The sea in all her moods has a strange fascination for the children of the dry land. The rumble and thunder of her never ending procession of rolling breakers, rising and falling, tumbling over the sands, to race hissing back to shelter under the curling crest of an eternal successor; the mad recurring dash which cannot be discouraged, of great waters upon unyielding rocks whose grim faces smile at the spume fountains falling back upon them; the wash and mutter of rocky shoals; the suck an...

"The Pearl" by Wallis Richard Cattelle is a captivating tale that explores the themes of ambition, greed, and the human condition. The story follows a poor pearl diver named Kino, who discovers an extraordinary pearl that he believes will transform his life and bring prosperity to his family. However, as he seeks to sell the pearl, he encounters unforeseen challenges and moral dilemmas that test his values and relationships. Cattelle's narrative is rich with symbolism, illustrating how wea...

The Pearl: Its Story, Its Charm, and Its Value is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of one of nature’s most captivating gems. Authored by Wallis R. C. and published in the early 20th century, this book delves into the fascinating history, cultural significance, and scientific marvels surrounding pearls. The narrative begins with the ancient legends and myths that have surrounded pearls for centuries, tracing their allure from the courts of Eastern monarchs to the treasuries of Europ...

In "How to See the British Museum in Four Visits," Blanchard Jerrold captivates readers with a meticulously crafted guide that artfully blends observation, history, and anecdotal narrative. Through a series of structured visits, Jerrold adeptly navigates the vast collections of the British Museum, illuminating treasures from ancient civilizations to modern artifacts. His ability to synthesize complex historical contexts with engaging prose makes this work not just a guidebook but a literar...

This short piece by the noted naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, describes the nineteenth century view of the Birds of Paradise, their habits as known at the time. Taken from Wallaces Numerous trips to the south seas. Alfred Russel Wallace, OM, FRS (8 January 1823– 7 November 1913) was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist and biologist. He is best known for independently conceiving the theory of evolution by natural selection and co-publishing a paper on the ...

An ancient and famous human institution is in pressing danger. Sir George Campbell has set his face against the time-honoured practice of Falling in Love. Parents innumerable, it is true, have set their faces against it already from immemorial antiquity; but then they only attacked the particular instance, without venturing to impugn the institution itself on general principles. An old Indian administrator, however, goes to work in all things on a different pattern. He would always like to...

On the termination of my journey in Tibet, I submitted to the Indian Government a detailed report of my observations in that country. It was my original intention to request the permission of the Court of Directors to publish this report in the form in which it was drawn up; but after my return to England, this plan was, at the suggestion of friends, abandoned for that now followed. At the time of my appointment to the Tibet Mission, my attention had not been specially directed to the Hima...

With Bewick on my knee, I was then happy...' Jane EyreCharlotte Bronte's heroine was not alone in her enjoyment of Thomas Bewick's British Birds - since its first publication in 1797 it has become one of the best-loved classics of natural history. Bewick's masterful woodcuts are more than scientific records; each beady eye and jaunty pose betrays the artist's love of birds.This edition includes over 180 bird species, from garden favourites such as robins, b...

A mid nineteenth century look at diamonds and other precious stones: Diamonds, Gems, Corals and Pearls. This short piece includes a brief history of some famous stones and a brief description of mining, diving and cutting of gems corals and pearls.

This classic bird watching guide to the birds of India received the following glowing reviews: Globe.--"Mr. Dewar gives us something more than 'glimpses' of Indian bird-life in his very interesting volume." Standard.--"Not the least merit of the book is the author's unwillingness to take anything for granted." Spectator.--"We know nothing better to recommend to an amateur ornithologist who finds himself in India for the first time." Guardian.--"... vivid and delightful." Observer.--"... fu...

This antiquarian book contains a practical guide to keeping and caring for finches, being a handy collection of tips and helpful hints for the breeding, feeding, and training of these beautiful birds. This volume contains a wealth of information on all types of common finch, and is highly recommended for readers with a practical interest in these animals. The chapters of this book include: “Finches”, “Bullfinch”, “The Goldfinch”, “Chaffinch”, “The Mountain Finch or Brambling”, “The Linnet”...

William Bartram (1739-1823) was America's first native born naturalist, artist, and botanist and first author in the modern genre of writers who portrayed nature through scientific examination as well as personal understanding. The son of noted botanist, John Bartram, William, from his mid teens, was noted for the quality of his botanic and ornithological drawings. His role in the maintenance of his father's botanic garden sparked William's interest in the scientific field, adding many rar...