OR, GLIMPSES BENEATH THE WATERS. 



would fill the side next the slate back nearly to the 

 top with pieces of rock, gradually reducing their 

 height, till, at the other side, they should hardly rise 

 above the floor of sand and pebbles, leaving, at 

 last, a flat portion of the pebbly or sandy bottom 

 quite level. 



When this form of rock-work is decided upon, 

 the Aquarium should be of rather wider propor- 

 tions than usual, in order to allow of the slope 

 being pretty gradual. Supposing the tank to fill 

 entirely the recess of a spare window, which is 

 a position in which it looks exceedingly well, a 

 solid slate back may be found to darken the ves- 

 sel or the room too much; in such a case, a 

 glass back must be preferred, which can be shaded 

 from the direct influence of the light by a blue 

 or green shade of calico neatly fitted to the frame ; 

 and it must be borne in mind, as essential, that 

 the Aquarium must be so placed as to receive the 

 direct rays of light during some part of the day, 

 being screened by a white blind w^hen the sun may 

 be too powerful ; as should the water become tepid, 

 it would be fatal to many of the inhabitants of the 

 nainiature sea. 



With due observance of these precautions, the 

 amateur may hope to frame and establish an 



37 



