As a result, ink can be supplied by suction into the reserve ink tank 20 with reliability. [0330] If the level 41 b of ink in the reserve ink tank 20 reaches the gas-permeable member 48, as shown in FIG. 55, the supply of ink under suction can be automatically stopped as consequence of the impermeability of the gas-permeable member 48 in respect to a liquid such as ink.