14 



FBBSH-WATEE AQTJABIA. 



it should now receive two coats of a varnish made of the best 

 sealing-wax dissolved in spirits of wine. With this the zinc 

 bottom onght also to be painted two or three times. Japan 

 black may be used instead of the above varnish, but it wiU not 

 be so satisfactory. If no varnish at all is used, the aquarium 

 must be filled with water for three weeks or a month before 

 it is stocked with plants and fish, the water being frequently 

 changed during the time. The framework of the aquarium 

 wiU be much improved in appearance if carefully painted 

 with Brunswick Black or enamel of some suitable colour; if 

 black is used, it may be " picked out " with gold or yellow. 



Fig. 21. Method of Dovetailing Crossbars op Aquariom (Fig. 7) into 

 Upper Part of Bnds. 



I have taken it for granted that the maker of such a tank as 

 this has had some little practice in the use of the soldering-iron. 

 But should the reader not know how to solder, and yet wish to 

 attempt to make such an aqufl,rium as this, he cannot do better 

 than invest 6d. in an excellent little book entitled " Working 

 in Sheet Metal,"* which will give him all the information he 

 will require. 



It is comparatively easy to make an aquarium to resemble 

 rig. 7. The ends and bottom are made of lin. well-seasoned 

 deal, dovetailed together. They are grooved. The grooves run 

 with the grain, and are fin. deep, about the same wide, and 

 fin. from each edge. The ends are held firmly in their places 



* " Working in Slieet Metal." Instructions to amateurs in soldering, brazing, 

 &c. By the author of " Turning for Amateurs." London : L. Upcott Gill, 170, 

 Strand, W.C. 



