CHAPTER X. 



THE STUDY OF SHELLS. 



Introductory. The attractions of the sea-shore are many 

 and varied. There is the sea itself, heaving, restless ; its 

 ever-changing colours, its varying moods, its fresh salt- 

 laden breezes; there is the far-off horizon; there is the 

 sand or the rocks, the birds, the animals, and weeds of 

 the pools, the shells flung up by the tide. The sea-shore 

 is a place rich in physiological and intellectual quickening 

 for the mature ; a place full of ever new delights and 

 interests to the child. 



The shells are amongst the first objects which interest 

 the child. Although shells are to be found on land, and 

 in the fresh waters, it is generally on the sea- shore that 

 they first attract particular notice. And here we note 

 what has been already emphasised, that objects of definite 

 form and colour have for the child mind an interest sui 

 generis. On such material the child unconsciously exer- 

 cises his or her undeveloped aesthetic faculty, hence we 

 may regard shells as suitable objects for " nature study." 



Another element of some significance here, which to the 

 older children at any rate heightens the interest, is the 

 mystery with which they are enwrapt. Shells are, except 

 to the very young children, obviously incomplete things. 

 Not always, of course, for sometimes the owner is present 

 alive. But although this may remove in part the mystery, 

 it does not decrease the interest. But the empty shells on 

 the sea- shore do suggest mystery if not, the teacher may 

 profitably suggest it. The child knows that they are cast 

 up by the sea, and may be guided to ask with interest 

 some questions as to the life of the creatures of which they 

 once formed a part. 



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