New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-06-23

variety OF beautiful and wonderful plants and an
mali, Illustrating the different classes and orders Of
nature, which could not live together, except for
the curious reciprocity tha. grows on. of their or
gaDizaton.
You now understand the theory Of tie aquarium.
We VIII next show you the process Of its construc
tien vessel with fiat glass sides holiiog from two
to twelve gallons is preferable, though one of any
size or shspe will answer. The most convenient
vessel on the whole, is tank holding eight g.ons
II may be either circular or obloDg Circular tanks
are made only Of glass; those Of the obong form
are competed Of glass plates with frame of either
wood, iron, or zine, according to the strength re-
quired. Wood is strong enough for sma tanks;
you may use mahogany or black walnut; but If is
liable to spring or warp; and you cannot have
perfectly secure tank, except with an iron frame.
Zinc is much used in England for paror squariums
on account Of ts cbespness, but it is too brittle TO
bear much pressure, and it cannot be recommended
in place of iron. This metal is by far the best for
frame, as it is cheap strong, durable and can be
made thin enough to be light without endsugering
its strength. The bottom of the aquarium may be
made Of slab Of mahogany or white pine, well
seasoned, aud with an inide coat Of ce nent, under
plate of glass, 30 that the wood and water never
come in contact. Marble, sOapstObe, and slate are
sometimes used, but they make the tanks heavy
and IN the case Of marble, too expensive The most
approved proportions for tanks of an oblong form
twice the length of the depth or width, forming
double cube or possibly the width may be slightly
increased to advantage, TO make the tank more
like rock. pool. If you wish for more orn.men
tai form, the octsgon will answer.
good way for beginner ia to try his hand with
common glass jar holding about two gallons,
though such vessels distor the figures Of the fish
when seen through their curved sides. The tank
should be provided with cover both to shut out
dust prevent undue evaporation, and keep the fish
from jumping out This may be of ground glass or
in fresh water aqusIiums of some lighter material,
a. piece of bobblnet stretched over wire frame.
Perforated zinc Also makes good cover, but it
should not be painted in any way, as chips Of the
paint would be liable to fall into the water and
poison The fsh. gh.s covers are used, they mu.t
be taken of four or five timas day, to allow per-
fect]y free of fresh air. The cement used in
the construction of an aquarium should contain
neither lead nor lime as they will both dissolve in
the water, and make the tank leak, beside being alb
solutely poisonous to the fish.
Having got your aquarium complete, you can
proceed to fit it up for the reception of the animals.
The first thing is to prepare the bottom. This is
done by covering the floor Of the tank with clean,
fine gravel or river sand. No colored sands should
be used on any account. Place the whitest and
cleanest you can find on the bottom of the vessel,
to the depth of about an inch. Leaving it exposed
in some places spread ever it layer Of small peb-
bes to keep it in place. The best kind for the pur-
pose are the white quartz pebbles, that are picked
up on the sea shore but you must take care to give
them good washing, in order to cleanse them OF all
salts or decayiDg animal or vegetable matter You
thus hare the ground soil Of your aquarium done to
your hand. The next thing is to erect small
structure of rock.work. Make a simple pile Of
stones in the center, by placing two stones on ta
bottom at little distance from each other, ant
another across them, forming rude arch, under
which the fishes may retire at pleasure. Or, you
may fasten stones together in the form of arches,
BIZ means of some cement, taking care to avoid any
that is made Of lime or metallic ingredients.
good cement for the purpose is obtained BY melting
together rough gutta percha and common pitch, one
part by weight of the former and two OF the latter
This cement holds well to the stones, does not foul
the water, and, being to certain extent flexible,
will not break easily by sudden jar The best kind
of rock for the aquarium is either semi cystalhzed
quartz or white feldspar, the latter of which is
found in abundance on New York island.
The bottom is now prepared aud the rockwork
Of the miniature ocean set up. You are now 70
choose location. 1t must be placed in the most
natural position, and one from which it will not be
removed, as doing so would stir up the sediment
that collects at the bottom, and ffishten the fish.
The best place i, before window facing the cas as
both plants and animals are fond Of the morning
sun. You must guard against too much Of it, how.
ever, as its lot rays would prove ipurioua Shield
YOUR faycrtes from the noon day sum- especially IN
the sultry heats of Summer. BY no means allow the
water in the tank to freeze. This would be fatal to
the plants, and damaging to the fish. An hour or
two day of bright sunlight is highly favorable to
the growth Of many of the plants
II is now time to make our aquatic garden The
pspts must be introduced with care in the sand ana
gravel, selecting those which will not be apt to
crow homesck in their new situation. They may
be divided into three clssses; those in the center,
for ornament; those growing on rockwOEk out OF
the water; those planted at the bottom; and thoSe
aostipy without any attachment. Among tae first,
you may use common Arrowhead water lilies, both
white and yellow, and the common water shield