1908-1909.] Some Characteristics of Sea-shore Fauna. 95 



a realm where every creature has scores of natural enemies, 

 and where each individual in its search for food has to evade 

 a hundred others. Here lies the explanation of the seeming 

 barrenness of the shore. In reality, however, the sea- shore is 

 as rich in animal life as the land in summer is rich in flowers. 

 But the flowers are more in evidence, for the plants are 

 stationary and showy. To live, they must advertise them- 

 selves. The creatures of the shore, on the other hand, are 

 for the most part active and elusive. Thus it is that unless 

 you know where to look and how to look, you might come 

 away from your walk along the beach with the impression 

 that there were not many animals about. But look carefully 

 at that little pool, turn over this or that stone, or even ex- 

 amine it as it lies, dig up a spadeful of sand or of mud, peep 

 into the rock-crevices and the rock-pools, or walk along the 

 sands at low- tide after a storm — and you will find that the 

 apparent absence of life which you imagined to characterise 

 the " barren " sea-shore is simply the result of imperfect obser- 

 vation. The shore is full of animal life; it is covered with 

 countless crawling and creeping things. Invisible at first they 

 may have been, just because their instinct of self-preservation 

 is so well developed. Whenever the tide recedes they must 

 take refuge under the seaweed or under some sheltering 

 stone, in rock-crevice or in rock-pool. Many bury themselves 

 in sand, some seek temporary lodging in empty shells. Thus 

 do they hope to find a possible means of escape from their 

 living enemies, as well as a sure protection against such hostile 

 physical forces as a hot sun, a severe frost, a deluge of rain, or 

 a high wind. All do not need to crawl away and hide ; their 

 protective inconspicuous coloration alone suffices to save many. 

 They must lie still, however ; the tide is out, and any move- 

 ment on their part might mean their death, for to move is to 

 attract the notice of the quick-eyed birds and other not less 

 watchful enemies. To hide or to lie still is their one chance 

 of preserving their life. And they have learned their lesson 

 well. Hence the explanation of the vanishing trick they play 

 upon us — so different from the flaunting flowers. 



The shore abounds in life, but who shall measure the abun- 

 dance of life in the sea itself ? Consider the microscopic forms 

 alone. In every cubic inch of sea-water are multitudinous 



