families of the three owners, Vernon Williams, Harry Lowther, and Harold Dobson.

Early in 1972, an extension was added to the building to accommodate the Manor of Birds. This collection, known in Kamouraska, Quebec, as “le Manoir des Oiseaux”, was created over a period of sixty years by Willie La Brie, a self-taught taxidermist. It contains over seven hun— dred birds and animals and is regarded as one of the best collections in North America.

During the next two years a display of Oyster Culture was added which depicts the life of an oyster from the spat stage through to market size. Over the years this display has been assem- bled by the Ellerslie Biological Research Station. An outdoor pool was also installed, salt water was pumped in and grey seal pups were added to the displays. Each spring seals are obtained from ‘near Governor's Island’ and are returned when the Aquarium closes in the autumn.

In 1976, the officially named P.E.I. Marine Aquarium, acquired an impressive collection of mounted butterflies. This was created for the Aquarium by James Stewart, a highly respected Lepidopteran, from Toronto, Ontario.

Another expansion to the building occurred in 1978. This extra space provided room for a col— lection of mounted animals of the Maritime Region. It also contained an enlarged gift shop

area.

In August 1982, fishermen from Tignish were surprised to find a six hundred pound leather- backed turtle which had died in their nets. These turtles are native to the Bahamas and rarely stray so far North. The P.E.I. Marine Aquarium purchased the turtle, and eventually exchanged it with the Museum of Science, Ottawa, for the exact replica. This is now part of

the display. Over the years the filtering system for the tanks has been greatly improved. For several years a

salt water pump, which needed to be backwashed several times a day, was used. Eventually a salt water well was drilled which now provides as much cold, clear, salt water as is needed.

The Aquarium has provided seasonal employment for many local people. For twenty-three years Marina MacKay was the conscientious manager until health problems forced her to retire. In recent years it has been in the capable hands of Jean Harding, Shirley Chappell and Harry Wall. Many thousands of tourists and Islanders have enjoyed the displays at the Aquarium

since its opening in 1971.

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