CHAPTEE XVII. 



ANTIQUITIES KITCHEN-MIDDENS. 



EDWARD had now been working for about ten years 

 along the sea-shore collecting Crustacea, Molluscs, 

 Fish, and marine objects. He had won his honours, 

 and lost his health. His medical attendant had often 

 warned him to give up night work, and avoid expo- 

 sure of all kinds. But though Edward had given 

 up night work and partly recovered his health, he 

 would not give up the study of Nature. 



He was now, however, compelled to abandon it 

 altogether.* The doctor was called in again, and 

 found him utterly prostrate. It was the old story 

 fever and sore throat, the results of exposure, and 

 perhaps of insufficient sustenance. His illness was 

 more serious now than it had been before. In course 

 of time, however, he recovered. The doctor again had 

 a serious talk with him. He even threatened him 

 with a lunatic asylum if he did not altogether aban- 

 don his out-door researches. 



* This must have been about the beginning of 1868. The last 

 letter which Edward received from Mr. Spence Bate was dated the 

 3d March 1868. In that letter Mr. Bate referred to some speci- 

 mens of the Eisclados and Thernisto which Edward had sent him 

 about three months before. The correspondence then ceased. 



