The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-10-15
FINS AND SCALES.
Cha rms and Wonders Of the Great Aaunrium |
-Rsrs show Of the Deuixeus Of the Deep.

Rare show Of the Dentsens OF tue peep
Exotic plants. flowers, running water,
artistic rockwork, Dodworth's band, crowds Of
people, aud fishes OF all sizes, shapes, and
colors, from whales TO minnows. combine TO
attract the visitors to the great Aquarium. II
Ia located at the corner Of Broadway and Thirty
ann street. and was opened to the public last
wednesday. Tho originator and prime mover
In this novel undertaking is Mr.. Coup, late
manager OF Barnum's "Greatest Show on
Earth." with him are associated the brothers
Reiche and Prof. II. u. Butler. The scientific
department Is In charge Of Prof. W. 3. Ward.
The interior OF the great building has been
fitted with exquisite taste. for the purpose Of
at once combining beauty and utility. At the
further end, and opposite the main entrance, IL
q graceful pile OF rockwork reaching half way
to the ceiling, and supporting a light rustic
bridge. The rocks are covered with ferns and
crystal cascades that foam and tumble into
pool below, where disport. the great sea lion.
From this bri ige Is to be obtained the best view
OF the famous white whale us he circles about
his great glass tank, which occupies the centre
wall ~ naintsd canyas' Of which The prpspec-
tive Is so good that the real rocks seem 70 rise
from the painted ocean, and the pointed GINS
and caves are 40 cum ngly merged into the real,
that the change from one To the other ~ hardly
marked.
are, on the main floor. many smaller tanks
wtch are vet to Ue nlicd. aud the stone-walled
home uf the seals OF tresc there are three. and
with their curious antics ana wise looks, they
are among the most Interesting features Of the
exhii Ition.
The walls Of the main enclosure are formed Of
great screens OF rustic woodwork, and heavy
crimson h hpings. Behind tnese are tho long
ringes a plate lass tanks, with their npOrs OF
peb les aud shells. aud sides Of ruCkwOfk. In
these dispurt IL ful view of the spectator.
+ thousands OF the denizcns OF both salt anu
irvsn water. Slender, wicked Looking sharks,
aud shaHolcss skates ana founders 1--we tOgri her
In harmony. Beneath them grope awkward
crabs and green HOLSTERS. Fishes all hcad, and
fishes apparently without heads, min L. with
perfectly symmetrical fishes Of all shapes and
cOlurs. sleepy alligator =, and delicate sea ane.
muntS Uf the richest hur-, occupy ADJ ining
tauks. The Opaque water, IN which the ish can
Oniy De seen as tncv near the transparent walls
OF their domain, leaves much to the imgGint-
ton and MS we occasionally get a glimpse OF an
uncoutn head or flashing body. which dut xiv
v.nshes into the unknown de tbs, the weird
reality Of the limi,less ocean 10 enectualiy pro-
| uuced.
At the end Of the hail are long troughs through
| which a stream OF fresh water constantly flows.
eggs OF the ifoi MIA saluon. which are here
UNDERGOING the process OF hatchine. Some Of
tue eggs have already been hatcned.
| The fresh water for the ere 4 tanks Is, OF
| course, supplied from the city's II. ms; but as
the salt water OF our adjacent rivers Ia so i'm
great tanks are sent down to the lower hay for a
| pure supply. Frcm these It Is pumped to the
Aquarium hy steam force pumps.
Expeditions are now engaged In all parts OF
the world iu securing rare sptCim, ns from river.
lake. ami ocean, and ere long New York NAV
riv Il that OF the world-renowned Aquarium in
| Brighton, Engl NJ.