The Starfish and Its Kindred 69 



the substance of what I learned among Its wormy beams 

 and stanchions. Here also must end the reader's 

 acquaintance with that structure Itself. My purpose In 

 Introducing him to this haunt has been fulfilled. Be- 

 sides the background It has given us for the activities 

 of the starfish, It furnishes a very Important object 

 lesson. To the seashore naturalist, no object, whether 

 It be floating driftwood or submerged piling, Is un- 

 worthy of attention. Whatever the tides Inundate, 

 regardless of its character, becomes fertile ground for 

 him who deigns to dig. 



Notwithstanding my obligation to proceed In the 

 business of presenting those others who properly and 

 justly claim a share in this history, It Is not without 

 regret that I leave this lovely scene. I fain would 

 linger over Its pleasing memory, over the Image of Its 

 thousand stars bespangling the moldering framework 

 or decorating the darkness of its receding depths, over 

 the recollection of those fruitful, rapturous hours, oft- 

 times extending far Into the night. To me this spot was 

 as alluring In the blackest midnight as under the noon- 

 day sun. For, w^ith the fading of the day, It had an 

 ethereal splendor all its own; yet not unearthly, or 

 unreal. The framework faintly glowing with a mellow 

 light of phosphorescence became softly outlined In the 

 watery void. And In the vastness of the silent night, 

 the ancient corse no longer was a thing of rotting 

 wood and wormy recesses; It was near and dear and 

 human ! 



