The student's aquarium (marine and fresh water) : how to make and manage

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HOW MO MAKE AND MANAGE. | :

WITH

CATALOGUE OF CURIOSITIES, &c., &c.

BY

5. JACOB, NATURALIST,

Late of Great New York Aquarium, &c., &c.

ES WWE Tig IK a Baars i

MARSHALL, PRINTER,

1886, ee 186137

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Student’s - Aquarium:
(MARINE AND FRESH WATER.)

HOW TO MAKE AND MANAGE.

BY
S. JACOB, NATURALIST,

Late of Great New York Aquarium, &c., &c.

Price, 25 Cents.

NEWPORT, R. I.,
F. W. MARSHALL, PRINTER,

1886,

S. JACOB, Naturalist,
[ Late of the N. Y. Aquarium, and Eastbourne, Sussex, England, &c., &c. |

IMPORTER OF AND DEALER IN

Sea Shells,———_- Marine Curiosities,

Minerals, Eggs,
Bird and Animal Skins,
Antique Furniture, Delft and China Ware, Paintings,

—-—Engravings,

Silver and Brass,

Bric-a-Brac,

BELLEVUE AVENUE, Newport, R. I., U. S. A.

CATALOGUE. 2

——————

NOC E.

aes FOLLOWING are some of my specialties, which I
forward by freight, express or mail, on receipt of price.

A great many articles that I handle cannot be obtained else-
where in the United States. Please remember, if you have any
cause for complaint in goods that I forward you, the article
can be returned and your money refunded. No allowance
made for damage unless the article is returned, when either the
money will be refunded or a new one sent,—except in case of
live stock for Aquarial purposes, when the can must be re-
turned at once and claim made same day and we will try it
again. Be sure when ordering to give your name, address,
county and State in full, and please have it plainly written, so
that no mistakes may occur. In sums under $1 you may send
r and 2 cent stamps ; over that amount, postal notes and post-
office money orders. |

Correspondence solicited with colleges and institutions
desiring specimens in any branch of Natural History. I have
correspondence with Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and
every State in the United States, so that if I do not have what
you want, I can put you in correspondence with those who can
get it. All correspondents in the United States requiring an
answer must enclose stamp ; foreign correspondents may suit
themselves, although their stamps will be fully appreciated.

My store is situated on Bellevue Avenue, Newport, and
parties visiting the Queen of American Watering Places, inter-
ested in any branch of Natural History, are invited to make it
their headquarters, and they will find that I havea stock which
is in a very small way described in this little book.

All packages sent to me by freight, express or mail, must
be prepaid or I cannot accept them, unless otherwise agreed.

I shall be pleased to furnish references to anyone who may
desire them.

Address all communications to
S. JACOB, Naturalist,
Newport, R. I., U. S. A.

eee ee,

SS

4 CATALOGUE,

COLLECTORS “AGENCY.

] MAKE no charge for registering in a book which I keep
for the purpose. Anyone having a collection of anything
pertaining to Natural History will do well to send mea full and
detailed description, and the price; decide on the very lowest
price you will take, so as to avoid useless correspondence.
When a sale is effected through me I charge a commission of
10%. Be sure and state if price mentioned includes cabinets
or not. Ifin cabinet, state size and if possible send drawing.

+ 8 + —-

WHAT I WANT.

AM WILLING to exchange or buy any of the following

articles ; but I want it understood that while I am willing

to pay fair prices, [am a dealer, and as I have to sell again I

cannot pay ‘‘fancy prices’’ for any article wzless it is some-

thing very rare and curious, when I stand ready to pay the
highest price on behalf of Colleges in Europe and America.

Perfect stone implements.

Well identified eggs.

Well preserved skins, skulls and horns.

Antiques of all kinds, especially Colonial buckles set with
paste stones.

Wedgwood medalions (old).

Bes of shells and minerals, and curiosities in gen-

eral,

Se
0,6)

CATALOGUE. 5

OLLEGES, Institutions, &c., supplied at short notice with
the following in their season :—Sharks, Sword-fish, Stur-
geons, Porpoises, Whales, &c., &c.,—delivered alive for aqua-
rial purposes, or on ice for dissection. Also, all varieties of
smaller animal life, marine or fresh-water, visiting or inhabiting
our waters, delivered alive or done up as desired in alcohol.
Special terms on application.

i AM PREPARED on short notice to go to any part of the

United States, and arrange ponds, natural or artificial, for
the breeding and stocking of the different varieties of fish, or
will supply the spawn or fry, as desired. Terms on application.

ENCH SHOWS.—I can go on short notice to any part of

the U. S. and arrange for and take the management of

Bench Shows of horses, dogs, poultry, birds, &c., &c., or to

arrange schedule of classes, &c., as desired. Terms on appli-
cation.

ALT WATER for aquarial or bathing purposes shipped to
any part of the U.S. This branch of my business has
wonderfully increased in the past two years, a great many med-
ical gentlemen living in inland towns having recommended
their patients tepid and cold salt water baths. This water is
obtained about % mile off Newport and I can guarantee its
purity. I ship it in barrels of 10 gallons and casks of 35 gal-
lons, and put in seaweed to prevent stagnation.

OLLECTIONS.— My facilities for the collecting of shells,
minerals, birds, fossils, eggs, &c., &c., are such that I
can guarantee high schools, museums, &c., a saving of at least
25%, and will assume all risk and responsibility. Communica-
tions on this subject should say about how much they expect

_ to expend and I will submit what I can do.

HODE ISLAND FINGER SPONGE.—Cabinet speci-
mens, 25 and 50 cts. each, free by mail.

@
HODE ISLAND EDIBLE BLUE MUSSEL.— One valve
ground and polished showing beautiful color, the other
valve in natural condition; 25 cts., by mail 20 cts.

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6 CATALOGUE.

