OCEAN GARDENS, ETC. 



round Selborne would appear common and unin- 

 teresting enough ; but guided by a Gilbert White, 

 whose searching eye knew even the hidden forms of 

 plants, whose ear at once distinguished and classified 

 the song of birds, and even the buzz of insects — 

 guided by him, things assume a far different aspect ; 

 like another Prospero, he waves his wand, and every 

 object begins to brighten, and a thousand new and 

 beautiful features develop themselves under the 

 magic of his descriptions ; crowds of marvels spring- 

 ing up around, as from enchanted ground. In 

 like manner, guided by the fascinating science of a 

 Johnston or a Harvey, or the persuasive industry of 

 a Gosse, or the eloquently glowing descriptions of a 

 Kingsley, students, who have not the energy or 

 leisure to work for themselves, Avill find the dark 

 ocean glow with an unexpected light ; and the 

 delighted explorer will long for the power to renew 

 the impressions of his sea-side rambles after his 

 return to his inland home, perhaps in the heart of a 

 densely -populated city. Even this he may now do 

 through the medium of the marine Aquarium, within 

 the narrow boundaries of which he may, with a little 

 care and experience, establish in healthy existence 

 some of the most beautiful of the animal and vege- 

 table forms that people the caves and depths of the 

 ocean, and make its watery world a region of wonders. 



18 



