A VOYAGE TO INDIA. 131 



of the science, but which are too generally regarded as 

 the science itself. Some knowledge of these systems 

 seems indispensable to the grand and general views which 

 constitute the chief interest of many departments of na- 

 ture ; but the minute inhabitants of the ocean possess a 

 charm for every eye, an interest peculiarly their own. 

 In observing their beauties and their manners, the tra- 

 veller would find delightful occupation, and the tedium 

 of the sea would be forgotten. 



Much of my time was employed in catching these 

 minute animals with a net of bunting secured to a cane 

 twelve feet in length, with which practice soon rendered 

 me so adroit, that little escaped me that floated within 

 three feet of the surface. I cannot hope, by mere de- 

 scription, to inspire others with the same enthusiastic 

 admiration which I felt in a personal examination of the 

 wonders of my net; but I trust that, in introducing 

 some of these new acquaintances to your readers, I shall 

 not be accused of making a burdensome addition to their 

 circle. 



The vast tract of waters constituting the Gulf stream, 

 stretching itself along the coast of North America, lies 

 like a huge ocean desert, shunned even by the fish, 

 which are seen but rarely within its limits ; but on the 

 farther side a counter current travels at a slower pace in 

 the opposite direction. The surface of this current is 

 thickly covered with masses of sea-weed and other float- 

 ing bodies, swept by the stream from the shores of the 