FURNISH stock enough for a Marine Aquarium for $3.00,
I $1.00 to be refunded on return of the can, making the
actual cost for stock and water, $2.00. I will send you all that
is necessary, but the variety being so large it would be better
for you to mention about what you like, some preferring a col-
lection of shell-fish, others wanting all anemones, &c. Say
about what you want and I will guarantee you satisfaction, hav-
ing the Atlantic Ocean at my front door-step and the Narra-
gansett River at my back door.

fs SEA SHELLS, &c.—For $1.00 I will forward

you by express a collection of American shells, as fol-
lows: 3 varieties Clams, 1 pr. Deep-sea Scollops, 1 pr. Pectan
irradians, 1 pr. Mussels, 1 Natica, 1 small Perriwinkle, I Sea
Urchin, 1 Star Fish, 1 Finger Sponge, and 1 package of assorted
Sea Moss. All these coming from the American shore are
very desirable in helping you fill your cabinet, and if you wish
to make an exchange with a foreign country you will find they
will be appreciated. The price is very low.

ee SCOLLOP (Pectan pleuronectes).—The Amer-

ican Deep-sea Scollop, smooth on both sides, measuring
about 6 inches across. Cabinet specimens, 25 cts. a pair; by
mail, 30 cts.

EA WEEDS.—

“‘ Call us not weeds, we are flowers of the Ocean.’’

Can be prettily arranged on cardboard. 6 or 7 varieties,
well cleaned and dried ; 25 cts., done up in packages, free by
mail. Mounted in R. I. Clamshell, 50 cts., by mail, 60 cts.
I have a few very rare and beautifully mounted specimens of
Algaes from the Pacific Ocean; from 1 to 7 specimens on a
card, $1.00 per card, free by mail.

TAR FISH.—West India Mammoth, from 50 cts. to $2.00
each, by express. Rhode Island, ro cts. each; by mail,
E2CtS;

ae URCHIN.— Rhode Island, 10 cts., by mail 15 cts. Flor-
ida Sea Urchins or Sea Beaver, from 50 cts. to $2.00 each,
by express only.

CATALOGUE. “fe

OSSIL FERNS.—I have about 50 varieties of Fossil Ferns

found in the slate rock on the coast at Newport. Speci-

Mens 25, 50, 75 cts. and $1.00 each. Large specimens showing

numerous varieties, from $1.50 up. By mail, express or freight
according to price.

ORALS.—I will send by express or freight on receipt of
$2.50, a collection of Coral as follows: 1 specimen of
Brain, 1 of Mushroom, 1 of West Indian Branch, 1 East Indian
Branch, 1 East Indian Red Pipe, 1 Naples Branch. Six speci-
mens which cannot be bought elsewhere for 3 times the price.

ee —For $1.00 I will send per express 6 speci-

mens from the coast of Newport showing the peculiar
action of salt water off Iron, Coal, Wood, Shell, &c., &c. This
collection is a decided addition to any cabinet. It will give as
much satisfaction to admirers of Nature as though they cost ten
times the money.

ISCROSCOPY.— Students interested in this beautiful

study should not fail to have one of my 25 ct. pack-

ages of Sea Moss. There is nothing that will give such an end-

less amount of amusement and instruction. I also put up $1.00
collections of oddities for the above study. Free by mail.

TTO OF ROSES.— From Constantinople, put up in ele-

gant bottles; will last a life-time; warranted genuine.

Price $1.00 per bottle, free by mail. Turkish Smoking Caps,
$1.00 each, free by mail.

LOCK ISLAND (R. I.) SWORD-FISH.—Sword by ex-

press only, $1.25 each. This must not be confounded

with the Saw-fish; it has no teeth and the sword measures
from 30 to 4o inches long.

UCKY TOOTH OF COD-FISH.—Three specimens, 25

cts., free by mail. This tooth is considered by the super-

stitious to.bring good luck to those who carry them. They are
found only in the head of the larger fish.

ei Slat aa e

LSS ee

THE STUDENT'S AQUARIUM.

INTRODUCTION.

HE reader of this little treatise on the Aquarium may
want to know How much of itis Theory and How much
Practice? and when IJ reply and say it is all solid, hard

earned experience, they may feel interested enough to know
where | received such experience.

I was brought up from infancy in one of the principal
branches of Natural History: asa boy I collected shells and
operculums for Messrs. Bryce Wright and George Sowerby of
London, England, who were acknowledged to be the greatest
conchologists that England has had; since which I have been
connected more or less with all the Aquariums and Zoological
Institutions in Europe. The two years of 1877-78 I served with
The Great New York Aquarium; in 1880 I was the manager
of one of the most successful exhibitions of dogs, poultry, rab-
bits, pigeons, birds, cats and monkeys held in the South Coast
of England under the patronage of England’s nobility, and at
different periods of my life I have had in charge in some way
or another nearly all the known varieties of animal life, and in
a great many instances have captured them myself or have

THE STUDENT'S AQUARIUM. e)

Ft es Sng ger ae

: taken charge soon after their capture, and have most generally
succeeded in keeping them in good health and condition.
Among the larger varieties I may mention whales, man-eating
| sharks, bottle-nose dolphins, porpoises, sword fish, sun fish, 16
. foot alligators, sea lions, seals, snakes and serpents of all kinds,
elephants, tigers, lions, bears, giraffes, ostriches, chimpanzees,
and smaller varieties of nearly all the known kinds of fish, ani-
mals and birds. In 1879, I put in the lake of August Belmont,
Esq., at Babylon, Long Island, 65,000 young trout. Such is
some part of my experience, and with the experience I have
had aside from the above details, I make claim to the title of
Naturalist. Very respectfully, t

S. JACOB.
Newport, R. I., 1886.

oe AR

THE AQUARIUM.

T has often occurred to me that if people knew how easy it |

| was to manage an Aquarium, Marine or Fresh-water, we {i
should see them in not only every house, as we do birds a

and pet animals, but in schools, colleges, and institutions of
all kinds. I never could see anything in having a globe with
two or three gold-fish, or a tank with an assortment of fish, and
a changing the water every day, or two or three times a week.
It always appeared to me too much like a set picture; certainly
nothing could be learned from it, for nothing has a chance to
germinate in the water used insucha manner. In public aqua-
riums in Europe, where there is a circulation, it will be found
that the water is allowed to flow in and out ofa tank, but that
the water runs into a reservoir, and a continual circulation is

IO THE STUDENT'S AQUARIUM.

kept to and from the reservoir, and the water preserved for the
purpose of what it will germinate. The different varieties of
fungus and parasites that will come into life will, I am sure,
amply repay any one who would take the little trouble neces-
sary, and who has the love of nature at heart.

