THE TANK. 



35 



the same moment. A pair of bellows has been provided, 

 and to its nozzle are attached gutta percha tubes that 

 communicate with the tanks in question. When the bel- 

 lows are worked, the effect upon the water and its living 

 contents is very interesting. Indeed, it is so much so, that 

 the visitors are constantly working the bellows to witness 

 the result, and they do it so vigorously that the attendant 

 who was employed for that purpose has been dismissed as 

 a superfluity. 



Some prefer to effect this aeration, and supply, at the 

 same time, the loss of water through evaporation, by sprink- 

 ling from a little height above the surface of the tank. 

 They suspend a drip-glass, or a bee-glass, or a simple fun- 

 nel with a sponge in it, or a finely perforated mouthpiece 

 of a garden watering-pot, over the tank. To this they 

 attach a tube from a hydrant or reservoir, and in this 

 manner produce a species of light shower, whenever they 

 feel like amusing themselves with a treat bestowed upon 

 their little favorites. This is not absolutely required in 

 any Aquarium that is sedulously attended to, or is prompt- 

 ly deprived of such impurities as occasionally accumu- 

 late from decaying vegetation and similar incidents 

 of the moment. There are many who never think of 

 doing more than agitate the water with a small stick. 

 Others again draw off a portion of the water, at times, with 

 a syphon, and supply its place with some that is fresh. 

 Others, more whimsical, contrive to erect a little fountain 

 in the centre of the Aquarium for effect, spray from 



