210 Photography for the Sportsman Naturalist 



clear of knot holes, for the bottom, sides, and back, 

 and with a piece of absolutely the best quality of 

 white plate-glass in the front. That this latter 

 should be perfectly clear and free from bubbles is 

 essential, for upon the fact of its absolute trans- 

 parency depends much of the success of the 

 pictures. The size of the tank depends entirely 

 upon the size of the fish we intend to photograph ; 

 and it is a good idea, although not necessary, to 

 have two made, one for small and one for large 

 fishes. If only one is used, then it must be large 

 enough to receive the largest fishes ; and, naturally, 

 when we put those of a small size into it, it will 

 be difficult to prevent them from constantly swim- 

 ming out of the field of focus. 



The wood should be thoroughly shellacked and 

 painted white on the inside (with enamel paint) 

 before being put together. 



If long brass screws are used in the construction 

 of the tank, it will admit of its being taken apart 

 and packed in a small space for transportation ; 

 but if this is done, the parts that come into con- 

 tact should be made water-tight by strips of rubber 

 inserted between them. When a fish is first 

 placed in a tank, almost his first act is to retire to 

 the very back of his prison ; and as we need him as 

 near the front with as little water intervening be- 

 tween him and the lens as is possible, it is obvious 

 that we must have some means of forcing him to 



