44 INTRODUCTION 
ous ana surprising forms and habits which are difficult to watch 
leaning over a pool: 
Most of the various species mentioned above are common 
along the whole shore, and may be looked for at almost any 
point where the water is free from contamination. 
At the sand-beach are found species which do not inhabit the 
rocky shore, as the sand-dollar (Hchinarachnius parma), Polynices 
(Lunatia) heros, Mya arenaria, and others. After a storm various 
deep-water forms are washed upon this beach. Laminaria digitata, 
six feet long, is found here sometimes under these circumstances. 
Chordaria flagelliformis, resembling long switches of hair, floats 
from the rocks near the shore. To the left, on the rock under 
the overhanging ledge, is a tide-pool which one would hesitate 
to deface by touching a single specimen. So crystal-clear is 
the water, so brilliant the Hildenbrandtia, so lovely the Corallina, 
that all seem placed there to excite admiration. 
But most of all one should obtain the permission of the owner 
to visit Rodicks Weir. Here is an immense natural aquarium, 
full of living wonders. On a clear day, sunlight penetrates to 
the bottom, and at low tide the whole contents of the weir are 
clearly seen as one floats through the inclosed water-spaces. 
On the bottom are sea-urchins, many of them with sticks or 
stones on their backs, which the animals have placed there in 
the endeavor to conceal themselves; starfishes feeding; and 
great numbers of whelks (Buccinum undatum). Cuttlefishes dart 
rapidly about, and skates, sculpins, and other fishes display their 
curious forms. Very likely a giant jellyfish (Cyania arctica) is 
entangled in the brush, so that one can examine at short range 
its wonderful and beautiful parts. Other jellyfishes may be 
closely scrutinized. 
The alga Polysiphonia violacea floats in long feathery tufts 
from the stakes. 
On the eel-grass are to be found Lacuna vincta and the delicate 
iridescent little shells of Margarita helicina. 
Every tide brings different species of the ocean fauna to tem- 
porary imprisonment in this inclosure, so that it is difficult to 
say what one may not chance to find in this interesting place. 
