ARTIFICIAL AERATION OF THE WATER. 27 



transference they can always be kept in the purest 

 available medium. 



Artificial aeration of the water contained in an 

 aquarium may sometimes be beneficially adopted, 

 provided it can be employed without danger of dis- 

 turbing delicate productions, or injuring the more 

 tender inmates. A simple way of effecting this, and 

 one that we employ with excellent results, is by the 

 use of a small garden watering-can with a very finely 

 perforated ' ' rose," such as is used for watering choice 

 flowers. This we fill with water taken gently from 

 the tank, which we pour back again from a sufficient 

 height, like a refreshing shower sparkling with vital air. 



And now, gentle reader, let us hasten to the beach : 

 the tide is near its ebb, and yonder rocks, baring 

 their shoulders to the sunshine, seem to rest them- 

 selves in grim repose. 



" All the broad bosom of the ocean keeps 

 An equal motion ; swelling as it sleeps, 

 Then slowly sinking : curling to the strand, 

 Faint, lazy waves o'ercreep the ridgy sand, 

 Or tap the tarry boat with gentle blow, 

 And back return in silence, smooth and slow." 



This is the time for work. Come, boy! the fishing- 

 basket and the muslin landing-net-^- a hammer and 

 an iron chisel. Mind, too, you don't forget the large 

 glass jar with handles made of rope, wherein to put 

 what specimens we find. 



c 2 



