CHAPTEE IX. 



CONCLUSION. 



In conclusion, a few general remarks may be made, 

 the observance of which will usually ensure suc- 

 cess in the formation of an Aquarium. In the first 

 place, if the yessel in which the Aquarium is to be 

 established be home-made, care must be taken not 

 to use any cement that has a disagreeable smell — 

 which would be very soon fatal to creatures accus- 

 tomed to the pure waters of the ocean. Scott's 

 cement is said to be better than putty, for fixing in 

 the glass to the columns at the angles. 



If cement be used to fix the rock-work of the 

 miniature marine landscape, let it be the best Port- 

 land cement, which, when dry, must be soaked by 

 filling the vessel with water, and the water changed 

 several times before the tank will be fit for use. 



The best sand for the artificial beach, or bottom, 

 is the Thames' sand, used by builders ; but this 

 must be washed several times, till the water 

 runs off quite clear, before it is fit for use — any 

 other kind of sand, if that cannot be procured, must 



be submitted to similar washings. Sea-water can 



. m 



