18G SEA-SIDE STUDIES. 



sopliic resignation. Deprived thus of our natural fortifica- 

 tions against the advancing enemy, we were further disabled 

 by the rain, which forced us to descend into the cabin, and 

 get into our berths. In these exiguous spaces we remained 

 until the joyful tidings of arrival flooded us with sudden 

 energy, and flung the past hours from us like a hideous 

 dream. Except during the brief intervals of sleep and semi- 

 delirium, the hours were not pleasant. The cold, not to be 

 kept out by any amount of rugs, cloaks, and tarpaulin, seemed 

 stealthily creeping into the very centres of life. The sensa- 

 tions which fly around sea-sickness need scarcely be alluded 

 to. Constantly, Avhen my intellect was sufficiently disen- 

 tangled from these sensations to exercise itself, would the 

 thought arise that pleasanter far was the pursuit of zoology 

 in comfortable homes (where Mr Lloyd of Portland Eoad, 

 JMr Bohu of Essex Street, or Mr Damon of Weymouth, 

 would supply tanks and vases with the desired animals in 

 exchange for vulgar dross, thus bringing the forces of com- 

 merce and civilisation to minister to our pursuits), compared 

 with this harum-scarum method of trusting oneself to " sea- 

 traversing ships," in order to become one's own purveyor. 

 This thouffht would occur. And then the fluctuating Intel- 

 lect passed into self-condemnation at thoughts so base, re- 

 morse so ill-timed, cowardice so uuzoological. These pass- 

 ing pangs, however unattractive, would they not inevitably 

 pass ? And how the released spirit, in its reinstated vigour, 

 would rejoice at having undergone such torments for such 

 weeks of enjoyment. 



As I said, the joyful tidings came at last. With alacrity 



