vi PREFACE 



expense of conciseness and precision ; where it has been used, care 

 has been taken to explain the terms so that their meaning will be 

 plain to every one. A general glossary has been omitted, but the 

 technical terms used have been indexed. The illustrations will 

 bear the use of a hand-glass, and this will often bring out details 

 which cannot well be seen by the unaided eye. 



The systematic table of the marine algae, as given in Part I, 

 and followed in the text, will be of use to collectors who wish to 

 make herbaria. In order to name and group specimens such a 

 guide is necessary. Should specific names lead to embarrassment, 

 many of them can be neglected, for the names or genera are often 

 a sufficient distinction. 



Since so many species of invertebrates are found on the beach 

 that a complete enumeration of them is impracticable, only the 

 most conspicuous ones have been selected for description in 

 Part II ; but the attempt has been made to designate the various 

 classes and orders with sufficient clearness to enable the collector 

 to identify the objects commonly found on the shore, and to 

 follow the subject further, if he so desires, in technical books. 



It is hoped that this book will suggest a new interest and 

 pleasure to many, that it will encourage the pastime of collecting 

 and classifying, and that it will serve as a practical guide to a better 

 acquaintance with this branch of natural history, without neces- 

 sitating serious study. Marine organisms are interesting ac- 

 quaintances when once introduced, and the real purpose of the 

 author is to present, to the latent naturalist, friends whom he will 

 enjoy. 



Grateful acknowledgment is here made to the following per- 

 sons who have kindly assisted and advised the author and have 

 also extended valued courtesies to her in the preparation of 

 this book : Smith Ely Jelliffe, M.D., Ph.D. ; Herbert M. Richards, 

 A.B., Ph.D., Professor of Botany in Barnard College ; Marshall A. 



