Fresh - Water Aquaria. By the Rev. G. C. Bateman. (Upcott Gill.)--An
aquarium is a thing to conjure with, for more can be learnt in a month from one than in years of paddling in streams. Mr. Bateman discusses the whole theory and practice of aquaria, from their manufacture to the stocking of them with fish, water- plants, beetles, &c., and their general management. His book, indeed, is a sort of aquarium natural history ; he describes the life and habits of all creatures who can be got to live in an aquarium, with innumerable hints as to their treatment. Especially valuable is the attention he pays to aquatic plants, and the importance of them in aquaria ; indeed, half the pleasure for outsiders is in watching the beautiful forms of under and over water vegeta- tion. Most young people hardly realise the vital importance of healthy water-plants in an aquarium. Mr. Bateman makes a few, all too few, interesting remarks on the longevity of fishes. Fresh-Water Aquaria is a thoroughly well put together book ; it is largely illustrated, and it is instructively and clearly written.
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