What the vast majority of our migratory flocks of summer and autumnal idlers generally do and think at the sea-side, cannot be better exemplified than by reference to the clever sketches which are found occupying entire pages of our illustrated periodicals and newspapers, during the season of marine migration. But the habits and customs of the annual shoal of visitors to our watering-places, may be still more intimately comprehended through the medium of the sprightly essays which generally acco

The wonders of the ocean floor do not reveal themselves to vulgar eyes. As the oracle was inaudible to sacrilegious listeners, and as none but poetic ears heard the cadenced beating of the feet that danced to unearthly music, near the fountain haunted by the Muses of classic fable—so, none but the initiated can see the myriad miracles that each receding tide reveals on the ocean floor. The initiation, however, is not mysterious; there are no dark rites to observe—no Herculean labours to accompli

The successful treatment of aquatic plants and animals, in the confined space of a glass Aquarium, depends entirely upon the discovery that there exists in Nature a self-adjusting balance between the supply of oxygen created in water, with the quantity consumed by aquatic animals. And it became equally necessary to know the means by which that supply was continually generated. Without the knowledge of these facts, and the principles by which they are regulated, it would have been impossible to e

As the forest must be planted before its denizens can luxuriate in its shades, so the submarine shrubbery of the Aquarium must be perfected before the aquatic animals can be introduced. For it has been shown, in tracing the history of the experiments which resulted in the establishment of the principles that regulate the formation of Aquaria, that it is by plants only that a supply of oxygen can be kept up, sufficient for the health and existence of all forms of animal life beneath the water. [1

The Aquarium having been furnished with its vegetation, and rendered as picturesque as possible by the well-arranged juxtaposition of felicitously-contrasting forms and colours, the water must be allowed to settle for some days, until it is as clear as pale-green crystal, before the animals are introduced to their new home. When the Alpine scenery of the submarine landscape appears perfectly settled, and all its colours and forms are seen with beautiful distinctness through the clarified waters,

The curious floral forms of the Zoöphytes have, as yet, attracted the greatest degree of attention among the constructors of marine Aquaria; yet other forms of ocean life offer equal, if not superior, opportunities for curious observation, and are equally well calculated to bear the confinement of the tank. Among them all, none more than the Molluscs, especially the shell-bearing division, which merits the careful attention of the student of Nature, as forming some of her most singular manifesta

The Sea-Lemon, Doris tuberculata , is one of the most attractive. It derives its popular name from its peculiar form, which is like that of half a Lemon cut longitudinally. It is generally of a yellow tone of colour also, which greatly adds to the fancied resemblance. It has its breathing apparatus exposed externally, like other Nudibranchs, spreading over the mantle, near the head, in a flower-like shape; and, as it moves slowly round and round the Aquarium, forms a very singular object. The Do

A marine Aquarium may be rendered very interesting without the introduction of fish, and as their presence requires that the water should be once each day aerated by means of additional water, introduced by the syringe or by a drip, continuing for some time from another vessel, many may prefer the lovely Sea-Weeds, curious Zoöphytes, and beautiful Molluscs, alone; as, if the balance between the amount of animal and vegetable life be felicitously balanced, and the natural scavengers, in the shape

In conclusion, a few general remarks may be made, the observance of which will usually ensure success in the formation of an Aquarium. In the first place, if the vessel in which the Aquarium is to be established be home-made, care must be taken not to use any cement that has a disagreeable smell—which would be very soon fatal to creatures accustomed to the pure waters of the ocean. Scott’s cement is said to be better than putty, for fixing in the glass to the columns at the angles. If cement be