THE CHARACTEKISTICS OF AN AQUAEIUM. 17 



As these glass tanks are now manufactured at reason- 

 able prices in the Museum (by the only process whatever, 

 that has proved unequivocally successful) and as they are 



stocked/^ or fitted up with the appropriate animal and 

 vegetable life at the same establishment, on generous 

 terms, by the experienced adepts whose handiwork is so 

 renowned in New York and in London, what is there to 

 prevent the Aquaria from becoming the universal embel- 

 lishment of the private parlor or the sitting-room, the 

 conservatory or the garden, as well as the place of public 

 entertainment ? 



The pretty carp we call a gold-fish " was a popular 

 house-favorite in its day, and still remains so in many 

 localities. When first imported from China into France 

 to gratify the luxurious whim of Madame de Pompadour, 

 it became a general pet, because it was found to thrive in 

 water almost up to fever heat, as well as in water down 

 to winter chilliness. These fish were tamed to come at a 

 whistle-call, in ponds. They were crossed into the pro- 

 duction of every variety in color, as well as made to 

 assume such grotesque forrqis, that some grew up crescent- 

 shaped, and progressed not by swimming but by tumbing 

 over and over, headlong, in the water. Cannot other fish 

 be made to minister as piquantly to our innocent enjoy- 

 ments ? With the bountiful contents of the wide ocean 

 and the flowing river made so accessible, where is the 

 taste, however bizarre or capricious, that must, perforce, go 

 ungratified ? 



