42 ON THE BEACH AT DAYTONA. 
and down the beach, I could usually see 
somewhere in the distance a carriage or two, 
and as many foot passengers; but I often 
walked a mile, or sat for half an hour, with- 
out being within hail of any one. Never 
were alrs more gentle or colors more exqui- 
site. 
As for birds, they were surprisingly 
scarce, but never wanting altogether. If 
everything else failed, a few fish-hawks 
were sure to be in sight. I watched them 
at first with eager interest. Up and down 
the beach they went, each by himself, with 
heads pointed downward, scanning the shal- 
low water. Often they stopped in their 
course, and by means of laborious flappings 
held themselves poised over a certain spot. 
Then, perhaps, they set their wings and shot 
downward clean under water. If the plunge 
was unsuccessful, they shook their feathers 
dry and were ready to begin again. They 
had the fisherman’s gift. The second, and 
even the third attempt might fail, but no 
matter; it was simply a question of time 
and patience. If the fish was caught, their 
first concern seemed to be to shift their hold 
upon it, till its head pointed to the front. 