The starting of an aquarium is really the first and only
trouble that one has to overcome, and then to avoid over-
stocking the tank, and all will be well :—but too much stress
can not be put on the matter of overstocking. It is always the
difficulty that new beginners have,—everything they see they
want to place in the tank, and the result is failure and disgust.

After my twenty years experience in Europe and America,
I feel justified in writing a few instructions, feeling confident
that if they are read carefully success is assured ; and in giving
these instructions I shall avoid as much as possible, if not alto-
gether, the use of Latin names and technical terms, so that the
school-boy may understand the matter and go ahead himself.

Let us then commence with a Fresh-water Aquarium. We
must have something to hold the water; what shall it be? As
it is for fresh water it matters not what it is made of; but the
principal use of an aquarium being that we may study the lives
of the inmates, it would be better if we could have one with
glass sides and ends. Any tinsmith can make you one out of
tin, say about 18 inches long by about g inches wide ; this bot-
tom piece should have % inch turned down all around, so that
it could be fitted on to a piece of board ¥% inch thick, which
would prevent any bending from the weight of water, and the
wooden bottom must have a beading ¥ inch thick for the glass
to rest against. It then wants four corners soldered on, about
to inches high and extending % inch each way, for fitting your
glass into, and a piece of tin about % inch wide for a band at
top of the corners. |

The tank is now ready for glazing and decorating. Do
your own glazing in the following manner: take 1 tb, of com-

ot eee

THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM. 1 )

mon putty and work ¥ ib. of litharge into it, and use in the

same manner as you would set an ordinary window pane, push-

ing the glass bedded in the putty as far home as it will go, then

fill the corners in the angle from bottom to top with putty, and

have four strips of glass about 9 inches long by % inch wide,

and press these well on to the putty,—this will give the corners

all the strength they require and prevent any leakage there;

this must be done after the sides and ends are set; the putty

in the corners need be no thicker than where your strip of glass |
will meet each side of the corner piece. You can Japan or
paint the outside any way your fancy may dictate. You will |
doubtless have friends who will advise you to set the glass with
red or white lead, but these same friends perhaps do not know
that glass will expand or contract according to the tempera-
ture, and that red or white lead sets like stone and will allow
of no expansion or contraction, consequently when set with
lead the first great change in temperature will leave the aqua-
rium with a cracked glass, and it would take anyone with the
patience of Job to set another in its place, even if they suc-
ceeded in getting the lead out, which I think is doubtful.

But perhaps before going to the trouble and expense of
getting an aquarium, you would like to try what success you
can have in keeping fish alive without changing the water.
Then get a tin dish-pan, a china bowl, or wooden wash-tub,—
in fact anything, as I have said before, anything that will hold
water; if for fresh water, it matters not what. Before going |
any further we will stop and consider what supports life, and
after due deliberation we conclude that it is oxygen, air. We
find nothing created can exist unless it has a supply of fresh
air. Let us take an instance in the subject of aquarial life.

We catch a fish: if we place it out of water in a cool spot it
will live say 24 hours,—I have had them live longer; place
that fish in a bucket of water, he will die in two hours. Why
will he die in two hours in a pail of water, which is its natural

12 THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM.

element, and live 24 hours out of water? Because it can live
on the air while out of its element, but as soon as it has ex-
hausted the air that is in the pail of water it must suffocate,
unless you devise some way of keeping the water charged with
oxygen, air. This must show us at once what is needed, if
we desire to keep fish alive without changing the water, when-
ever the oxygen is exhausted. It has been known for many
years that all true fresh water aquatic plants, and some marine
algaes [plants], are capable of supplying oxygen to the water in
which they grow or are grown. It is also an established fact that
all true aquatic plants take root from a joint. Having become
acquainted with these facts, we are prepared to go ahead and
see if we can keep fish alive on this principle. Now we will get
our vessel, whatever we may have concluded to put the water
into, and put at the bottom of one side sand, and the other
gravel. ‘This sand and gravel for the fresh water must not be
from the sea-shore but such as builders use, and have it washed
well before putting it into your tank. When putting it in you
can suit your fancy, for it is only for the purpose of helping
your captives to keep themselves clean, and the scavengers to
retire and restin. Ihave stated that I generally put sand at
one end and gravel at the other. I have seen it prettily ar-
ranged in alternate strips of gravel and sand, and again, with
a circle of sand surrounded with gravel,—but in this, as I have
said, you may devise some original and pretty way of doing it.
Some small sea shells that have been allowed to remain 24
hours in water before using them, may be used with perfect
safety, and can be mixed with the gravel and sand. You can
build very pretty rock work with larger shells, by mixing 24
Portland cement with % sand; or if you prefer it, very realistic
rocks can be built with pieces of pumice stone. After you
have the gravel in and rock work built, itis advisable to fill
the tank with water and let it remain 24 hours, and then draw
that water off and throw it away. Though arches are generally

THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM, 13

built for rock work, again your ideas may vastly improve this
methodical way of doing. Of course the pumice stone can be
joined together with the same mixture of Portland cement and
sand. One of the prettiest home aquariums I ever saw repre-
sented a small cave, with pumice stone hanging as stalactites
from the top. They were hung in rows and were arranged on
strips of wood running from end to end of the tank; in front
they just touched the water, and gradually lengthened with
each row, until at the back they nearly touched the bottom of
the tank. The effect was really beautiful. In filling the tank,
as we do not wish to disturb the gravel, sand, &c., we put a
pail of water so that its bottom is as high as the top of the tank ;
we then get a piece of rubber pipe, say about three feet long,
close one end by bending over about three inches, and fill the
pipe with water to about three inches of the other end, and
close it in same manner, place one end in the pail of water and
the other end in the tank below the bottom of the pail, then
release both ends and thus create a siphon.. The tank is emp-
tied in same manner, but of course the pail into which you wish
to empty the water must be below the tank. Everybody lives
in the neighborhood of a lake or large pond of fresh water, and
we will now go on an expedition to collect some plants, for
aerating the water. We want something to drag the bottom of
the lake with,—a garden rake is a good thing for the purpose ;
tie a good stout cord to the handle of it, then find what looks
like a clear spot along the edge of the pond or lake, and is not
too deep ; throw the rake in and drag it along for a short dis-
tance, and if you do not get any green plant the first time, no
matter what the season of the year, try till you do, as it is there.
You will likely pull it out some 2 or 3 feet long; nip the ends
off about 6 inches or even 2 inches from the top; these top
ends are what you want, but as it grows from a joint it will not
matter what part you take so long as it is green. For the
Fresh-water Aquarium I will not recommend any one variety.

