ocean. We can visit the homes of the living, breathing animals, which,
at high tide, are hidden far under water. Between the high-water mark
and low-water mark is our hunting-place. There we shall find the
play-ground and feeding-ground of many a strange creature.

Here is a stretch of sand, with little channels of water; there is a
patch of shingle mixed with numbers of tiny shells. The ebbing tide
leaves shallow pools in every hollow of the beach, and these pools are
often full of life.

Shrimps dart away and disappear in the sand as if by magic. Small fish
and crabs hide from you as best they can. Helpless jelly-fish and
starfish sprawl on the wet sand. What are those thin ropes of sand
coiled up into little mounds? They remind us of "worm-casts." They are
thrown up by a sand-worm, called "lug-worm" by the fisherman. He brings
a spade and digs wherever he sees the sandy ropes of the "lug," for this
worm makes good fishing bait.

Seagulls love to explore the shallow pools. You may see them walking
solemnly about, picking up stray morsels. If you see a screaming group
of them you can be sure that one has found an extra large prize, and the
others mean to share the feast.

Let us walk down the beach towards the sea. Soon we find ourselves among
rocks. Now these rocks are the bare bed of the shore, stripped of all
covering. There is no mud, sand, or shingle, so here you see plainly the
work done by the restless water. On every side you notice rocks worn to
all shapes and sizes. Some jut out as sharp ledges. Others are flat
tables, covered with a table-cloth of sea-plants. These clothe the
rocks, or hang over the ledges like wet, shining green curtains. Nearly