16 THE FRESH-WATER AQUARIUM. 
lines, and the edges lipping over in an elegant vase-like 
form. These are made of whiter and stouter glass than 
the common propagators, and are, of course, charged at a 
slightly advanced rate. 
Stands for Vases are to be had of various forms and 
materials. ‘Those formed of turned wood have the pre- 
ference for elegance and safety; and, as the knob of the 
vase fits loosely in the depressed top of the stand, the vase 
can be turned round for inspection. 
Messrs. Claudet and Houghton, of 89, High Holborn, 
have recently brought out improved forms of stands for 
vases. They are made of terra cotta, elegantly fluted, or 
ornamented with architectural scrolls, and are either 
bronzed or coloured to imitate stone. They have also 
improved the Vase Aquarium, by binding the upper edge 
with perforated zinc, in which there is a ring to receive 
the glass cover. Thus, while the lid shuts out dust, the 
perforated zinc rim admits air, and allows the escape of 
sulphuretted hydrogen. ‘These vases are strongly recom- 
mended to those who cannot afford a well-built tank. 
Where extreme cheapness is an object, a deal box with 
a hole cut in the centre to receive the base of the vase, 
will make a suitable stand, or a common seed-pan filled 
in with sand and the vase pressed down into it may 
answer, at a cost of only fivepence. A stone vase, or any 
ornamental object, with a suitable depression in the top, 
can also be turned to account for the purpose. 
Glass jars, confectioner’s show-glasses, a foot-bath of 
earthenware, or a few glass milk-pans, may be used for 
the preservation of aquatic objects, when a properly con- 