14 THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM,

I am aware that some claim one variety will supply more oxy-
gen than another. My experience is that all true aquatic plants
will do the work required of them, and that in different locali-
ties we find different varieties, so get as many different kinds
as you can find and tie them together in bunches of say from
3 to 10 slips in each bunch; from 3 to 6 bunches will be enough
for the tank, according to the size of the bunches; then tie a
stone or shell to the bottom of the bunches and they are ready
for the tank. This work can be done, and perhaps it is better
to do it, previous to putting the water in the aquarium. When
you put the plants in the water, try and cover the stone or shell
to which you have them attached with the sand and gravel that
is in the bottom of the tank. While on the subject of plants it
is well to know that a Calla Lily will make a pretty ornament
to your aquarium. You can in building the rock work men-
tioned before, take and work into it a flower pot,—by covering
it over with your mixture of Portland cement it will match the
rest of the work,— put the lily not quite to the bottom of the
pot, fill the pot two-thirds full of earth and fill up with gravel.
The water should not reach more than \% the height of the lily
out of water, and you will find it thrive and do well. If your
rock work comes within say 3 inches of the top of the water,
you can tie to ita Stag-horn Fern. Any florist will provide you
with one and show you how it should be bound on in order
that it may adhere to the rock. Of course these suggestions
are of no practical value outside of their ornamental uses.

We are now ready to get and put in our live stock,— but
before doing so, let me tell you under no circumstances to take
hold of with your hands anything that you desire to keep in
good health. Always use a small net; if you cannot make one
you can buy one for a few cents. If you do not handle your
captives yourself you will allow no one to do so. I have had
parties who deal in fancy fish for aquarias tell me it will not
hurt the fish, but I never take them when thus handled. I have

THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM. [5

had fish in my charge treated as above, and ina few days the
marks of a person’s hand has appeared in the growth of a fun-
gus. I have seen it where the fingers and thumb have been
fully outlined, and in nearly every case it has resulted in death.
The most important reason why you should adapt yourself to
the use of the net only, at home and on collecting expeditions,
is your own safety. In my own experience I have had so many
what | thought close calls, that I cannot lay too much stress
on what we are at first sight led to believe is a simple matter.
An instance, one of many, that I consider came near costing a
lad and myself our lives, occurred in the lower bay of New
York city, and may not be out of place if mentioned here. I
was in the employ of the Great New York Aquarium, and was
on a collecting expedition. It was Summer, and we were in a
small cat-rigged sailboat, and had pleasantly sailed through
the Narrows and were heading for Port Monmouth, N.J. I was
about half way across the bay when the wind died out and we
were becalmed. The lad was in the bow and I was lazily
smoking in the stern and almost asleep, when he shouted out,
“Look! look at the snake!” I replied, ‘‘ You must have
good eye-sight to see a snake ashore from here.’’ But on
looking in the direction pointed out, I saw, about fifty yards
from the side of the boat, the head and part of the body of a
snake extending about six inches from the surface of the water
and pointed to the sky. By a good deal of manoeuvring, still
having no wind, I managed to get alongside. The lad’s first
impulse was to take hold with his hands, and I must confess
that I came near doing the same, thinking it was only a small
adder, he having one coil around a Diamond-back Turtle,
which was nearly exhausted. However, I took the ze and
lifted turtle and snake into one of the cans of water I had in
the boat. I leave it to the reader to decide whether the lad
and I had a narrow escape or not, when on my return to the
Aquarium, and after due inspection it was determined that the

16 THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM.

snake was a South American Copperhead, which had undoubt-
edly left a fruit vessel at Quarantine. You perhaps would be
glad to know that Mr. Turtle, after his experience, lived some
time to enjoy the hospitality of the Aquarium. I had puta piece
of cork in the can for him to rest on. Mr. Copperhead also
enjoyed himself in the same institution with others of his clan.
This is only one of numerous instances I could give you.

Nowadays there is hardly a town of any importance where
there is not a store that deals in fancy fish for aquarial purposes.
But perhaps you happen to live in the country, or that there is
not such a store in your town, so much the better,—you will
have to collect the specimens yourself. Remember that the
smaller your specimens, the better success you will have in
keeping them. Go to the lake or pond where you procured
the aquatic plants and you will find adhering to the plants some
small water snails; you want 6 or 12 of these, as they act as
scavengers, and you may also be successful, if you again use
your rake, in hauling up two or three clams,—these will also
assist the snails in keeping your tank clean.

The most interesting fish that can be kept in a Fresh-water
Aquarium, is the Fifteen-spine Stickleback. They are gener-
ally found in the Spring of the year in brackish water. I have
taken large quantities of them on Staten and Long Island,
where streams run into the New York bay. Again, I have
taken them in Lakes Mahopac and Gilead, Putnam county,
N. Y., and have seen them in the Mohawk River, at Utica, N.
Y., &c. If you can obtain them, I advise you to have them.
They are from two to three inches long, and this beautiful little
fresh-water fish build a nest in just the same manner as a bird
does, and will hatch their young and bring them up in places
where a great many apparently more hardy fish will die. As I
have said before, if possible get them,—they will amply repay
for expense or trouble. Get seven or eight of them and put in
your tank; they are very pugnacious, and at the least fancied

ac

THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM. ae

insult will have a terrific battle, and the weak ones will go to
the wall and the strong live,—and these are what you want.
You will likely keep out of seven or eight fish, one or perhaps
two pair. They breed three or four times a year, and during
those periods the male fish will possess as beautiful and brill-
iant colors as the Humming-bird, and will divide the attention
to the nest with the female: their attention consists in blowing
water on their eggs all day and night until their young are
hatched, and it is certain death for any other small variety of
fish to approach their nest during this operation. There is the
brilliant Golden Carp or Gold-fish, Dace, Roach, Perch, Sun-
fish, Cat-fish, Eels, and numerous other varieties, all of which
will do well if the specimens are not.too large. You can at
any time divide your tank with a small piece of wire netting
with very small meshes, or a piece of glass will answer _all pur-
poses, so that you can keep the varieties named with the nest-
building Sticklebacks, otherwise Mr. Stickleback will soon end
their career. All the other varieties will live harmoniously
together. You can add with perfect safety a small Nute,

