ish dwelt
in Port Hamilton, near Sir Ralph the Rover's ledge, and could be visited
at low-tide. He happened to be engaged at that time in watching his
wife's spawn, and could not be induced to let go his hold of the rock on
any account! Mr Long pulled at him pretty forcibly once or twice, but
with no effect, and the fish did not seem in the least alarmed! While
Mr Paddle did duty in the nursery, Mrs Paddle roamed the sea at large.
Apparently women's rights have made some progress in that quarter! It
was supposed by Stout that she took the night-watches. Mr Young
inclined to the opinion that she attended to the commissariat--was out
marketing in fact, and brought food to her husband. All that I can say
on the matter is, that I visited the family frequently, and always saw
the father "on duty," but only once found Mrs Paddle at home! The
tameness of this kind of fish is very remarkable. One day I saw a large
one in a pool which actually allowed me to put my hand under him and
lift him gently out! Suddenly it occurred to me that I might paint him!
The palette chanced to be at hand, so I began at once. In about two
minutes the paddle gave a flop of discomfort as he lay on the rock; I
therefore put him into a small pool for a minute or so to let him,
breathe, then took him out and had a second sitting, after which he had
another rest and a little refreshment in the pool. Thus in about ten
minutes, I had his portrait, and put him back into his native element.

I am inclined to think that this is the only fish in the sea that has
had his portrait taken and returned to tell the tale to his admiring,
perhaps unbelieving, friends!

Of course one of the most interesting points in the lighthouse was the
lantern. I frequently sat in it at night with the man on duty, who
expounded the lighting apparatus to me, or "spun yarns."

The fifth day of my sojourn on the Bell Rock was marked by an event of
great interest,--the arrival of a fishing-boat with letters and
newspapers. I had begun by that time to feel some degree of longing to
hear something about the outer world, though I had not felt lonely by
any means--my companions were too pleasant to admit of that. Our little
world contained a large amount of talent! Mr Long had a magnificent
bass voice and made good use of it. Then, Young played the violin, (not
so badly), and sang tenor--not quite so well; besides which he played
the accordion. His instrument, however,