lost in astonishment at the noble expanse

of water, with vessels of all sizes sailing upon its surface. They expected much pleasure in seeing it nearer, as Mr. Vernon had promised them an excursion by water, and a visit to a large ship, before they left Hampshire.

Frank and Agnes were so obedient, so modest, and so quiet, that they became great favourites with their uncle and aunt, who took pleasure in amusing them. They had two little girls, called Marian and Laura, but they were too young to be companions for their cousins; though the latter often played with them, and contrived many little sports to please them. The rides and walks round Seaview, were various and beautiful. Sometimes the two ladies drove to the sands, t in a little carriage drawn by nonies. and

Frank and Agnes generally accompanied them. They usually left the carriage, and walked on the beach, while the children ran about and gathered shells, pebbles, or any marine plant they could find, which they collected in their baskets, to examine at leisure at home. One day, a fishing-boat came in; and as the fishermen drew the boat upon the sands, the children had an opportunity of seeing the fish they had caught. The men were so civil as to tell them the names of the different sorts. There were some lobsters; but Frank thought they were quite another kind of fish, for the lobsters he had seen on the table were of a fine red colour, and these were nearly black. The men told him, that this change was caused by boiling them. They showed him the

hait and gave him so much information

The following morning being wet, Mrs. Vernon told the children to bring their treasures to her, and she proceeded to tell them the names of several shells and plants which they had gathered. Agnes fixed upon a plant with a pale green prickly leaf, and delicate flower. "That is the eryngo, or sea-holly," said her mamma: "it grows in the loose sand, all along this coast, and is much sought after hy the d