-or Lizard, and a small Turtle. If your rock-work does not

allow of them getting their heads out of the water it will be
necessary for you to put a piece of cork or wood in for them to
rest on, otherwise they will be drowned. They must be well
supplied with raw beef for feed, which should be placed on the
rock-work or wood,—and they will have no fooling about it;
if you do not supply them they will help themselves, and some
fine morning you will find your other captives minus their cau-
dal appendages. Again, I beg the student to get the size of
the fish in accordance with the size of the tank they are to be
kept in.

And now let us understand something about the location
of the aquarium, as this is also a very important matter. It
wants all the light it can possibly get, so that the plants can
thrive, but under no circumstances must the sun be allowed to

18 THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM.

shine direct on it, in fact it must be kept away from heat of any
description. The fish mentioned in this treatise can stand any
amount of cold, but if the water gets any way warm they must
die. I have had fish frozen solid in a glass globe, and the
globe crack and fall to pieces, and have then taken them ina
solid lump of ice, put them in a bucket of water to thaw out,
and have then kept them several months in perfect health.
Again, I have had by accident fish where the sun shone direct
upon them or too close to the stove, and in a very short time
they have been live fish no more. Should you find your fish
at any time swimming close to the top of the water, in almost
a perpendicular position, something is wrong; hasten and get
a common tea cup, dip it in the water and lift it up about 18
inches from the top of the tank, and then empty the cup of
water into the tank and thus force air into the water ; do this
three or four times, and then look for the trouble ; it will gen-
erally be found that there is a dead fish, or some food that has
been overlooked and has commenced to putrify. Your aquari-
um should havea cover, made of fine linen, to keep out the dust.
After we have considered something about feeding fish I will
tell you what I know about a Marine Aquarium. Big fish eat
little fish all the world over, but in the face of this old saying,
you will have people tell you your fish in the aquarium can
live on nothing or else on the animalculze contained in the
water. I tell you it is all nonsense, but I am willing to admit
that they can live longer on apparently nothing than anything
created that I know of. I myself kept two gold fish eight
weeks without feeding them, and they then looked in perfect
health although rather thin, but at the expiration of the time
mentioned I took pity on them and commenced to feed them.
I do not believe I ever saw anything hungry before until I saw
those fish eat; between them, in less than five minutes, they
managed to dispose of seventeen worms, and might have still
peen at it if the worms had lasted. My experience with the

———— Eee

THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM. 19

occupants of rivers, lakes and oceans leads me to the convic-
tion that there is not in this world greater gormandizers created
than the said occupants. Once in a while we read of the
devastations of the grasshopper and army worm on land, but
to use a phrase perhaps more expressive than polite, they do
once ina while “take a rest.’’ Ask an oyster fisherman if he
ever knew a star fish to do so. I maintain that fish and the
lower orders of aquatic life will go through more and give up
their lives quicker than anything else created, for something to
eat. Perhaps you have seen the educated seal go up stairs,
ring a bell, bow, &c. Let me tell you, if you do not know it,
that he does it all for something to eat. No fish! then no bell
ringing, bowing, &c. I knew ofa pair of nest building Stickle-
backs who had been taught to ring a bell when they were
hungry. It came about by hanging a worm to a thread sus-
pended in the water: they used to pull on the thread when

there was no worm ; some one suggested a bell on the end out

of the water, and then the fish rang the bell because there was
no worm where the worm ought to be. |

Feed your fresh-water stock with worms and your salt-
water stock with any kind of clams: put in what you think
they will eat, and in an hour’s time take out what is left. Al-
low nothing to decompose in the water, and all will be well.

es

THE MARINE AQUARIUM.

N the management of a Marine Aquarium we support life
by air in the water, exactly as we do with fresh water, but
we encounter a difficulty here that we do not in fresh

water,—that is, Evaporation. Where you have only a small
body of water without a circulation, it is much more easily

20 THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM.

managed than when you have a large body of water with a
circulation. We must remember, that it will not be the salt
which will evaporate but that it will be the water. Where there
is a circulation the density of the water must be kept with a
lactometer; but in a small aquarium it can be easily ascer-
tained by the sediment on the glass. Particular care must be
taken of this sediment; it must be watched closely, and it will
be found that when you fill the tank or globe say within three
inches of the top, that after 24 hours it will have a line of sedi-
ment on the glass level with the water, this is your lactometer.
When the water has fallen one-half inch or more from the line
of sediment, that is the amount of water that has evaporated
and this must be replaced with fresh water, zof salt water, for
the salt is still there, it is only the water that has been lost.
Again, the aquarium I have recommended for fresh water will
not answer for salt water. In the first place, salt water is
much more penetrating than fresh, and would work its way
through the putty and litharge in a very short time ; and sec-
ondly, under no circumstances must you allow salt water to
come in contact with metal of any description. If you have a
large iron tank, and the glass has been set with some other
substance than putty and litharge, or red or white lead, you can
make it serviceable by covering the iron with a mixture of %
Portland cement and % of sand,—this will be found to resist
salt water. But the nicest, cleanest, and in every way best
adapted vessel for the Marine Aquarias are those bell glasses
with ebonized stands, sold or obtained for you by the glass and
china trade throughout the United States. These can be used
successfully for all the lower varieties of marine life. You can
keep in one, say anemones, barnacles, serpules, coral, clams,
and oysters, in another you can keep hermit, spider and rock
crabs, star fish, &c., &c. In fact you will find a very large
variety of life in the orders mentioned, and with the ways of
which you are not acquainted or ever will be until you have an

