple of hours. While the wagon was being dragged empty to the next village for repairs, the Queen sat on a log awaiting its return. The two princes, Fritz and Wilhelm, soon got tired of sitting 'round, they went to gather wild flowers by the roadside and in the near by fields. They brought them by thearmBerlin,
sion of
fuls to their mother. of these
flowers were
The greater
part
the blue corn-
flower {Centaurea cyanus coelestina) so
frequently seen in the wheat and rye fields of
Of these the Queen wreaths to amuse her chil-
Germany.
made
little
dren.
When the first one was finished she
put it on the head of the younger, Wilhelm, who then had a beautiful head of blonde hair. The effect was so charming and pleased her so much that she smilingly embraced and kissed him and for the first time since Prussia's great misfortune, the young princes saw their
mother happy once more.
Blue cornflowers, wherever seen after this, naturally reminded Wilhelm, the revenger of his family and liberator of Germany, always of his beloved mother who departed this life three years after the above occurrence, to live forever in the
memory
of her grateful people.
141
MAX VON DEM BORNE.
EM-
LOVED THE CORNFLOWER. I,,
1894.
American
the
fishes
Besides
cess.
fornia
most
Eurojie.
acclimatization
of
he had marked sucthe favored carp-like
Germany, he bred the CaliRainbow Trout, the small and
large-mouthed Blackbass, bass,
of the
of
Strawberry-bass,
The
Catfish.
Rockand these he
the
Sunfish
breeders for
ail
imported himself from this country. He was born on his father's estate, Berneuchen, Prussia, sixty-eight years After graduating from college ago. he selected mining for his profession.
He
traveled considerably and
practically for
some time,
worked which the Uni-
after
he studied for three years at Berlin and Bonn. versities of He filled several important positions in the Department of Mining in Prussia, but finally resigned to look after the large
estate of his father, the soil of
which
being excellently adapted for the manufacture of fancy building bricks, for
which Berlin was a good market, he turned his attention towards this industry and erected a large establish-
The
pits out of
which the clay
had been dug he formed
into fish-ponds,
ment.
utilizing
the water of a small river
that runs through his estate. visit to his
At our
establishment, three years
had twenty-five ponds and three and owned a fish-hatchery of which any State of the Union would be proud of. Space does not admit to give a detailed description of his establishment, which ago, he
lakes under cultivation,
has a world's reputation. lin International
At the Ber-
Fishery Exposition,
1880, he received the third or's prize,"
and
at the
"Emper-
London Fishery
Exposition, 1893, he was the Imperial
German Commissioner. Emperor Fred-
—
"
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER,
142 eric III.
made him Lord Chamberlain,
After answering numerous questions
about a year as President
satisfactorily Patrick secured the posi-
a very high distinction of
;
nominated
ago he was
German Fishery
the
Society,
but
declined the honor owing to his age. Traveling a great deal all over Eu-
rope in the interest of fish culture, he much knowledge, and this,
collected
together with his
own experience
died
in
the
On
harness.
the
evening of June 13 he came from his ponds not feeling well, and the next morning, June 14, he had ended his His son, who succeeds useful life. him, gives promise that he will carry
on the establishment
in the spirit of
his father.
"WHERE
SNAILS ABOUND."
The article under above heading in number of The Aquarium is from
last
the pen of Mr. Ernst .Ingersoll. It had been sent to us without the author's
name being
attached.
Having
tion.
mind
the comj^etition
and wishing Patrick she said
" Phat's that," cried Pat, in astonish-
"
ment.
Me
bed in the yard, is it ? I slape in the yard for
Divvil a bit will
annybody
!
—
Fish Swim. A recent writer an excellent illustration which makes it very obvious how fish swim. Every one who has been to the seaside must have noticed fishing boats propelled not by a pair of oars, but by a single one, projecting from the stern.
How
gives
The way
it
acts
is
thus
The
:
placed immediately over the keel.
blade it
is
A
young woman
living on
Brooklyn
who is a great lover of employs a number of servants, Heights,
flowers,
whom
she allots a small plot of ground
of
to each
in the back yard to be used for a flower
Each one of them must attend own plot and arrange the flowers according to their own judgment. As
•bed.
their
an incentive she
offers a
couple of cash
prizes for the best kept plots.
She had occasion to advertise for a the other day to do chores about the house, and among the many apj^licants for the situation was a lately landed son of the Emerald Isle, named
man
Patrick.
oar
is
The
then placed in such a way that through the water
shall pass edgewise
as the handle
moved toward the side Then, when the oar has
is
taken a sufficient sweep,
TION.
to
in the yard."
it
so that the blade shall pass
OBJECTED TO HIS BED'S LOCA-
to
him, " Now, Patrick, James will tell you what to do, and will show you your bed
enter the contest,
of the boat.
