6 PLEASURE OF SEARCHING FOR SHELLS. 



heath on a dewy morning: why, we may learn 

 concholog}* in the open tields as well as 

 botany !'" 



" Well, then," replied ]Mr. Elliot. '" to-morrow 

 we will apply ourselves to the needful instruc- 

 tion. I must, however, remind you that I do not 

 approve of any animal's life being taken away in 

 order to obtain its habitation. Empty shells are 

 to be found, which will serve perfectly well for 

 specimens ; and should the colour not be so bright 

 as you could wish, you will have the delightful 

 consciousness that your amusements have been free 

 from cruelty, and that you have not destroyed 

 the life of any living, harmless creature, in the 

 pursuit of pleasure. Indeed there is as much or 

 more gratification in searching among the rocks, 

 or digging into the sea-sand, with a view to watch 

 the animal in its natural place, as in possessing 

 its empty shell : and who knows what grand dis- 

 coveries you may both make ! 



'• But I must leave you now — be ready for me 

 after our usual dinner-hour." 



