58 SEA-SIDE STUDIES. 



to observe sometliing besides these broad general out- 

 lines which constitute the scenery of our existence, 

 and learn to admire the magnificence of Nature. The 

 observation of one detail is a step to the recognition 

 of many. In this stage we resemble the traveller who 

 has discovered the Alps to have valleys and habita- 

 tions. If the Microscope be now placed in our hands, 

 it brings us into the very homes and haunts of Life ; 

 and finally, the high creative combining faculty, mov- 

 ing amid these novel observations, reveals something 

 of the great drama which is incessantly enacted in 

 every drop of water, on every inch of earth. Then, 

 and only then, do we realise the mighty complexity, 

 the infinite splendour of Nature ; then, and only then, 

 do we feel how full of Life, varied, intricate, marvel- 

 lous, world within world, yet nowhere without space 

 to move, is this single planet, on the crust of which 

 we stand, and look out into shoreless space, peopled 

 by myriads of other planets, larger, if not more won- 

 derful, than ours. And if with this substitution of 

 definite and particular ideas for the vague generalities 

 with which at first we represented Nature — if wdth 

 increase of knowledge there comes, as necessarily there 

 must come, increase of reverence, it is evident that the 

 study of Life must of all studies best nourish the 

 mind with true philosophy. 



The facts are the least of the attractions in this 

 study, although they are the bricks with which you 

 build. If you happen to be of a speculative turn, 

 every fresh observation mil start new trains of thought. 



