modern thing instead. I selected a spot within a 

 few feet of the soggy edge, where it was compara- 

 tively dry; and after seating myself thereon, in 

 the easy manner of one about to enjoy an outdoor 

 performance, I proceeded to use my tele-magni- 

 fiers, or short-range field-glasses — that most inval- 

 uable aid to the naturalist who wishes to observe 

 at close hand such small and wary creatures as 

 are certain insects and crustaceans, or to study 

 fishes and other timid folk in the immediate dis- 

 tance whose nearer approach is impossible. 



Thus seen, Aphrodite loomed as large as if it 

 were lying on my lap. Its flat body clinging close 

 to the bottom was about six inches long, was broad- 

 est in the middle and tapered to a point at both 

 ends — a contour not without grace, and extremely 

 simple. Its back was thickly covered with bril- 

 liantly iridescent bristles forming a fur-like coat. 

 Those growing around the margin were longer, 

 some being fully an inch and bearing sharp points 

 and barbs near the ends. These, like the quills of a 

 porcupine, curved over the creature's back. 



In exalting the beauty of a single sea creature, 

 one must speak with caution, for so many are de- 

 serving of high praise. Yet I doubt whether the 



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