MAKING AQUAKIA. 17 



broad. These gi'ooves are to receive the plate-glass sides, iin. 

 thick. After this bore four holes, iin. in diameter, right 

 through each end. Two of these are to be l^in. from the edge 

 and iin. below the groove which is to receive the end of the 

 bottom, and two Iin. from the top and just within the grooves 

 cut for the glass (Fig. 25). 



The holes are for the bolts which run across from end to end 

 to hold the aquariiun together. Bore them with an ordinary 

 brace, and a bit used for metal. The bolts should be made of 

 brass wire ; but iron will do. It is a wise precaution to have 

 the thread for the nut a little longer than necessary, for it can 

 easily be shortened when the bolts are in their places, and 

 the long threading is a great convenience in the sorewing-up. 

 Before putting the aquarium together, place a little cement in 

 all the grooves. Then raise the bottom on blocks of wood to 

 such a height that it will be level with the grooves cut to 

 receive it in the two ends. And when this has been done, put 

 the ends, plate-glass, and bolts into position, and screw them 

 all together, turning the nuts of the bolts with only the finger 

 and thumb. Before the nuts are quite screwed home, press the 

 glass gently downward, so that it is forced firmly into its place. 

 Carefully finish filling up the grooves with cement, and the 

 aquarium wUl be completed. If iron bolts have been used, 

 paint them with Brunswick Black. 



An aquarium like Fig. 9 will perhaps be more suitable for its 

 purpose than any yet described, but will not be so ornamental. 

 It makes an excellent tank for marine specimens ; and may be 

 made either of wood, slate, and glass, or of slate and glass only. 

 If made on the former plan, the directions given for the con- 

 struction of an aquarium like Fig. 7 will suffice for the building 

 of this, with the following exceptions: A wooden side lined 

 with window-glass, or roofing-slate, will take the place of a plate- 

 glass side. As the aquarium wiU be broader than Fig. 7, the 

 grooves in the ends for the glass front must run across the 

 grain, and the bottom must be made the required breadth by 

 clamping and glueing on another piece of wood. The wood 

 work ought to be dovetailed together ; but if this cannot con- 

 Teniently be done, nailing with long French naUs will do. The 



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