An Aquarium of Mahogany 



JOSEPH F. HEILMAN 





Contrary to the oft-expressed opinion 

 I have found that it is in every way pos- 

 sible to build durable aquaria with frames 

 of wood instead of metal. I have made 

 a number of large capacity — thirty to 

 fifty gallons — and they have withstood 

 the test of years. The wood frame pre- 

 sents a marked advantage over the usual 

 one of metal in that it can be made to 

 conform in style, wood and finish to the 

 furnishings of the room in which it is to 

 be placed. 



The aquarium illustrated is made of 

 Cuban mahogany, open cabinet style, and 

 is 48 inches high, 39 inches long and 22 

 inches wide, outside measurements. The 

 corner posts are two by two inches, and 



mortised on the two inner sides to re- 

 ceive the top, middle and bottom rails ; 

 top rails 2 by 2 inches to correspond with 

 the posts ; middle rails 5 inches wide and 

 1% inches thick; bottom rails (shelf 

 support) 2}{x inches wide by % thick. 

 The rails are tenoned and fit into the 

 mortises cut in the posts, being fastened 

 with French glue and brass screws in- 

 serted from the inside. This style of 

 construction makes a very staunch frame 

 with all joints flush on the outer side. 

 The details are well shown in the accom- 

 panying drawing, and require but brief 

 explanation. The upper portion of the 

 corner posts, and the top rails, are rab- 

 beted out as shown by figure A, to receive 