THE STUDENT’S AQUARIUM, 21

opportunity of studying their modes of life, which can only be
seen to advantage in the aquarium. But I fancy I can hear
you ask, ‘“‘ Why can I not keep a flounder, striped bass, black-
fish, and other fish in the Marine Aquarium?’’ You can if you
are inclined to go to the expense of a tank, say from 4 to 6 feet
long, and about 2% feet wide and 3% feet high, and then your
tank must be one mass of algaes to keep two or three fish
alive, and perhaps besides you might have to go to the ex-
pense of a circulation or an artificial aeration, and for that rea-
son the keeping of fish is generally left in the hands of institu-
tions and colleges who will go to the expense. But I have no
hesitation in saying, that if you could have fish swimming
around you, say ten or twenty varieties, you and your friends
who have the least love of nature would nine out of ten times
be attracted by what we would call the lower orders of life,
among which say the varieties named for the bell glasses.
Such has been my experience in institutions where we have
had a very large variety of fish; the lovers of nature could
always be found studying the anemones, corals, &c., &c.
Now as regards plants or algaes for the Marine Aquaria.
There are two kinds whose reputations are well established :-—
the first is Uliva, which is a plant that grows in long strips,
sometimes found measuring 6 inches across and 18 or 20 inches
long, again not %4 inch wide and only about 5 or 6 inches long ;
you cannot mistake it,—it is dark green in color and looks
very much like a lettuce. This is by all odds the best oxygen-
giving algae known. The other is Sylira: this grows in bunch-
es like coral; it is dark red in color and almost transparent.
These are really the only two algaes that are of any service as
oxygen-giving plants. I have thoroughly tested some twenty
other varieties, and although I found some that do throw offa
certain amount of air, but none that J would venture to recom-
mend to a new beginner for the purpose of supporting life in
an aquarium. The two algaes mentioned being of two such

22 THE STUDENT'S AQUARIUM.

distinct colors allow of very effective grouping. They must
be anchored in the same manner as directed for fresh-water.
The bell glass can be fitted with rock-work, gravel, &c., ex-
actly as the fresh-water one. As I have before stated, the only
difference between the fresh and salt-water aquarium, is the
matter of evaporation, and the action of the salt-water on
metal, and its penetration. The same principle governs both.
I think the palm for hardiness must be given to marine aquatic
life. JI have succeeded in shipping and delivering specimens
from salt-water in good condition much further than I have
specimens from fresh water. In conclusion, while I make no
claim to literary ability, I am quite sure that if you wish to have
an Aquarium and will read the foregoing carefully you will be
enabled to carry one on successfully, and if you can do that
my object in writing this treatise will be attained.

: SMOGKe
aki game

‘

CATALOGUE. 23

MALL SEA SHELLS.—For Aquarial purposes or Fancy

Work. East or West India assorted, about 8 varieties,

25 cts. ; half-pint by mail, 30 cts.; $3.25 per gallon, by freight
or express only.

HODE ISLAND SCOLLOP SHELL (Pectan irradians.)
Polished and mounted into pairs, making a pretty nee-
dle book finished with flannel and silk ribbon; free by mail, 25
cts. 5 valves mounted into a pretty basket finished with silk
ribbon ; 50 cts., free by mail. 12 polished valves, free by mail,
35 cts. I havea few very small specimens, beautiful colors,
mounted as gentlemen’s scarf pins, measuring about % inch ;
35 cts. each, free by mail.

HELLS FOR PAINTING.—The Rhode Island Clamshell,
measuring from 5 to 7 inches long and about 4 inches
wide, nicely cleaned, 75 cts. per dozen, by express. This is a
nice and cheap shell to study painting on. The Pearl Saddle-
back Shells, 25 and 50 cts. each, free by mail. Large Mother
of Pearl Shells, 75 cts. to $2.00 each, by express only.

pe those who cannot visit Newport I can send by express

an exact model of the ‘‘Old Stone Mill,” about five
inches high, worthy of a place in any cabinet. The Mill is
without any authenticated history but is supposed to have been
built by the Norsemen. Price, 50 cts.

VIEWS of the principal places, such as the Old Mill, Forty
Steps, Ida Lewis’ Lighthouse, Fort Dumplings, &c., painted
on R. I. clamshell, 50 cts. each, free by mail.

GUIDE BOOKS with views of some of the principal villas,
25 cts., free by mail. Books containing from 12 to 24 views of
the city, 50 cts., free by mail.

HINESE CAT’S EYES for specimens or mounting, two

sizes, 75 cts. each, free by mail. This must not be judged

by the price ; it is a dark pearl from China, and at day or night

looks like the eye of a cat; is really worth more money, but

having received quite a consignment I offer them to my custo-
mers at this price.

= —— = ee

CATALOGUE.

FLE-RAJ AH -or=-BETEL NUT
from Australia, sometimes found
in the West Indies. This little nut
contains an indelible ink for marking
linen. It will grow if planted in a
conservatory. It is chewed by the
- natives of Australia to blacken their
teeth. One nut will mark six dozen
pieces of linen with initials. to cts.
each, 3 for 25 cts., free by mail.

YE-STONE or Operculum, from Singapore; price 75

cts. each, free by mail. This is the eye-stone used by
oculists for passing through the eye. These are already ground
and polished, and mounted on pearl as a shirt stud. The sup-
ply is limited and they cannot be obtained elsewhere in the

United States.

NGLISH SCOLLOP-SHELL (Fectan /acobeans), used

for cooking and serving oysters and fish in; 75 cts. per

dozen, by mail 85 cts. This shell measures from 4 to 6 inches

across and has gone through a process of cleansing that makes

it perfectly sweet and clean. During the last two seasons I

have sold several hundred gross of this article. It is the only
known shell that will stand the heat of the oven.

ia

HELL CAMEOS, beautifully carved in Rome, suitable for
mounting or the cabinet; subjects, principally heads ;
small sizes 25 cts. each, large sizes 75 cts. each, free by mail.
These cannot be matched elsewhere in the United States for
double the money.

