This gifted nature writer who is so good at describing animals and their habitat and habits here gives us a look at many of the fascinating creatures that can be found on the seashore. Starfish, the many types of crabs, shrimp, sea weed and finally something called the Precious Wentletrap which I will allow your imagination to think about for a while. His writing is clear and, as always, easy to read. Note that these are presented as educational 'lessons' on the various animals found near the sea and each lesson or chapter ends with a few questions called 'Exercises' which the student is asked to see if the main points of the chapter are retained...

Presented in the form of lessons, R. Cadwallader Smith vividly portrays life in the ocean. Learn about the common and not so common that swim about in the deep, how they hunt for food and hide from enemies, visit a nursery and find out about the babies that live there, or take a stroll in an underwater garden.