REFLECTIONS. 257 



really are, by closely observing the curious objects by which 

 we are surrounded,, and by seeking to understand them. 

 When this disposition is encouraged, even a solitary walk, 

 on the most lonely shore, is fraught with interest. Every 

 coming wave deposits some weed or shell ; the one serving, 

 perhaps, as a small sea- car for a tiny mollusk voyaging from 

 the deep ; the other either is, or was, the home of a won- 

 drously constructed creature, having its own peculiar sources 

 of enjoyment, and appropriate instincts. 



He who passes them by, as things of little worth, loses 

 an innocent and laudable source of pleasure, and perhaps 

 returns home discontented with his solitary walk ; he, on 

 the contrary, whose eyes are open to the wonders of creation, 

 preserves the shell and sea-weed, and seeks to become ac- 

 quainted with their natural history. He may find, perchance, 

 in both, links that bind them to past ages and bring memo- 

 rable events to his recollection, or such developments of 

 creative goodness in the one or in the other, as may fill his 

 mind with thoughts of love and thankfulness. 



