OE, GLIMPSES BENEATH THE WATERS. 



a suitable position, should not be convenient. A 

 miniature landing-net is also useful for the removal 

 of decaying matter, or occasionally the living speci- 

 mens when any change may be required. 



A layer of sand and pebbles, about three inches 

 deep, placed upon the slate flooring, is the first 

 step towards arranging the interior of the tank. 

 Upon this beginning, removing the sand and stones 

 in places to procure a firm basis, the rock-work 

 may be built; which should be picturesque and 

 fanciful in character, as partially suggested in the 

 two Plates, leaving miniature archways and caves 

 for the shelter of such creatures as shun the light, 

 either constantly or occasionally. Such a disposi- 

 tion of the rock imparts, at the same time, many 

 pleasing effects to the pictorial composition. These 

 matters are not, however, much attended to by 

 dealers, whose arrangements of the Aquaria they offer 

 for sale are generally tasteless enough. But that is 

 perhaps all the better, as it entails upon the ama- 

 teur the necessity of providing his own taste, 

 which is at all times both a useful and pleasant 

 effort of mind, and which, moreover, leaves, after 

 each period of exertion, a permanent trace of an 

 increased refinement which influences the whole 

 character. 



35 



