CHAP. xvi. A RIDING OFFICER. 241 



learnt to read and write well ; and he laid the founda- 

 tions of the ordinary branches of education. He re- 

 mained at this place for three years, and at the age of 

 fifteen he left school altogether. 



He returned to his father's house to help in the work 

 of the inn, and to assist in the labours of the farm. It 

 was not a very good training for a lad. Peach was 

 brought into contact with the people who frequented 

 his father's inn. Wansford was then a very drunken 

 village. Peach was often invited to drink, but always 

 refused, a proof of moral courage at an early age. He 

 was consequently called "the milksop" of the house. 

 Perhaps from what he daily saw before him, he deter- 

 mined to abstain from drink. In this way the Spartans 

 taught their children. At all events, though reared 

 in an inn, Peach abstained from liquor for the rest of 

 his life. 



Not liking his position at home, Charles applied for 

 the position of riding officer in the Eevenue Coast- 

 guard. He was appointed in January 1824, and 

 directed to proceed to Southrepps, in the county of Nor- 

 folk, and report himself to the commanding officer there. 

 After approval, he was directed to take up his station 

 at Weybourn, in the port of Cley, Norfolk. 



At that tune Peach knew nothing of Natural History. 

 He had never seen the sea. What a sight, and hov/ full 

 of wonders, it was to him ! He was struck with every- 

 thing connected with it. He wandered along the shore, 

 and found brilliant seaweeds and zoophytes innumer- 

 able, the names of which he did not yet know. He 



