THE PUBLIC AQUARIUM 311 



Fishes still constitute the bulk of the exhibits in all aquariums, 

 the number of aquatic reptiles, batrachians, mammals, and inverte- 

 brates usually being rather limited, although they are entitled to the 

 same consideration. The inland aquarium builder should there- 

 fore consider very fully the character and availability of the exhibits 

 proposed before constructing tanks and pools of such number and 

 size as would be difficult and expensive to stock and maintain. 



The next points for consideration are those connected with the 

 equipment necessary for the safe-keeping of the aquatic forms 

 brought together with so much difficulty and so quickly lost when the 

 conclitions of captivity are unfavorable. The possession of a large 

 and beautiful building designed by an ambitious architect does not 

 imply, by any means, that the conditions necessary to successful oper- 

 ation have been considered and provided. Judging from some of the 

 sketches submitted to the writer, the proposed aquarium building 



Fig. 43. — Astrangia and Tubulaiia 



would serve equally well for a library or an art gallery. It is highly 

 desirable, therefore, that the equipment of the aquarium be studied 

 by an engineer or an experienced aquarist, after which the architect 

 niay be called upon to provide suitable housing; and this is possible 

 with a very simple but well-lighted building. 



Fresh water may be taken from' city supplies except in cases where 

 such water is treated with chlorine or otherwise made unfavorable to 

 fish life. Sea v»'ater must be stored in sufficient quantity to fill both 

 reservoir and exhibition tanks. Its purity must be safeguarded by 

 filtration. The mechanical equipment includes pumps for the circu- 

 lation of sea water, filters capable of cleansing the entire overflow of 

 the exhibition tanks on its way back to the reservoir, elevated distrib- 

 uting tanks above the level of the exhibition tanks, heaters for winter 

 use in the water system carrying all tropical collections, and means 

 for cooling fresh water carrying northern fishes in summer. Sea- 

 water pumps and piping should be of nonrusting material. 



4231°— 29 5 



