One look at a Pipefish will convince you that it must be related to the Seahorse. It spawns late in the spring, the female laying her eggs in the pouch on the stomach of the male. The male carries these eggs kangaroo-fashion, until they hatch during the summer. [Illustration: Silverside] Silverside (_Menidia menidia_) Silver stripe running down a light side These fish are also an important food item for the Gulls and Terns. Silversides run in schools of a hundred or more, which can be located by the flocks of birds gathered round overhead. [Illustration: Skates] Skates (_Raja_, several species) Strange bat shape Long ratlike tail These are harmless fish resembling the dangerous Rays of the tropics, except for their habits. The egg cases of the Skate are rectangular, black, horny envelopes. They are commonly found on the beach, where they are called “mermaids’ purses.” If you find a fresh one and open it, you may discover a miniature Skate inside. [Illustration: Killifish] Killifish (_Fundulus heteroclitus_) Stout, olive-green fish Rounded tail The “Chub,” well known to fishermen, can live for a day covered only with a layer of damp seaweed. It does us a real service by feeding on the mosquito larvae in brackish water. [Illustration: Sticklebacks] Sticklebacks (_Gasterosteus_ and _Apeltes_ species) Spines on the back Very narrow base to tail During the early summer months, the Stickleback builds a barrel-shaped nest, held together with gelatinous threads. After the eggs have been deposited, the male guards the nest with amazing vigor, considering his size. [Illustration: Sand Lance] Sand Lance (_Ammodytes americanus_) Knife-shaped body Long dorsal fin (fin on back) Protruding lower jaw Thriving abundantly off the beach, the Sand Lance is an important item in the diet of shore birds. FOR MORE INFORMED BEACHCOMBING Thus begins our day of beachcombing. Every animal and plant of the sea has a tale to tell and some of the most exciting of all are found in this ribbon-like strip of water in the tidal wash. For your further investigation, here is a list of reference books: Charles M. Breder, Jr., _Field Book of Marine Fishes of the Atlantic Coast_. Rev. ed. New York: Putnam’s, 1948. $5.00 Ralph M. Buchsbaum, _Animals without Backbones_. Rev. ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1948. $8.00, text ed. $6.00 Rachel L. Carson, _The Edge of the Sea_. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1955. $3.95 Roy Waldo Miner, _Field Book of Seashore Life_. New York: Putnam’s, 1950. $7.00 Percy A. Morris, _A Field Guide to the Shells of Our Atlantic and Gulf Coasts_. Rev. ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1951. $3.95 Herbert S. Zim and Lester Ingle, _Seashores: A Guide to Animals and Plants along the Beaches_. New York: Golden Press, 1955. Cloth $2.50, paper $1.00