1 Mussels attached by their byssus threads to the glass
2 Fronds of Chondrus chrispus
3 Fronds of Delesseria Sanguinea
4 Fronds of Ulva latissima
XXV.
No ornament for the drawing-room or parlour can possibly be more beautiful than a well-stocked and tastefully-arranged aquarium; nor is there one likely to be productive of a greater amount of pleasure and amusement. And it is instructive as well as amusing, for by means of it the statements of writers relative to the habits of certain marine animals may be verified by personal observation, and even difficult problems in natural history satisfactorily solved. Aided by one of these 'mimic oceans,' let the reader commence the practical study of marine zoology, and I have little fear of his ever becoming tired of it.
'Age cannot wither it, nor custom stale
Its infinite variety.'
When pursued even in the most humble way, this recreation yields a degree of interest greater than any other 'hobby' can produce, at least in an equal space of time. If engaged in business during the day, the student can always devote an hour morning or evening to the aquarium, and when least expected, some circumstance will take place to excite his wonder, and fill his mind with deep and devout reflection. Moreover, the young naturalist will undoubtedly derive pleasure from his endeavours to establish published facts relative to many of his little prisoners; pleasure in noting down any interesting anecdote that may occur; pleasure in knowing that his time is being profitably spent; and above all, that he is making himself acquainted with objects framed with marvellous skill and care by the hand of the Almighty:—
'Wonderful indeed are all His works,
Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all
Had in remembrance, always with delight.'
Without further preface, I shall now proceed to offer some practical hints relative to the establishment of a marine aquarium. And, as some of my readers may be perfectly unacquainted with the subject, I shall treat it in as simple a style as possible. If, however, the experienced zoologist will kindly follow me to the end of the chapter, it may be that he will find some hints sufficiently new and useful to repay him for his trouble.
First, then, in regard to the tank. This indispensable requisite may be procured at certain shops in almost every town in the United Kingdom. Its price varies from two or three shillings to £20. The expensive kinds are generally oblong in form, but their construction being somewhat intricate, they are apt to get out of order, unless made by skilful and thoroughly competent artistes. Under certain circumstances, there is no doubt that an oblong tank of moderate dimensions is a great desideratum; but what I wish particularly to impress upon the mind of the reader is, that a large tank is not at all necessary in order to study the habits of marine animals; indeed, the more capacious the vessel, the more difficult becomes the task of watching the secret movements of any of its occupants. On this account it not unfrequently happens that a common glass tumbler becomes of much greater service to the student than the most elaborate aquarium.