V. 



TWICE in every twenty-four hours the waters of the 

 ocean ebb and flow. Twice only in each month, 

 however, do the spring-tides occur. For these there 

 are few dangers that the ardent student of nature 

 would not encounter. Lord Bacon tells of a certain 

 bishop who used to bathe regularly twice every 

 day, and on being asked why he bathed thus often, 

 answered, * Because I cannot conveniently bathe 

 three times.' The zoologist, like the 'right reverend 

 father' alluded to, would willingly undergo what 

 appears to others much hardship and trouble, not 

 only once or twice, but even three times daily, in 

 pursuit of his favourite studies, did Nature but offer 

 the kind convenience. 



On these occasions the zoologist can pursue his re- 

 searches at the shore, at a distance beyond the usual 

 tidal line. Numerous boulders and rock-pools, during 

 many days covered by the sea, being then laid bare 

 and exposed to his eager, searching hands and eyes, 

 he is frequently able to discover many rare objects, or 



