24 
kept. The spots where the sand is placed must be noted and 
remembered, in order to avoid disturbing it inadvertently. It will 
also be well to lay a few shells or stones upon the sand with the 
same object. In forming the rock-work, a few pieces of rough 
pumice-stone may be cemented to the sloping bottom (in addition 
to the ledges already suggested), and loose pieces of stone of a 
silicious or schistose character may be piled up in picturesque 
fashion over the whole surface. Care must be taken, while pro- 
viding shady corners for such animals as love retirement, not to 
leave holes into which anemones or other creatures might crawl, 
and there die unobserved, as serious trouble would result from such 
amischance. Many stones and shells found upon the beach are 
suitable for rock-work, arranged as here suggested, and their 
various tints add to the beauty of the aquarium. 
A scrupulous regard to cleanliness in all that relates to the 
aquarium is most essential, and this applies equally to everything 
introduced into the tank and to the vessels used for water in con- 
nection with it. Glass, slate, or earthenware are the only suitable 
materials for such vessels. Earthenware should be avoided for 
store vessels in which water is to remain long, as the salt acts on 
the glaze, and in time renders it porous. Zinc pails may be used 
to carry sea-water from place to place, but the water must not be 
left in them. 
* “* * * The water should be carefully run into the tank, 
either by means of a syphon, or a jug may be used, from which 
the water should be gently poured into a basin, held so as to break 
the force of the stream, and prevent the disturbance to the shingle, 
sand and stones. A piece of India rubber tubing serves for a 
syphon, but I prefer gutta percha. A length of at least five feet 
is required, with a bore of not more than 2 inch diameter. The 
growing plants should now be dropped into the aquarium (some 
regard being had to effect), and the whole left fora few days, 
exposed to a good light, but not hot sunshine. When the water 
has become bright and sparkling, the animals may be introduced. 
At this point, the aquariist will probably feel some disappoint- 
ment on learning the limitations which prudence imposes upon him. 
Success may almost be said to depend now upon his self-restraint ; 
certainly, without it, success will be impossible. 
The temptation to appropriate anything ‘“ small and pretty” 
from the sea is so great that most beginners fall into the snare, and 
their experience is often only a series of failures. The pretty, but 
unsuitable things, whether fish, crustacea, annelids or zoophytes 
die off rapidly. But the mischief does not end with the dis- 
appointment of having daily to remove the remains of some 
admired tenant of the aquarium. Occasionally one will be lost 
sight of behind or beneath a stone, and its death is not suspected 
until decomposition begins to poison the wholecollection. * * * 
