254 THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE CHAP. 
tint, its head glorious with the halo of its 
quivering cilia; to see it gliding through the 
emerald stems, hunting for its food, snatching 
at its prey, fleeing from its enemy, chasing its 
mate (the fiercest of our passions blazing in 
an invisible speck); to see it whirling in a 
mad dance, to the sound of its own music, 
the music of its happiness, the exquisite happi- 
ness of living—can any one, who has once 
enjoyed this sight, ever turn from it to mere 
books and drawings, without the sense that 
he has left all Fairyland behind him?” ? 
The study of Natural History has indeed 
the special advantage of carrying us into the 
country and the open air. 
Lakes are even more restful than rivers or 
the sea. Rivers are always flowing, though 
it may be but slowly; the sea may rest 
awhile, now and then, but is generally full of 
action and energy; while lakes seem to sleep 
and dream. Lakes in a beautiful country are 
like silver ornaments on a lovely dress, like 
liquid gems in a beautiful setting, or bright 
eyes In a lovely face. Indeed as we gaze 
1 Dr. Hudson, dries to the Microscopical Society, 1889. 
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