FORM, SIZE, AND MATERIALS. 253 



A novel mode of constructing tanks lias been sug- 

 gested to me by Mr. W. Dodgson, of Wigton, Cum- 

 berland, which, as I have not tried it, I will describe 

 in his own words : — 



" I have lately been constructing two Aquariums ; 

 and as the way in which they are made may be new 

 and perhaps useful to you, I take the liberty of com- 

 municating it. Slate we have no opportunity of pro- 

 curing in suitable pieces for joining, and our stone is 

 too porous for the purpose. I therefore got the bottom 

 and two ends made in one piece out of the yellow clay 

 used for garden vases, chimney-tops, and other coarse 

 pottery, and found it answered exceedingly well and 

 has several advantages. 



" Partly as a means of supporting the ends, but 

 principally to form artificial rockwork and shelter for 

 the animals, the two ends are buttressed inside with 

 very rough pieces of clay, put on so as to leave plenty 

 of holes and fissures ; the fire fastens these firmly 

 to2:ether and makes them as hard as stone. Grooves 

 are left along the bottom, and up the two ends, for 

 the glass to fit into. The outside is relieved with 

 ornamental work. Cheapness is a great recommen- 

 dation ; the pot being charged Id. or 2d. per hundred 

 cubical inches, according to the amount of ornament. 

 I should think your London potters would make 

 something very neat, and the mould once made, they 

 could be supplied very cheaply ; and considering their 

 freedom fi'om leakage and their strength, I think they 

 would prove as satisfactory as any kind of cistern. 

 Mine are about three feet long, and thirty inches high 

 and broad, holding thirty gallons each. I bed the 



