6 



for so many inhabitants of our shallow waters. It is here, also, 

 that we see those picturesque rock pools of all sizes, formed by the 

 removal of the softer material of the rocks, and converted into so 

 many miniature seas by the receding of the tide. 



A more lovely sight than the typical rock pool of the West coast 

 one can hardly imagine. Around lies the rugged but sea-worn 

 rock, partly hidden by dense patches of the conical shells of the 

 Balanus, with here and there a snug cluster of young mussels held 

 together by their intertwining silken byssi. The surface is further 

 relieved by the clinging limpet, the beautifully banded shells of the 

 variable dog-periwinkle, the pretty top shells, and a variety of other 



FIG. 4. BALANUS SHELLS 



common but interesting molluscs. Clusters of the common bladdery 

 weeds are also suspended from the dry rock, and hang gracefully 

 into the still water below, where the mantled cowry may be seen 

 slowly gliding over the olive fronds. Submerged in the peaceful 

 pool are beautiful tufts of white and pink corallines, among which 

 a number of small and slender starfishes may climb unnoticed by 

 the casual observer ; while the scene is brightened by the numerous 

 patches of slender green and red algae, the thread-like fronds of 

 which are occasionally disturbed as the lively little blenny darts 

 among them to evade the intruder's glance. Dotted here and there 

 are the beautiful anemones the variously-hued animal flowers of 

 the sea, with expanded tentacles gently and gracefully swaying. 



