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and having cemented bottoms, or else hewn out of the 
solid rock, and deepening at their further extremity into 
a cool and shaded grotto, to which the finny flock could 
retire in comfort and repose. The site adjoined the 
sea, and the form of the excavation was so designed as 
to insure a ready circulation of the contained water, its 
discharge and admission being effected by canals leading 
to opposite ends. Its constant freshness and purity 
was further maintained by the planting of sea weeds, 
rocks and stones bearing algae being scattered upon the 
bottom, thus anticipating the principle of the modern 
aquarium. The Roman culturists devoted their efforts 
to the propagation of fish attractive in color or extrava- 
gant inform and appearance. Most of their bizarre and 
fanciful productions were probably hybrids, and the 
enormous prices at which some of the collections were 
sold indicate a widely diffused appreciation of the art. 
The possession by our rich of similar tastes, and their 
maintenance of marine aquaria as accessories to their 
sea-side villas, even to the displacement of breeding 
kennels and stables, would be of no prejudice to them 
and of probable public advantage. With activities 
quickened by the sense of exercise in virgin fields, and 
directed with intelligence and discrimination, the 
accomplishment .of the modern culturist, if not so 
startling, would undoubtedly be of more value. Not 
only would such aquaria afford their wealthy supporters 
amusement and instruction, and possibly material profit, 
but tend also to further the science of marine biolog 
now lagging in slow progression behind its fellows. 
Their interest, and also that of the community, needs, 
however, to be stimulated by the establishment of a 
public marine observatory, with ample appointments, and 
constructed upon an extensive scale. Such an aquarium 
should be under the constant care and observation of 
meh of learning and acuteness, who would devote their 
knowledge and acquirements to the study and useful 
