vi PREFACE 
expense of conciseness and precision ; where it, has heen used, care 
has been taken to explain the terms so that their meaning will be 
plain to every one. A general glossary has been omitted, but the 
technical terms used have been indexed. The illustrations will 
bear the use of a hand-glass, and this will often bring out details 
which cannot well be seen by the unaided eye. 
The systematic table of the marine alg, as given in Part I, 
and followed in the text, will be of use to collectors who wish to 
make herbaria. In order to name and-group specimens such a 
guide is necessary. Should specific names lead to embarrassment, 
many of them can be neglected, for the names of genera are often 
a sufficient distinction. 
Since so many species of invertebrates are found on the beach 
that a complete enumeration of them is impracticable, only the 
most conspicuous ones have been selected for description in 
Part II; but the attempt has been made to designate the various 
classes and orders with sufficient clearness to enable the. collector 
to identify the objects commonly found on the shore, and to 
follow the subject further, if he so desires, in technical books. 
It is hoped that this book will suggest a new interest and 
pleasure to many, that it will encourage the pastime of collecting 
and classifying, and that it will serve as a practical guide to a better 
acquaintance with this branch of natural history, without neces- 
sitating serious study. Marine organisms are interesting ac- 
quaintances when once introduced, and the real purpose of the 
author is to present, to the latent naturalist, friends whom he will 
enjoy. 
Grateful acknowledgment is here made to the following per- 
sons who have kindly assisted and advised the author and have 
also extended valued courtesies to her in the preparation of 
this book: Smith Ely Jelliffe, M.D., Ph.D.; Herbert M. Richards, 
A.B., Ph.D., Professor of Botany in Barnard College; Marshall A. 
