Nancy Block, age 13, of Lyconia, N.H., for her question:
HOW DO YOU MAKE A TERRARIUM?
A small indoor garden enclosed in a transparent container is called a terrarium. Its name comes from the Latin word "terra," meaning "earth."
A terrarium may contain small plants in an interesting arrangement. Sometimes small land animals are also kept in the enclosed garden. Tiny figures, small bridges and paths may be added to make the setting even more interesting.
Terrariums may be made in covered glass or plastic containers of various sizes and shapes. Often a round or oblong aquarium with a glass or plastic lid will make an ideal container for a terrarium.
Start building your terrarium by placing a layer of small pebbles on the bottom of the container for drainage. Add broken charcoal to keep the terrarium sweet.
Next add a commercial potting soil or a mixture made up of equal parts of garden loan, fresh water sand and peat moss or thoroughly rotted leaf mold.
Put the soil mixture into the container very carefully, handful by handful. Then moisten it thoroughly, but do not make it muddy.
Next you can clean the sides of the container both inside and out before setting in the plants.
Plant tiny ferns and small evergreen seedlings for the taller plants in your terrarium. You can also use ivy, moss and lichens.
For a grasslike or carpet effect, plant partridge berry. Place each plant carefully in the soil with enough space between plants to allow for growth.
Set the completed terrarium in a light place, but not where sun will strike it. With the container closed, such a balanced terrarium preserves temperature and moisture inside. Open the lid if the container clouds with moisture.
An aquarium is a place where people keep fish and other water animals. Most home aquariums have fresh water fish and also plants that grow under water.
It is a little more difficult to manage an aquarium than it is a terrarium. The container you select, first of all must be waterproof. In addition, you'll need a filter for the water, a heater and a thermometer.
A rectangular tank that holds 10 to 20 gallons makes a good aquarium for a beginner. Most tanks include an incandescent or flourescent lamp that shines down in the tank that also prevents fish from jumping out of the tank. The cover also reduces the amount of heat loss from the tank.
The filter removes dirt suspended in the water and also keeps the water clean. Most filters are connected to an electrically operated air pump. The pump produces a stream of air that pushes water through the filter.
A heater will keep the water to the proper temperature to keep fish healthy. For most fish, the water must be kept between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.