SIR CHARLES LYELL. 251 



my love for it continued always to increase, and it 

 afforded a most varied source of amusement. . . . 

 Instead of sympathy, I received from almost every 

 one else beyond my home either ridicule, or hints 

 that the pursuits of other boys were more manly. 

 . . . The disrepute in which my hobby was held 

 had a considerable effect upon my character, for I 

 was very sensitive of the good opinions of others, 

 and therefore followed it up almost by stealth ; so 

 that, although I never confessed to myself that I 

 was wrong, but always reasoned myself into a be- 

 lief that the generality of people were too stupid 

 to comprehend the interest of such pursuits ; yet, 

 I got too much in the habit of avoiding being seen, 

 as if I was ashamed of what I did." 



The temporary ill-health of the schoolboy led to 

 the long hours of observation of nature ; these led 

 to a devotion to science, which brought a world- 

 wide fame. Thus, often, that which seems a 

 hindrance in life proves a blessing in the end. 



At twelve, Charles was placed in a school where 

 there were seventy boys, with much fagging and 

 fighting. That this roughness was not in accord- 

 ance with his noble and refined nature is shown by 

 his words, years afterwards : " Whatever some may 

 say or sing of the happy recollections of their 

 school days, I believe the generality, if they told 

 the truth, would not like to have them over again, 

 or would consider them as less happy than those 

 which follow. . . . The recollection of it makes me 

 bless my stars I have not to go through it agaiii. 



