MARINE 

 NATURAL HISTORY CLASS, 



IN the summer of 1855, I met at Ilfracombe, on the coast of North 

 Devon, a small party of ladies and gentlemen, who formed themselves 

 into a Class for the study of Marine Natural History. There was much 

 to be done in the way of collecting, much to be learned in the way of 

 study. Not a few species of interest, and some rarities, fell under 

 our notice, scattered as we were over the rocks, and peeping into the 

 pools, almost every day for a month. Then the prizes were to be 

 brought home, and kept in little Aquariums for the study of their 

 habits, their beauties to be investigated by the pocket-lens, and the 

 minuter kinds to be examined under the microscope. An hour or 

 two was spent on the shore every day on which the tide and the 

 weather were suitable ; and, when otherwise, the occupation was varied 

 by an indoors' lesson, on identifying and comparing the characters of 

 the animals obtained, the specimens themselves affording illustrations. 

 Thus the two great desiderata of young naturalists were attained 

 simultaneously; they learned at the same time how to collect, and 

 how to determine the names and the zoological relations of the speci- 

 mens when found. 



A little also was effected in the way of dredging the sea-bottom, and 

 in surface-fishing for Medusae, &c. ; but our chief attention was directed 

 to shore-collecting. Altogether, the experiment was found so agreeable 

 that I propose to repeat it by forming a similar party every year, if 

 spared, at some suitable part of the coast. 



Such ladies or gentlemen as may wish to join the Class should give 

 in their names to me, early in the summer; and any preliminary 

 inquiries about plans, terms, &c. shall meet the requisite attention. 



P. H. GOSSE. 



58, HUNTINGDON STREET, 



ISLINGTON, LONDON. 



