THE TANK. 



25 



lishments of the Aquarium in a condition that leaves us 

 an opportunity to scrutinize their habits and performances 

 from a more advantageous point of view ; and should the 

 light, at particular periods of the day, become too strong 

 for the comfort of our little colony, we may easily dimin- 

 ish it by fitting some green or other dark-colored calico to 

 the side whence the inconvenience is experienced. This 

 will remedy the evil instanter. With an excess of light, 

 the plants may give off oxygen redundantly, and " too 

 much of a good thing," we are assured, is good for 

 nothing." Besides this, the fish, like other creatures more 

 human, like to retire at times to the privacy of their own 

 apartments. There, amid the rockwork, weeds and flow- 

 ers, whether engaged in their toilette with a view to co- 

 quetry and a conquest, or whether seeking to enjoy a 

 siesta in the sultry noon, too much light makes them rest- 

 less and unhappy. 



With the two ends and bottom prepared of marble, or 

 slate, we are enabled to get up the marine scenery with 

 more security. The cement used in constructing arch- 

 work, for instance, will not adhere to glass ; and when 

 the cavernous grottoes, the mossy hillocks, the coral 

 palaces," and the other little poetic addenda for the set- 

 scenes," the wings," etc., of this new theatre of life are 

 artistically transferred to their most effective places, it is 

 better that they should be fastened there in the most 

 complete manner. We shall not then be constantly afflicted 

 with a fear that, with an unexpected jar, they will topple 



2 



