216 Union Bay 



or by small waves. In the proper season I could stop pad- 

 dling almost any time and locate half a dozen birds by their 

 sounds— some from the air, others in the low growth or in the 

 water. The marsh residents scarcely ever left it except to 

 migrate. If I startled them into flight they went only a short 

 distance and settled down. I seldom failed to spot where 

 they landed and to find them again if I were really interested. 



The marsh, then, is an intimate place. There would be 

 little appeal for those who admire the big scene, great move- 

 ments, and constant excitement. But it is the absence of these 

 things that provides much of the marsh charm. Of what 

 value are two or three hours to the city dweller whose only 

 interest is the mountain or the seashore? Even week ends 

 are too short for trips to such places. But this marsh, so close 

 to my home, fills my two- or three-hour spare periods with 

 relaxation and enjoyment. Indeed, the two-hour rental is the 

 standard time at the canoehouse. Few of the paddlers stay 

 out much longer, partly because of the expense, and partly 

 because they have covered much of the area, and the urge 

 to exercise has been largely satisfied. In two hours I can 

 usually check the birds and the places which I wish to ex- 

 amine. Or I can drift and sunbathe and devote the time en- 

 tirely to rest. I never have to lean into the wind and wonder 

 whether I have enough time to beat the tide around the 

 points. I am not forced to put all my effort and determina- 

 tion into the ascending of the steep rock gully that leads to 

 the summit of the mountain. I never have to make the de- 

 scent and return to the valley below, full of enthusiasm for 

 the perfect view and the wonderful trip but equally full of 

 foreboding for the condition of my muscles on the following 

 day. 



Fortunate is the man who does not have to choose be- 

 tween the seashore, the mountains, and the marsh. There is 

 no reason why he should not visit them all as his mood di- 

 rects. But for the man who has little time and perhaps less 



