58 THE MARINE AQUARIUM. 
increases the strength of the collection, and adds very 
much to its beauty. In this matter, the mischief arises 
out of the desire of beginners to display more ornament 
than is consistent with the nature of the case. 
The water, of course, may be obtained direct from the 
sea, and should, if possible, be dipped in mid-channel. 
Shore water is not altogether objectionable, for where we 
find the greater part of our specimens it is evident the 
water must be suitable for them. In fact, I have found 
water that I have brought from the sea-side in jars serve 
just as well as that supplied by the steamer from the open 
sea; but near the mouth of a river it would be found 
unsuitable, as.it would, also, from any parts of the coast 
where land springs abound. LHarthenware vessels are the 
best for the conveyance of sea-water and specimens, but 
if a large quantity be required, a new cask should be used, 
and the greatest care taken to have it stopped with a new 
bung, and conveyed quickly to its destination. Mr. Gosse 
recommends a cask of fir-wood if it can be procured, “ the 
wood of the oak, of which wine casks are usually made, 
gives out tannin or gallic acid to the contained water, 
which by its astringency, converts the animal integuments 
into leather.” In fact, our poor anemones get their hides 
tanned if any vegetable bitter comes into contact with the 
water in which they are to be kept. I make it a rule to 
filter sea water through charcoal before using it; this is 
not essential if the water appears bright, but is, at least, 
a precautionary process that may have its advantages. 
Artificial Water is now used so extensively as to jus- 
tify some special remarks here upon it. It must be 