ALRUS TEETH, showing the nervine or marrow bone
of the tooth, the upper part of the ivory having been
cut off; 75 cts. each, by mail 85 cts.

Papas RED CORAL in natural condition, very rare
, and nice specimens for cabinet, 75 cts. each, free by
ma.

LO RN = = = = —_---— ue ee ee ee

CATALOGUE. 25

IN MEMORY OF
GEORGE
BORN. os = | -wOLED

NY NAME cut on a Leopard Cowrie shell as above, giving

full name, date of birth and death. This is an everlasting

remembrance of the departed and can never be erased. I claim

to be the only one in the United States who does this work.

It always gives great satisfaction. Price 50 cts. each, by mail
60 cts.

ICKLE MOTHER OF PEARL PAPER KNIFE.—As

its name indicates it is cut from Mother of Pearl and re-

sembles a sickle with wooden handle; an elegant present.
Price 50 cts. each, free by mail. I manufacture this article.

ANGING FERN BASKETS, made from four of the
large English scollop shells, 50 cts. each; double ones,
standing, $1.50 each ; both by express or freight only.

A WHITE WHALEBONE GENT’S WALKING STICK

mounted with ivory handle; a great curiosity, made by
sailors on whaling ships.. I have only a few and they are get-
ting scarce. $3.00 each, by express.

Cee ee JEWELRY, of which I have a large variety,

manufactured by myself, among which I will mention the
Tasmania Spiral Shell; the iridescent colors in these shells are
acknowledged to be the most beautiful of anything known in
the way of shells; mounted in ear-rings in solid gold, $1.50 a
pair, free by mail. A very pretty pair of Shell Ear-rings, 50
cts., free by mail. Shells mounted in Gent’s Scarf-Pins, very
pretty and rare, from 25 cts. to $1.00 each, free by mail.

CLAIM to be Headquarters in the U. S. for Sea Shells, for

cabinets, ornamental uses and for manufacturing purposes,

and collectors will find numerous rare shells among those ad-

vertised under head of ‘‘ Small Shells’? which other parties
sell per specimen.

26 CATALOGUE.

O YOUNG BEGINNERS who will send me $r1.00, I will -

send by express 12 specimens of Native and Foreign Sea
Shells, all good nice-sized cabinet specimens, something they
cannot collect or buy elsewhere for three times the money.
I make up collections of shells at $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, named
or not as desired. In writing for any of the above, tell me
about what you think you want, and J will give you more for
the money than you can get elsewhere and guarantee to satis-
fy you. You will learn more by not having them*named, so
that you can search them out yourselves.

| BERRIES from Jamaica, W. I. These will

grow if planted in hot-house or conservatory. 15 cts. a
package, free by mail. This must not be confounded with the
Florida Black-eyed Susan.

OB’S TEARS on Strings, from the West Indies. Price 50
cts. a string, free by mail.

GGS.—OsTRICH and Emu EacGs, from $2.50 to $5.00 each;

ALLIGATOR, 25 cts. each; FLAMINGO, $1.00 each ; FLor-

IDA GALLINULE and FLORIDA HERON, 25 cts. each. I can

supply you with all commoner varieties that you may require.
Send 2 cts. for Egg Catalogue.

N AMMALIAN SKINS AND SKULLS furnished on short
' notice.

CAN FURNISH you with any of the known varieties of
Bird Skins, mounted or not as desired. :

OUTH SEA ISLANDS.—I make a specialty of Curios
from this part of the world. I generally have in stock an
assortment of weapons of warfare, &c., that | can supply lower
in price than they can be obtained elsewhere. I claim my suc-
cess in business to be the result of always giving satisfaction to

. my customers in price and quality of goods and making no
false representations.

CATALOGUE. 27

aN SLAVER’S TREASURE CHEST, about 350 years old.
36 inches long, 19 inches wide and 1g inches deep. Wor-
thy of a place in any museum ; price, $50.00.

From the Newport Daily News, March 19, 1885.—‘‘ Mr. S.
Jacob, of Bellevue Avenue, has temporarily deposited with the
Historical Society for public examination, the treasure chest of
one of Newport’s slaving vessels. It is a massive affair, weigh-
ing some four hundred pounds, and yet with no mean preten-
sions to beauty of workmanship and adornment. The lock is
not the least of its features of interest. The strength of the
chest is suggestive of the fears of its former owner that his
ship might be overhauled by one of its dreaded Newport rivals,
by courtesy termed privateers but elsewhere sometimes called
pirates. Possibly itself has one time been filled not with
milled dollars merely, for the purchase of flesh and blood, but
with gold and silver chalices and candlesticks, rifled from the
churches of the Spanish main. Its full history will probably be
given at the next meeting of the society, but meanwhile it is
well worthy a special visit during the librarian’s hours, from 10
to 12 and from 2 to 4 daily. Such a marked illustration of a
civilization and of public morals now fortunately past, and of
the methods by which Newport achieved its former prosperity,
should not be allowed by our moneyed men to leave the city,
as so many of our most valuable memorials have already done.
Whoever sees this treasure chest will agree with us that it
should be purchased and presented to the society for perma-
nent preservation.”

AGO PALM.—A bunch of the seed, about six feet long;

brought from the Island of Martinique, W. I. It resem-

bles a bunch of bananas, the seed being cones intersected with

leaves and curious fir. A curiosity that has attracted an im-

mense amount of attention from scientific people. Price $35.
Specimens of the cones, 25 cts. each, by mail 30 cts.

LD STYLE OF WHALE HARPOONS, LANCE AND

Spade. These are becoming quite rare, and are much

sought after for collections ; to parties in want of them I shall
be pleased to quote price per piece or in set. |

bo

8 CATALOGUE.

re = = a i a

NTIQUES.—I am quite a large dealer in these goods. [
always have on hand Old Brass Door Knockers and
Latches, Plated and Brass Candle-Sticks, Snuffers and Trays,
Warming Pans, Spinning Wheels, Old China and Silver and
Pewter Tea Sets, Brass Andirons, Colonial Currency, Shoe
Buckles, Watch Keys and Charms, China Cups and Saucers,
Figures, Plates, &c.,—a variety far too numerous to enumer-
ate. I have from the battlefield of Telekeber, Egypt, a Stack
of Arms‘suitable fora Museum, consisting of 3 guns, 3 horse
pistols, 2 sabres, marked ‘“‘ British Crown, Tower, 1864.”’

