Last week I had a letter from a schoolgirl saying that she and her chums had formed a secret society for solving local mysteries.

Who has not wished, at some time or another, that he or she could be another Sherlock Holmes? It is good fun imagining that you are a detective, and to observe every detail of each person whom you meet. Try training yourself to observe certain strangers so closely that months later you are able to give detailed descriptions of them. You will be surprised how alert your mind will become to small though important details, and how good your memory will be.

Observation has led to many of the world's greatest discoveries.

We often think of detectives as people with supernatural powers. Their almost uncanny knack of solving mysteries is really the result of having a keen observation. They have probably been playing detectives since childhood.

But! Remember why Sherlock Holmes was such a success! He did not let people know he was a detective. So do not forget and stare at strangers with open eyes and mouth whilst seeking your details and clues!

They must not have an inkling that you are a 'tec.

Oh, no! That would spoil all the fun, wouldn't it

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Gold Fish.

Sydney has a gold fish craze, and New Zealand is catching it. But instead of keeping the fish in everyday glass globes the latest idea is to have aquariums made like slabs of ice. Some are set in marble or plaster-of-Paris pedestals, in the form of icebergs, with polar bears looking longingly at the fish. Other aquariums are set in wells with small statues of girls drawing water from them. Best of all are the ones made like miniature lakes with funny little men and boys fishing with wee lines. One young ragamuffin has fished up a tiny old boot. He is also trying to brush a big black fly off his nose. The gold fish aren't a scrap frightened of these lines dangling down into their domains, and they try to nibble at the toy bait.

“Aquariums should be placed in a good light but not exposed to the sun's rays,” said Uncle Walker, of 1YA, at whose place I saw these quaint aquariums. “It is advisable,” he continued, “to place two or three fresh water snails in with the gold fish to keep the green slime away from the glass and also to eat up any surplus food. Gold fish should be fed page 15 sparingly on aquarium food. A fourpenny packet should last one fish for about three months. Over-feeding kills them.

“If the Italian water-weed, Vallisnaria Spiralis, is placed in the aquarium the water need only be changed about once every six months. This weed gives off oxygen, which the fish inhale, and it breathes in carbonic acid gas which the fish exhale. The plants keep the fish alive, and vice versa—a perfect balance. If these weeds are not procurable, the water should be changed every day or so by lifting out a cupful or two and replacing it with some that has been left outside for twenty-four hours to collect minute insects which the fish eat. These insects are only discernable under a microscope. River water is ideal, as it already contains hundreds of wriggling little insects and worms. These can be seen with the naked eye. Riverweed and duckweed are splendid for the fish, and make the aquarium look most attractive.”

I wish you could see Uncle Walker's fish. Such odd ones! There are funny North American cat fish with whiskers; telescopic gold fish with protruding eyes; and tiny carp, so small you can scarcely see them!

Next month Uncle Walker will tell you how to keep your dogs healthy and contented.

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