FASCINATION OF THE SEA. 97 



itself with sand, that the sand became part of its 

 integument. 



Having turned over the heap, and shown me one 

 by one every shell or weed, Jack now began to clear 

 the boat, and to haul in the Dredge once more. After 

 a few hauls, our bucket was sufficiently stocked, and 

 we sailed homewards, skimming the surface with a net 

 in the hope of capturing some jellyfish, but none ap- 

 peared. We ought to have been in high spirits ; but 

 whatever consolation may have been in the thought 

 of the bucket, we were not hilarious, I pledge you my 

 word, as we scudded along, green and silent. We 

 reached the pier-steps at last. Jack carried the bucket 

 after us, and the perplexed vassal at the lodging-house 

 brought down a foot-pan, into which the contents of 

 the bucket were emptied. I should not like to inquire 

 too closely into that vassal's private opinion of me and 

 my pursuits. The next day, when I met Jack, he was 

 gratified to learn that the result of our dredging had 

 been highly satisfactory, as indeed it was ; for besides 

 abundance of known animals, I had found two entirely 

 new genera of Annelids. 



Sea-sickness is not an agreeable sensation. While 

 enduring it, we all vow never again to brave it without 

 urgent necessity; and yet the next day we forget 

 our resolution, and step lightly on board, mentally 

 sinojino^ — 



" The sea ! the sea ! the open sea ! 

 I am where I would ever be ! " 



And if we do this merely for the sake of running to 



G 



