Page:The aquarium - an unveiling of the wonders of the deep sea.djvu/314

Rh The growth of aquatic plants is still a most important and pleasing feature of our pursuit, and the addition of aquatic animals does not at all detract from the appropriateness of the appellation. Let the word then be the one selected to indicate these interesting collections of aquatic animals and plants, distinguishing it as a Freshwater Aquarium, if the contents be fluviatile, or a Marine Aquarium, if it be such as I have made the subject of the present volume.

Form and Size.—No exact rule can be given for dimensions, because so much depends on the room or place for which the Aquarium is intended, and on the taste of the proprietor. I have given in detail (See p. 101, ante) the size of my largest tank, which probably is as large as most private persons would care to have. I have two others agreeing with this in all respects, except in dimensions, the smallest being (in the clear) 15 inches long, by 12 inches wide, and 12 inches deep. This is a very neat and pretty object for a parlour-table.

In a window with a recess, the tank may be made to fit the whole breadth; which has a good effect.

If a cylindrical form be preferred, it can be obtained without any material but glass in the construction; but there is a limit as to size. I procured from Mr. A. Pellatt's establishment one, of the largest dimensions they would undertake to blow for me, viz. 12 inches in diameter. If attempted of greater size than this, the risk increases very rapidly; as they are