"Because I shall carry down my little collection with the pleasure of knowing more than I did last year."
"Our own coasts, rivers, and ponds afford a variety of shells. The hedge-banks, heaths, and other places, possess their inhabitants."
PLEASURE OF
SEARCHING
FOR SHELLS.
"Oh," exclaimed Lucy, "I quite forgot the very pretty snails I have so often admired on the heath on a dewy morning: why, we may learn conchology in the open fields as well as botany!"
"Well, then," replied Mr. Elliot, "to-morrow we will apply ourselves to the needful instruction. I must, however, remind you that I do not approve of any animal's life being taken away in order to obtain its habitation. Empty shells are to be found, which will serve perfectly well for specimens; and should the colour not be so bright as you could wish, you will have the delightful consciousness that your amusements have been free from cruelty, and that you have not destroyed the life of any living, harmless creature, in the pursuit of pleasure. Indeed there is as much or more gratification in searching among the rocks, or digging into the sea-sand, with a view to watch the animal in its natural place, as in possessing its empty shell: and who knows what grand discoveries you may both make!
"But I must leave you now—be ready for me after our usual dinner-hour."