6 Dwellers of the Sea and Shore 



his favorite pursuits. Regardless of whether the tide 

 be high or low, or whether his locality Is one of sand 

 or rocks, or even mud, an endless variety of forms 

 await his Inquiring notice. 



To the beginner — and to the experienced naturalist, 

 too — the character of the shore Is important, as It in- 

 dicates to a large extent the types of plants and animals 

 which are most likely to prevail. A sandy shore, al- 

 though appearing quite barren and uninteresting to the 

 ordinary observer, nevertheless teems with life. But 

 Its Inhabitants live mostly under the surface where their 

 presence often can be detected by the openings to their 

 burrows. Some of the burrowers, such as certain 

 clams, betray themselves by sending conspicuous jets 

 of water Into the air. However, the greater part of 

 the underground population gives no visible sign of 

 existence; and to one who was unaware of the fact. It 

 would seem Incredible that a turn of the spade will 

 reveal a numerous crowd, among which will ofttlmes 

 be found some of the most beautiful creatures In the 

 animal kingdom. Snails, crustaceans, and worms are 

 extremely abundant over the entire beach, and careful 

 scrutiny of drifted sea wrack will detect a host of other 

 forms. In the water, of course, the evidence of life Is 

 more obvious. When the tide comes creeping upward, 

 a numerous group begins to assemble. Almost at the 

 very edge of the water, nosing their way here and 

 there, can be seen the minnows. Some of the tribe 

 peculiar to our eastern coast will show a delightful 

 familiarity by nibbling harmlessly at the wader's toes or 

 ankles. These are the Mummlchogs ; and In brackish- 

 water regions they outnumber all other shore fishes. 



