Page images
PDF
EPUB
[graphic][subsumed]

I COMMON HERMIT-CRAB (Pagurus bernhardus) in shell of common Whelk.

2

D

[ocr errors]

3 SHIP-BARNACLES.

out of shell.

TWICE in every twenty-four hours the waters of the ocean ebb and flow. Twice only in each month, however, do the spring-tides occur. For there are few dangers that the ardent student of nature would not encounter. Lord Bacon tells of a certain bishop who used to bathe regularly twice every day, and on being asked why he bathed thus often, answered, Because I cannot conveniently bathe three times.' The zoologist, like the 'right reverend father' alluded to, would willingly undergo what appears to others much hardship and trouble, not only once or twice, but even three times daily, in pursuit of his favourite studies, did Nature but offer the kind convenience.

On these occasions the zoologist can pursue his researches at the shore, at a distance beyond the usual tidal line. Numerous boulders and rock-pools, during many days covered by the sea, being then laid bare and exposed to his eager, searching hands and eyes, he is frequently able to discover many rare objects, or,

« PreviousContinue »