UNIVALVES. 113 
the sea-coast. Cranch too, the elegant and scientific 
explorer of the Congo, delighted in the same pursuit. 
Neither difficulties nor dangers impeded his re- 
searches. He climbed rugged precipices, he was 
frequently lowered down by the peasants from the 
summits of tall cliffs, he waded through rapid streams, 
explored the beds of muddy rivers, and sought the 
deepest recesses. He would even sometimes re- 
linquish the comforts of domestic life, and venture 
out to sea, at Dawlish, for several days, entirely 
alone, or in the small skiffs of the fishermen, during 
which he dredged when the tide was full, and 
examined the coast when it was out. At night, he 
slept in his boat, which he drew to shore; and when 
the weather was too stormy for marine excursions, 
he would leave his littie skiff, and examine the 
woods and fields, for birds and insects. No incle- 
mency of weather, no vicissitudes of storm and sun- 
shine, ever interfered with his favourite pursuits,— 
the discovery of a new shell or bird, or insect, amply 
repaid the most hazardous exertions. 
The beautiful shores of Tenby, are equally rich 
with those of Devon, in marine productions. But 
venture not upon the sea, my friend, like Cranch, 
in a little boat, scarcely able to surmount the bil- 
lows ; rather delight yourself, as Cicero, in col- 
lecting those elegant specimens which the sea 
I 
