THE SALT-WATEK, OR MARINE AQUARIUM. 81 



At this stage of the enterprise, as we have said before, 

 there is an abundant opportunity for artistic display, and 

 on a scale hmited only by the exigencies of size and con- 

 sistency. Little and graceful, is better than much and 

 ungainly, in this connection. In making up your scene 

 do not overcrowd the canvas ; be as picturesque- as you 

 please, but study simplicity ; and above all other things, 

 be natural. Then will your Aquarium, with its storehouse 

 of wonders, become truly attractive. Its elegant contents 

 will be set ^' like apples of gold in pictures of silver," and 

 its gems from the ocean-depths acquire new charms from 

 the good common sense, as well as the dainty taste and 

 delicate aptitude which characterize all that surrounds 

 them. 



Having fitted your rockwork to the tank, and secured 

 everything in its place in such a manner that an ordinary 

 movement or an accidental jar will not disarrange its 

 architecture or disturb its foundations, we next proceed to 

 supply the minor forms of being which must precede the 

 advent of the fish and other animals. 



The ocean, as a garden, will not afford us so wide a 

 margin for selection as the lake and river 5 not because 

 marine vegetation is less plentiful or less diversified, but 

 because only a certain nunibev of the plants accustomed 

 to flourish amid the vastness of the sea-parterres, are 

 willing to be cribbed, cabined and confined " within the, 

 limits our Aquarium can alFord them. They soon languish; 

 and die ; and as, howeyer prepo.ssessing they may be at 



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