CHAPTEE XI. 



Let us visit the caves of a miniature ocean, 

 The gorgeous sea-flowers and worms to behold : — 



Actinia, rose-finger'd, ever in motion ; 

 Phyllodoce, liveried in emerald and gold, 



No music is heard in these silent recesses. 

 Save such gentle notes as the Eolids utter ; 



But fair Aphrodite waves gem-spangled tresses. 

 And Scallops, like butterflies, merrily flutter. 



Here a Sun up the crystalline pathway is clambering, 

 Blood-hued as his rival who sinks in the west ; 



Bright Stars in their de^^ous courses are wandering. 

 Where the Blenny peeps forth from her well-woven nest. 



These forms from the sunny South surely have wander'd ; — 



Anomia the pearl of the orient mocks ; 

 Bold Dragonet, jewel-mail'd, hoists his tall standard. 



And crimson-clad Labrus darts under the rocks. 



How softly the feathery sea-groves are waving ! 



Their plume-tufts of pui'ple. and scarlet, and green. 

 The pure and clear element gently is laving ; — 



While tiny swarms merrily sport them between. 



How glorious, O Lord, are thy works of creation ! 



How fit to abase us, and himible our pride ! 

 Not alone would we gaze with devout admiration. 



But adore thee, obey thee, and love thee beside ! 



PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS. 



This Chapter is like the postscript of a lady's letter; 

 though placed last, it contains the most important 

 part of the volume. I intend it to afford such assist- 