Ed.
in
for the prizes,
in
that line, he embodied in his various works on Fish and Fish Culture.
He
1894.
is
turned,
through the
water, as in ordinary rowing, while the oar is brought back to its original posiIt is then made to pass edgewise tion. through the water, on the other side of the boat, and so on. Now those strokes which are made as the handle moves from the middle to the sides tend to give a backward motion to the boat, while the other gives it a forward. But as the oar meets with much more resistance in the latter case than in the All former, the motion is progressive. this is exactly what takes place in the swimming of a fish. The spines of a fish tail are movable, and are capable of being brought into such a position that the fin shall meet with less resistance from the water while the tail is
being
bent
than
when
it
is
being
straightened, and it is when the tail is being straightened that the fish is propelled.
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBEE,
9rift
14H
1894.
He was a great having traveled in Africa and Siberia. He is the. author of "Brehm's Thierleben," which excellent work on natural history is no doubt known to manj- of our readers. of the Berlin Acjuarium.
^^eod.
traveler,
The Biological Station at Milwaukee, for the study of the fresh--nater fauna and flora of the lakes, is doing good work.
—
The Berlin Aquakiitm. Of the various public aquariums that we had occasion to see this summer, the one in Berlin stands at the head. It holds up its old reputation.
?r^
Queries.
The arrangements of the "interiors" of the tanks, fresh water as well as marine, are simply beautiful they reveal that the ;
men in
charge of this work are artists who have studied Nature in all its details.
The animals were, without exception, in perfect health, and consequently it was a and manners. Of the rarer inhabitants we noticed good
treat to observe their waj-s
sized specimens of Devilfish (Octopus vulgaris) from the Mediterranean, and hatch-
:
ing Sharks' eggs. Seahorses were quartered in one of the beautiful Sea-ane. mones tanks (for which this aquarium has been famous for the last twenty -five years), giving motion to the surroundings of these flower-like animals. The Climbing Perch (Anabas scandens), and Cattish (Saccrobranchus fossilis), both of East India, the Mailed Catfish and several other curious new fish, not yet named, from South Ame-
were among the attractions of the fresh water section. Among the amphibious collection we saw the Lettered Toad (Ceratophrys ornata) of South America,
rica,
a beautiful animal (if it is allowable to call a toad beautiful), of the size of a man's fist.
;
.
—
'
MoNtTMENTS TO Natuealists. At the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Berlin Zoological Gardens, which occurred last August, a beautiful monument in memory of the late Dr. Heinrieh Bodinus was unveiled. Dr. Bodinus reorganized and
establishment and vinder his :able directorship gained for it a world's
remodeled
tliis
reputation.
On September 23d a monument to the two Brehms (father and son) will be unvailed in Altenburg,
the
capital
of
the
country of which they were natives. The father, Eev. Dr. Christ. Ludw. Brehm, was .a
famous German
naturalist,
and
his son,
A. E. Brehm, Director of the Zoological •Gardens in Hamburg and the first Director
For the small sum of fifty cents in advance, which pay's for a year's subscription to The Aquarium, your are entitled to ask information on any point regarding the aquarium or the window garden. offer no other premium to our subscribers than that of putting our 25 years of practical experience in these branches at their disposal.
We
Ask
as
many
questions as you please, but
please to enclose postage for reply. All questions are answered by mail, and we pi;blish
only such in these columns as are of general interest.
With to
new subscription But although the sub-
this ifsue begins a
The Aquarium.
is payable in advance, this never pressed we know that such little matters are occasionally neglected, sometimes because no mailable change is at hand, at other times because business of greater importance interferes. A dollar
scription price
rule
is
bill will is easily
;
pay for two years' subscription it mailable, and will encourage the ;
editor greatly to
make you
a
still
more
interesting paper.
—
Mrs. R. B., La. A good case for mailing aquatic plants is an empty cigar box We mail a great many that way the (50). plants should be wrapped in soft, wet paper first and then packed in damp swamp moss, or where this can not be had, in damp sponges, in the box. The box is then wrapped in strong paper and securely tied with string, but not sealed. In addition to the address the package should be marked "Plants." The postage is one cent for every two ounces. ;
G. L., St. L. fish
in
3-our
—There is no doubt that the basin
were killed by the
THE AQUARIUM, OCTOBER,
144 thunder-storm. While
summer
we were in Germany
In the morning following a heavy thunderstorm all the fish of a mill pond were found floating dead on toi) of the water the frogs, insects and water fowl, however, were not in the least injured. The fish were scooped out and buried without having been examined by an expert. It would have been interesting to know whether their swimming bladders had been bursted by the shock caused by the lightning or whether It they came to death by suftbcation. seems that the latter was the cause, because all the air breathing inhabitants of the pond this
a similar case happened.
the discovery that there exists in nature a between the supply of oxygen created in water with the qiian-
self-adjusting balance tity
;
survived.