ES oe ee CHINA FIGURES [Antique]. I havea pair
of most beautiful figures, standing about eleven inches
high, representing a shepherd and his lady surrounded with
flowers. They are in perfect preservation, but it is impossible
to give a description of their beauty of workmanship ; they
must be seen to be appreciated. They are marked on the bot-
tom of each piece with a red anchor. Price $50 for the pair.
They could not be duplicated at any price.

Deter ohne WATER BOTTLES.— These are very

curious shapes, and some are decorated with various
colors. They make very pretty decoration for any room, being
great curiosities. The ones that are not painted keep drinking
water quite cold in the hottest weather. Price $2.00 each, by
express.

NIMAL SKINS FOR RUGS.—I have constantly on hand

a large variety of Leopard, Tiger, Fox, Wild Cat, Deer,

&c., &c., with and without heads, mounted, lined or not, as

desired, China Goat, black, white and silver grey. The prices

of these goods varying so much it is impossible to quote a reg-

ular price. I will supply anything in this line as low as good
and thoroughly cured skins can be sold at.

UFFALO HORN AND TOOTH from Dakota, mounted
on a small wooden shield. Price 75 cts., by mail 85 cts.

CATALOGUE. 29

INERALS.—I have in stock at all times a very large
variety of all known American minerals, prices ranging
from to cts. per specimen up, and am constantly receiving
shipments from all parts of the world, such as Rough Dia-
monds and Crocidolite from Africa, Flourite, Calcite, Quartz
and Iron, Zinc Blende, Galena, &e., from Cumberland, Eng-
land, fine Topaz Crystals from Brazil, from Io cts. each, Mala-
chite and Azurite from Arizona; a splendid specimen of the
Moonstone, from Middletown, Delaware County, Pa., meas-
uring 4 by 2V inches, polished on one side, price $5. oo. Com-
mon minerals, fair specimens, can be supplied At, 10, 25 SO; 75
cts. and $1.00 ‘each ; on all others the prices range from 25 cts.
to $2.50 and for rare minerals from 50 cts. to $50.00 each. I
have a large stock of Brazilian and other Agates polished, from
25 cts. to $2.00 each.

HE NEW ENGLAND CORAL [Astrangia Danae].—

This is the only true coral yet discovered on the coast of

nae England ; specimens, 50, 75 cts. and $1.00 each, free by
mail.

ASTS OF FISH.—I am now taking casts of all fishes vis-
iting or inhabiting American waters. These casts are
taken direct from the fish, not from models. They are very
desirable for museums, &c. Price from 50 cts. to $1.00 each ;
a large reduction where 20 or more are taken.

OBSTER FIGURES.— Something very comical ; old men

made from lobster shells. ‘They are very much admired

and are very cleverly made. Something entirely new. Single

Figures, $1.00 each ; Fishing in Rockwork, and Ash, and Match

Stands, $1.50 each; Two Figures Fencing, &c., $1.75. They

stand from g to 12 inches high and are very firmly made. If by
mail, 20 cts. must be added to prices given.

SPECIAL NOTICE.

LD STONE MILL.—In September of 1885 the Old Mill
showing signs of decay, the City ordered it to be put in
thorough order. “I secured from the mason having the work

30 CATALOGUE.

in hand, what old cement and stone was taken off the Mill. I
now have it in nice small boxes, with a label showing the Old
*Mill and giving a full account of the repairs. Price 25 cts., by
mail 30 cts.

DDITIES, NOVELTIES AND CURIOSITIES.— There
being no regular supply of a great many articles that I
carry in stock it is next to impossible to catalogue many things.
It often happens that I receive specimens of one of a kind, du-
plicates of which cannot be had at any price,—I find it useless
to catalogue these. There are a great many who advertise an
immense stock of goods, very few of which they carry in stock
and take refuge under substitutes. This system I am very
much adverse to, and in no case will anything be sent which is
not ordered,—and I again repeat that I will refund money in
every instance, less amount of postage, where anything is not
satisfactory.

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——T H kE——

Bode Island Historical Magazine.

A Quarterly publication devoted to the History, Genealogy,
and Biography of the State of Rhode island
and Providence Plantations.

———_—_—-_——_ - > 6 = —______-_

Terms, $2.00 per annum, in advance.

—— + © o —________

HIS Publication is now in its sixth year, having gained in public favor since
its commencement. I[tisinvaluable to the Historian and Genealogist, cov-
ering a field not occupied by ordinary periodical literature, and is in every

way an admirable table companion for the scholar and for all persons of literary and
antiquarian tastes. It has met with general approval and already forms a storehouse
of material not accessible in any other form.

Abstracts from the Jamestown, R. I., records and also from the records of Trin-
ity Church and the Society of Friends, of Newport, R. I., were commenced in the
April number, 1885.

In the July number (No.1, Vol. 6, 1885), was commenced a very interesting
diary kept by Lieut. John Trevett from 1774 to 1782. The same number contained
the will of Gov. Benedict Arnold of Newport, made in 1678, in, which he mentions

\ his ‘* Stome-built Wind Mill.’’ |

The October number contains an interesting paper on the Jewish Cemetery at
Newport, the will of Gov. Nicholas Easton and many historical and genealogical
notes of interest.

In the January number (1886), we hope to commence the republication of
‘“* Bull’s Memoirs of Rhode Island,’’ 1638—1783, with additional notes.

£G5- ‘Vhe first and second volumes of the Magazine have become so scarce that

they can be supplied only as odd numbers can be picked up here and there. The
publishers will receive orders for them, however, which they will endeavor to fill as
‘rapidly as possible, and in the order in which they are received.

| Vols. three, four and five can be furnished on demand.

Send all orders and communications to R. H. TILLEY

or the NEWPORT HISTORICAL PUBLISHING CO.,
Newport, R. I., Box 603.

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