80 SEA-SIDE STUDIES. 



paternal Government and a reformed Post-office, with this 

 warning inscribed in majestic calligraphy — 



WITH CAEE : LIVE ANIMALS ! 



I thought the Lacedemonian brevity and the note of admira- 

 tion might have their effect. But, it is painful to confess, 

 that Post-office clerks appear to be imperfectly versed in the 

 rudiments of zoology ; or perhaps they pay slight attention 

 to the literature of Inscriptions ; at any rate they stamped 

 with a vigour which completely squashed the card-board box. 

 The next time, I determined to follow my friend's advice, 

 and send the animals in a tin box, which, of course, seemed 

 the easiest thing in the world, until the trial was made. I 

 ransacked Tenby in vain. I asked everywhere— I asked at 

 impossible shops — I even tried the bootmaker : he could not 

 supply mc. I offered money, and hinted love ; but no tin 

 box could Tenby produce. The article was mythical. Tenby 

 had mustaches and parasols in prodigal abundance ; pony- 

 chaises and sailing-boats obtruded themselves at every cor- 

 ner ; the streets were full of formidable young gentlemen 

 from the fashionable parts (of Bristol), and nurserymaids 

 with prize babies ; these, and much more that was sublimely 

 useless, Tenby had at your service ; but a tin box it knew 

 not, except by vague report. Tenljy has not even a banker ; 

 to get a cheque changed you must ride to Pembroke ; why, 

 then, expect it will have a tinman ? Imagine my impa- 

 tience, my disgust 1 I'm afraid I used strong language. At 

 last a brilliant conception made my pathway clear. In a 

 grocer's shop there were cases of gingor-nuts for sale ; these 



