The Seashore Naturalist 9 



numerous pools also have an Interest all their own. 

 The seaweeds which grow in great abundance and 

 variety harbor in their fronds many animal forms 

 which do not occur in localities of sand or mud. In 

 the struggle for existence among both the plants and 

 the animals v/hich inhabit the shores every possible 

 advantage is sought by the individuals. This is par- 

 ticularly plain among the rocks. Every bowlder bears 

 on its seaward side a colony of barnacles, and vigor- 

 ously disputing the space these creatures occupy are 



CAPRELLAj A SMALL SHORE CRUSTACEAN. 



mussels and other stationary moUusks. Even the sea- 

 weeds contest the right of the barnacles to dominate; 

 they grow so thickly in some places that the latter are 

 often crowded out. These rockweeds in turn support 

 a curious population. Crawling over the leathery 

 fronds or firmly fixed thereon are sea spiders, moss ani- 

 mals, snaillike worms which secrete spiral shells, and 

 in sundry places may be seen attached by its hind legs, 

 swaying its lengthened body to and fro, that oddest of 

 crustaceans, little Caprella. Among the other crea- 

 tures to be found on the fronds^are certain snails, which 

 simulate the color of the plant, or are striped to make 

 closer their resemblance. 



When the tide is out there will be found secreted 

 under ledges and in sheltered places starfishes and sea 



