ABSTRACT

The general interest in public aquaria, and especially marine aquaria on the large scale, seemed to increase as the comparative failure of the domestic tanks lessened the taste for them. The causes of the failure so often attending the attempt to maintain aquaria on the small scale arise partly from the amateur naturalist’s want of exact knowledge, and the great amount of attention and care required, and partly from the inherent difficulties of the subject. Many public aquaria proved commercial failures; but the readers select for special description two which have been thoroughly efficient, and are remarkable for size, reputation, and successful management. The arrangements at these two institutions as regards the aeration and renewal of the water are, however, quite different. The popularity of the Brighton Aquarium may be judged of from the fact that the average daily number of visitors is about 9,000, and that on some occasions nearly twice that number pass the turnstiles.