THE FISH-TANK. 



right -hand figure is that of an ordinary glass aquarium, such 

 as was in general use until the properties of air and water were 

 better understood, and it still need not be rejected. It is 

 simply a vessel in which water is contained, so that aquatic or 

 marine animals may be able to live in it for some time. 



There are infinite varieties of the " Fish- tank," if we may 

 so call it, the chief of which is the " well," which is so exten- 

 sively used in bringing fish to market. 



Through the bottom of the boat projects a sort of box pierced 

 with holes, so that the water has free access and egress. The 

 sides of the box are so high that there is no fear of the water 

 rising into the boat. When fish are taken, they are thrown 

 into the well, and there can live until they are wanted for sale. 



Also, as all know who are acquainted with river-banks or 

 seashores, fishermen have similar wells detached from the 

 boats, and partly or entirely sunk in the water. In them they 

 keep their stock, and, when a customer arrives, they simply 

 draw the box ashore, so that the water runs out, select what 

 fish they choose, and replace the box in the water. 



Now, the power of conveying fish to some distance without 

 destroying life has for countless ages been possessed by the 

 Pelican, one of which birds is shown in the accompanying 

 illustration. 



As every one knows, the chief peculiarity of this bird is the 

 large and very elastic membrane of the lower jaw. When not 

 in use, it contracts by its own elasticity, and the bill looks 

 quite slender, as well as long. But, when distended with 

 water and fish, it presents the appearance shown in the illus- 

 tration. 



Any one who wishes to see the exercise of this power can 

 do so by attending the Zoological Gardens, and visiting the 

 Pelicans at feeding-time, and an hour or two before it. They 

 hardly seem to be the same birds. Some years ago I made a 

 series of sketches of the same Pelican under different circum- 

 stances, and it is scarcely possible to believe that they could 

 be, as they are, truthful representations of the same bird. 



THE right-hand figure of the next illustration requires no 

 comment, as it simply represents the ordinary hen-coop. 



