8 POPULAR HISTORY OF THE AQUARIUM. 



shire Eambles' and ^Aquarium/ have led numbers of private 

 persons and some pubHc institutions to follow the examples 

 thus set. It has now become one trade to supply tanks 

 and vases for Aquaria; and another, to collect and supply 

 plants and animals for stocking them. In the course of 

 my preparations for this Work I have received valuable 

 assistance from the zeal and experience of Mr. Alford 

 Lloyd, of Portland Eoad, whose extensive collections have 

 been in the most liberal manner placed at my disposal. 

 Tliat gentleman is in correspondence with collectors placed 

 at various parts of our coasts, and constantly receiving new 

 specimens for the supply of private tanks. Those who 

 apply to Mr. Lloyd^s establishment will receive informa- 

 tion, which may be fully relied upon, respecting the mode 

 of proceeding in the formation of Marine or Fresh- water 

 Aquaria. The following, however, are a few observations 

 which may serve in some degree to assist those who are 

 desirous of commencing so pleasing an occupation. The 

 first thing to be attended to is 



The Vessel. 



Shape and Material. — Bearing in mind the idea with 

 which we started, of imitating a tide-pool, and desiring to 



