142 Dwellers of the Sea and Shore 



with the mainland, and partly to the creek that sepa- 

 rates it from the opposite shore, makes It particularly * 

 favored by the marsh hen and other birds — and by me. 

 Here, more so than is possible at any other point along 

 the harbor shore, I am able to install myself In some 

 sequestered spot and follow also the actions of my 

 humble friends of the sea, uninterrupted by the Idly 

 curious. Unfortunately, however, these advantages 

 are growing less and less each year. The beach that 

 lines the outer side of this barrier is the finest In the 

 harbor. The bathers hereabout have discovered this, 

 and every summer sees an Increase in their numbers. 

 On my own part, I have no selfish wish to see It other- 

 wise ; for who am I to put a personal convenience above 

 the happiness of the many? Yet It Is not without 

 emotion that I regard the effect these seasonal incur- 

 sions will have on the welfare of my pretty animals. 

 Where are they going after being driven from their 

 homes? No other place In this region offers such an 

 Ideal sanctuary. It Is not large, but within Its limits 

 are contained a number of forms which, unable to 

 thrive elsewhere, have sought It as the last remaining 

 place of refuge. One of these, Limulus, the horseshoe 

 crab. Is, at best, fast becoming extinct; and It would be 

 a pity to have this picturesque and inoffensive creature 

 disappear from these shores entirely. 



During July and August the heat of the sun beats 

 down upon this strip of sand with tropical Intensity. 

 It is the season most loved by the animals of the sea 

 and shore. At this time they are at the height of their 

 activities. A walk along the water's edge reveals a 

 teeming population. Many of them, alarmed at human 



