Sometimes they
let it bear them off their feet, and float lightly on its breaking
summit; sometimes they flutter and seem to rest on the feathery spray.
They are little birds with gray backs and snow-white breasts; their
images may be seen in the wet sand almost or quite as distinctly as the
reality. Their legs are long. As you draw near, they take a flight of a
score of yards or more, and then recommence their dalliance with the
surf-wave. You may behold their multitudinous little tracks all along
your way. Before you reach the end of the beach, you become quite
attached to these little sea-birds, and take much interest in their
occupations. After passing in one direction, it is pleasant then to
retrace your footsteps. Your tracks being all traceable, you may recall
the whole mood and occupation of your mind during your first passage.
Here you turned somewhat aside to pick up a shell that you saw nearer the
water's edge. Here you examined a long sea-weed, and trailed its length
after you for a considerable distance. Here the effect of the wide sea
struck you suddenly.
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