Mr.
M., Tenn.
— The sincerest
form
Like many other X. L. fishfood n(jt escape being imitated. The various ingredients contained in it and the process of compounding them is our secret. You admit yourself that our name was not on the box the fact that you bought it in New York does not prove that it was our food. If you can't get it of your dealer in your city, you may order it direct of us. of flattery is imitation.
good things
so did our
I.
;
when exposed air
divided, separating the
young from
their
We
hold a number of letters containing pleasant things that were written
who engaged in goldfish culture guided by our book, "The Goldfish and its Culture." They were successful
by
parties
solely
Mr.
S.
— P.
your
fish are
very hungry
feed them, beside their daily ration of fish week with small pieces of earth worm. Always take care to remove all not consumed food immediately after food, twice a
;
G. To destroy worms in flower pots, take a heaping teaspoonful of powered mustard and let it steep for several hours in a Pour enough of this gallon of cold water. in each pot to wet the ball of earth thoroughly, and you will get rid of the worms
without injury to the plants.
—P.
A
good paint to keep the bot. aquarium from rusting is our aquarium cement thinned with boiled lin-
torn of yoiir
seed is to
—
Miss H.,
Ala. It is absolutely necessary have tadpoles in an aquarium if you wish to be successful. If the water in your tank turns green soon after being put in,
to
it
indicates that
gets too
it
much
oil. The best plan after all, however,^ cover the bottom with glass.
W. The successful treatment of aquatic plants and animals, in the confined space of a glass aquarium, depends entirely upon
light.
with a screen. When filling an aquarium, a pinch of table salt shoiild always be added to about every
You should shade
it
three gallons of the water.
Books
I^eceiyed.
The Lake and Brook Lamprey of New York, those of Cayuga and Seneca Keprinted lakes, by Simon Gage, B. S. from the Wilder Quarter-Century Book. Ithaca, N. Y. especially
Fungi Affecting Fishes, by Samuel Lockwood, Ph.D. Freehold, N. J. Crustaces des eaux doness et
et
la Belgique et Poisson Etrangere y introduits on dont Facclimation serait desirable. Chromo-lithographies d'apprts les Aquarelles de M. Paul Del-
her.
de
Bruxelles, 18)4.
Missouri Botanical Garden, Fifth
meal time. Ch.
in water,"
to the action of light, emit an
which he announces as oxygen gas and keystone of the aquarium.
saiimatrers
If
"immersed
this idea is the
Poissons
beyond expectations.
Ingenhauss
coiirse of his essay,
states that plants
Mk. E., Iowa. — A small pond, say four by eight feet, is sufficiently large to
parents.
consumed by aquatic animals.
In the
feet
begin goldfish raising. You can easily add more ponds if you find sale for your stock. A pond of such size can be sub-
1894.
Eeport, 1894.
St. Louis,
Annual
Mo.
Annual Report of the Board of Eegents of the Smithsonian Institution to July, 18i)2. Bible,
Zahm,
Science
and Faith, by Eev.
J.
A.
C, Professor of Phj'sics in the University of Notre Dame, Ind., etc., 13 mo, cloth, $1.25, Murphy & Co., publishers,
C. S.
Baltimore, Md.
NEW STYLE OF AQUARIUM.
NE5n£
PUBLICATION.
The Amateur By 16mo. An.
Aquarist.
MARK SAMUEL. Cloth.
Illustrated, $1.00.
American Aquariutn book indispensable to everyone who wiahcs to start an Aquarium, or who already has one.
Complete Instructions for making a New Self-Sustainin? Aquarium, Requiring Change of Water but Once a Year. No.
How to find suitable water-plants and fishes. When to find suitable waterplants and fishes. Where to find suitable water-plants and fishes. Over Fifty New Illustrations from Life, by which to identify the specimens.
35.
ALL ONE PIECE OP OLEAE GLASS.
Just the book to take on country rambles in Summer. Just the book to have when fishing in fresh water. Just the book to use at home in winter. How to breed fishes in an Aquarium, and successfully raise the " babies."
Published in sensible pocUet edition, and bound in " soakable
"
cloth.
SPKCIAL TERMS TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. postpaid, on receipt of the price,
Sent,
by
KQUKRIST, 10 East Sixteenth Street,
•
Between Broadway and Fifth Avenue,
GAMELAND
BeliaMe Flower BiHs FOR FALL PLANTING.
The Angler's Journal and Sports man- Naturalist's illustrated Magazine of
HYACINTHS, TULIPS,
FISHING AND SHOOTING.
