114 I N A G U A 



of cold and intense heat, of smashing waves and thunderous 

 boiling surf. Only the most hardy can persist. Yet in the area 

 between tide lines have occurred some of the most profound 

 events in the history of our globe. In comparison the doings 

 of the Caesars, the Alexanders, the Napoleons, pale into in- 

 significance. The measurable results of the victories of the great 

 generals extend at most over a few centuries, then fade into the 

 background of things past and over with. This cannot be said 

 to be true of tide lines, for here there developed a vast array of 

 creatures which because of their success in this maelstrom 

 between tide lines were able to conquer new worlds on 

 land. 



There is a law of nature, somewhat disputed in its exact de- 

 tails, but generally agreed upon by scientists, which states that 

 those creatures subjected to constantly changing conditions and 

 environments are more prone to physical change or adaptation 

 than those organisms which live a sheltered existence. Crinoids, 

 for example, ancient marine forms which dwell in the still quiet 

 depths of the sea where each decade is like the one that went 

 before, exist today nearly as they did millions of years ago 

 because the conditions under which they live are precisely 

 what they were in that remote age when they reached their opti- 

 mum. For them there was no need for alteration. On the other 

 hand our own distant relatives the ancient Amphibia evolved 

 from giant fresh water fish caught in drying Devonian swamps. 

 Nowhere more than in the area swept by the rise and fall of 

 the tide do more varied, difficult or changing conditions exist. 

 Hence it is not surprising that various dwellers of the sea in 

 crossing this barrier have become changed to land creatures. 



I had only to drop again in the warm waters of my pool to 

 understand what a tumultuous life these surf creatures must 

 lead and to marvel at the wonderful variety of methods which 

 they used to combat their first strongest enemy, the surf itself. 



