In a Sea-side Forest. 195 



fond of crayfish, and not only knocks down the 

 towers, but digs out the tunnel-nest of the mud- 

 dwelling Cambarus diogenes. Occasionally, it 

 would seem, the raccoon ventures abroad before 

 sundown. I was told of one that started from the 

 mainland in broad daylight, but did not reach the 

 holly forest. Wide-awake gulls spied him and 

 reported his presence. They darted upon him as 

 he crouched in the grass, and severely nipped him 

 with their cruel beaks, time and again. Finally, 

 a fisherman, seeing the commotion, hurried to the 

 spot and divided the spoils with the gulls, keeping 

 the lion's share. 



" As the sands of the sea :" how often we hear 

 it ! and it is one of a few expressions equal to all 

 occasions. Here were attractions equally as 

 numerous, and every one worthy of our whole 

 attention. But the day was drawing to a close, 

 and I had the long shadows in mind that dimmed 

 the sun's glare upon the beach. Across lots 

 through the woods was but a step, and in all its 

 summer glory glittered the broad Atlantic. What 

 a quick transition ! Here, literally joining hands, 

 a sea-side forest and the boundless ocean. 