NARCISSUS, CROCUS,
Reveals virgin woods and waters, and tells of hundreds of places to fish and shoot. It is brimful of practical and authentic matter on woodcraft, landscape and camp-life, and is read by 4(1,000 bright people. Yearly, $1.00, with THEA<juARiUM,tl.25; three trial numbers. 2.5 cents. No free copies. Address
LILIES, AMARYLLIS, OUR OWN IMPORTATION. Especially
selected
sorts
School Rooms, Sitting
Send for Price
for cultivation
Rooms and
YOIR^C.
2SriE"^A7"
in
:
Offices,
List.
HUGO MULERTT, 173 Xostrand Avenue,
BROOKLTX,
1267 Broadway^
y. T.
NEW
^d^. For coiieoes, scnoois ood
TOUK,
mm
use,
MINERALS, ROCKS, FOSSILS AND SHELLS, Arrange<l into systematic collections, special series, also in single
specimens at rea-
sonable prices.
13
FRED'K BRAUN, 17 CROSBY STREET,
and
New
3l7
THE MICROSCOPE,
AN ILLUSTRATED MONTHLY
• -. FlSM AMD OYSTfcR CuLTURfe. BRpAOWi^y FR.esM una SALT wATfcR *n<iui<i.BeATif\6.erc^
NEW
YORK.
jF'or
(Established 1884.)
The only publication in America exclusively devoted to everything pertaining toFlSH»n<lFISIirSG. A valuable medium for the advertiser. Tryitl
Subscription price $2.00 per year, post paid. SEND FOR SAMPLE COPY.
Q. E.
JENNINGS,
York. N. Y.
One Dollar per Year.
By means
of pictures of Microscopic Oband by fwpular descriptions of our work, we aim to interest everj-body in the minute things of nature and art.
jects,
MICE08C0PICAL PDBLI8HIKG PUBLISHER.
WASHINGTON,
D. C.
CO.,
NO STORE.
ESTABLISHED 25 YEARS.
HUGO MULERTT, IMPORTER AND DEALER IN
Aquarium
Novelties for the 173 N08TRAND Grower
of tiioh-grade flquarium Plants.
and Mulertt's
BROOKLYN,
AV.,
N.
Sole Manufacturer of the favored
WATER-PROOF CEMENT. Send
Y. I
XL.
FOOD
FlStt
for Price List.
MQLERTT'S HEW MOOSCOPICAL AQOABIOM Made
for laboratory
especially
sions, 4 inches high. 5^ inches long,
inside measures). quantities.
Thise
DIRT,
and
up as
the thing
for
special interest.
SUPERIOR PREPARED
FOOD MOCKIHG-BIRD —
MCALLISTER'S,
— FOR
kcarefully selected best quality of canary, German rape, and imported millet seeds, and is j/nt up fresh in one-pound boxes.
This seed
be fitted
MOTES,
ASK YOUR GROCER OR DRUGGIST FOR .?.
of
(All
MCALLISTER'S
YOU WANT BIED SEED FREED FROM
GRAVEL
to
aquarium and are just
to observe objects
also
Dimen-
discount if ofdered in
Cash with order. aquariums are large enough
SIFTED BIRD SEED. IF
A
little
amateur
it.
it
and if inches wide.
Price, $ I. OO each.
a regular self-sustaining the
making
Solid base, no danger of upsetting
useful for optics.
Made
Plain, neat, durable.
use.
of metal and the very best of glass, this feature
is
Mocking-birds, Tliruslies, Blackbirds, Robins, Niglitingales, Skylarks,
Birds which can sing and won't sing, are
made
to sing with
+
Stieppard's Song
KND
KI-U SOPT-Blt-U BIRDS.
+
This preparation is the purest, healthiest, and cheapest bird food known, its ingredients approximating closely to the food of birds in their natural state and its use in all cases causes a marked improvement in their song and appearance.
Restoier, OR A TREAT.
Also an Invigorating Tonic for Canary lilrrts Ooldflnches, linnets and all Seed liirds.
;
This preparation will in every case restore to the ir natural notes birds who have lost their song from the effects of cold or excessive moulting. For breeding Birds and their young, and old Birds it is invaluable, strengthening their voice and improving their plumage. A.lso valuable for Turning Jfirds.
SHEPPARD'S GENUINE PREPARED FISH FOOD.
A
perfectly pure
article,— specially prepared for etc. kept in aquaria or globes.
feeding Gold Fish,
,
FOR SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS AND AT ALL BIRD STORES.
E. 3is/IoA.LLISTEK;, — FLOV/ER AND GARDEN SEED, ETC., IP.
•
22
DEY STREET,
DEAI.ER IN
-
Electrotypes of Fish, Aquatic Plants, Etc., For Sale,
-
NE"W YORK. ENGRAVINGS MADE TO ORDER,
AT REASONABLE RATES.
Address,
THE AQUARIUM.