368 NEW SIPHON DESCRIBED. 



balance the centre piece, and sink it an inch or two 

 below the surface of the water. At the centre of the 

 upper cup fasten a small piece of gutta percha tube, 

 at the end of which the valve of a Pecten may be at- 

 tached as an ornament. The whole structure must 

 be gently warmed and entirely coated with fine sand ; 

 then tastefully decorated with shells and fronds of 

 green Ulva, and the crimson Delesseria Sanguinea. 



Sometimes I introduce a globe of glass as a buoy, 

 and to its centre attach the tray of gutta percha. 



A useful centre piece, a specimen of which I have 

 had in use for several months, may be formed thus. 

 Make a tripod of gutta percha, on the top of which 

 attach the valve of a Pecten. From the centre of this 

 object fix a branch of coral by aid of gutta percha, 

 in such a way that it rises above the water in the 

 tank. From under the shell pieces of coral may be 

 made to branch out in various directions. The stand 

 should be coated either with crushed shells or sand, 

 to give it an ornamental appearance. 



It is often a source of annoyance to find the base 

 of the aquarium so thickly covered with dirt, &c. 

 To get rid of this great ' eye sore/ without empty- 

 ing and re-arranging the tank, I call in the aid 

 of a very simple and effective instrument. By 

 its application all objectionable matter may be 

 gradually removed without in the slightest degree 

 disturbing the water, or materially displacing the ob- 

 jects situated at the base of the vessel. 



