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THE AQUARIUM. 



for choice. Some favour zinc, others slate, and others 

 again stick to wood, but whatever is used, it is advisable 

 to line the bottom and the opaque sides with slate. One 

 of the simplest methods of constructing an aquarium is 

 to obtain a good sound slab either of slate, or mahogany, 

 or some other hard wood, of at least an inch in thickness. 

 This should be grooved to receive the back and ends, 

 which should be secured by screws from the under side. 

 The ends and bottom must be likewise grooved to receive 

 the plate-glass front, and the four sides strengthened and 

 connected by a neat but strong mahogany rail round the 

 top. The glass should be bedded in red-lead. Then 

 the following mixture should be made : to three parts of 

 pitch add one part of guttapercha, and melt over the fire, 

 mixing well with a stick of wood. When sufficiently 

 heated to stick, coat all joints and junctions between 

 wood and glass with it. To protect this from chipping 

 or cracking, it is a good plan to cover with thin strips of 

 Jiot glass, cut to size. We have now perfectly water-tight 

 joints, and if the bottom is of wood it is well to coat it 

 with the same mixture, and whilst hot embed common 

 roofing slates in it. The ends and back should be simi- 

 larly covered, and we have at once a capital aquarium 

 ready for use. Many variations of this plan will probably 

 occur to the reader, these directions being merely offered 

 as suggestions. For instance, it may be thought advis- 

 able to have the ends of glass, or not to line it with slate, 

 but if an aquarium be constructed as we have suggested, 

 it will be a lasting one. The framework may be con- 

 structed, as we have said, of zinc, but the soldering pro- 

 cess is not so easily performed by the amateur, and after 

 all the aquarium is not so strong. 



If it is considered advisable to have a fountain there 



