Page:The aquarium - an unveiling of the wonders of the deep sea.djvu/71



I wonder whether others are conscious of a feeling which I continually find; a disposition to think that that which is remote must be better than that which is near. It prevails in spite of myself; in spite of knowledge and reasoning: thus I am constantly gazing out with longing eyes on the blue cliffs of the receding coast, and saying, half unconsciously, to myself,—"I wish I were at the foot of those cliffs; what treasures I might find there!" though reflection tells me that the spot where I am is of the very same character, and would assume the same tantalizing position were I yonder.

The majestic mass of Portland, rising out of the sea right in front of me, awakened a desire to go over and explore its shores; and as soon as spring-tide arrived I made an opportunity to gratify my desire, though the