44 INTRODUCTION 



ous and surprising forms and habits which are difficult to watch 

 leaning over a pool. 



Most of the various species mentioned above are common 

 along the whole shore, and may be looked for at almost any 

 point where the water is free from contamination. 



At the sand-beach are found species which do not inhabit the 

 rocky shore, as the sand-dollar (Echinaracknius parma), Polynices 

 (Lunatia) heros, Mya arenana, and others. After a storm various 

 deep-water forms are washed upon this beach. Laminaria digitata, 

 six feet long, is found here sometimes under these circumstances. 

 Chordaria Jtagettiformis, resembling long switches of hair, floats 

 from the rocks near the shore. To the left, on the rock under 

 the overhanging ledge, is a tide-pool which one would hesitate 

 to deface by touching a single specimen. So crystal-clear is 

 the water, so brilliant the Hildenbrandtia, so lovely the Corallina, 

 that all seem placed there to excite admiration. 



But most of all one should obtain the permission of the owner 

 to visit Rodicks Weir. Here is an immense natural aquarium, 

 full of living wonders. On a clear day, sunlight penetrates to 

 the bottom, and at low tide the whole contents of the weir are 

 clearly seen as one floats through the inclosed water-spaces. 

 On the bottom are sea-urchins, many of them with sticks or 

 stones on their backs, which the animals have placed there in 

 the endeavor to conceal themselves; starfishes feeding; and 

 great numbers of whelks (Buccinum undatum). Cuttlefishes dart 

 rapidly about, and skates, sculpins, and other fishes display their 

 curious forms. Very likely a giant jellyfish (Cyania arctica) is 

 entangled in the brush, so that one can examine at short range 

 its wonderful and beautiful parts. Other jelly fishes may be 

 closely scrutinized. 



The alga Polysiphonia violacea floats in long feathery tufts 

 from the stakes. 



On the eel-grass are to be found Lacuna vlncta and the delicate 

 iridescent little shells of Margarita helicina. 



Every tide brings different species of the ocean fauna to tem- 

 porary imprisonment in this inclosure, so that it is difficult to 

 say what one may not chance to find in this interesting place. 



