1 -OBSERVATIONS ON THE AQUARIA OF THE U. S. FISH COMMISSION 
AT CENTRAL STATION, WASHINGTON, D. C 
[Plates i to rv and two text figures.] 
BY WILLIAM P. SEAL. 
THE MARINE AQUARIA. 
The establishment of a marine aquarium at Central Station for the purpose of 
demonstrating the possibility of keeping marine plants and animals at a distance from 
the sea, and consequently with the use of a very limited quantity of water, was entered 
upon at the beginning of the year 1889, and has resulted so favorably as to afford 
abundance of argument for an extension of the work as a means of practical observa- 
tion and experiment. 
The system of construction adopted is the most economical and favorable possible. 
The building is practically a greenhouse in style, 16J feet wide and 64 £ feet long, built 
against the west side of Central Station, with a small extension about 8 feet in length 
on the south side, sufficient to accommodate the pumping apparatus, filter, etc. This 
style of structure, whether simple or elaborate, is necessary to afford the light required 
to establish favorable conditions for plant life, and no doubt in as marked a degree 
for the health and happiness of animal life also. 
The construction of both building and grotto will be understood by referring to 
the accompanying ground plan. (See plate iii, at end of article, page 12.) 
The central space or gallery for the observation of the aquaria is completely cov- 
ered with imitation rock- work made of heavy paper applied in a soft or plastic condi- 
tion and afterward painted, sanded, and frosted. No part of the aquarium tanks is 
allowed to show except the glass, which appears like so many holes or openings in the 
rocks. While all extravagance in the attempt to imitate natural rock is avoided, there 
is still afforded a very realistic representation of a natural grotto or cavern in which 
the observer appears to be beneath or surrounded by water. 
The idea of constructing an aquarium in any imitation of a cavern or grotto has 
been very vigorously assailed by Mr. W. A. Lloyd, late superintendent of the Crystal 
Palace Aquarium, London, England, principally from an artistic or esthetic stand- 
point, the argument being in general that any attempt at ornament or idealization is 
unnecessary and inefficient for the object sought, and therefore wasteful and inartistic. 
l 
F. G. B. 1890—1 
