n6 



A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SEAS 



A few outstanding types only can be enumerated since 

 our own southern shores alone can show over fifty species 

 — a minute fraction of the Ascidian population of the 

 seas. Though so diverse in shape, all feed in the same 

 manner, namely by sweeping food towards the interior 

 by a series of lashing hairs. All are hermaphrodite and 



Tube Sea-Squirt {Ciond). Above : Larval stage (enlarged) 



reproduction is effected through the medium of eggs and 

 budding. 



The Tube or Flask Sea Squirt {Ciond) is a big vase- 

 shaped form often seen depending from the walls of caves 

 or covering the sea-shore structures. Being often en- 

 crusted with debris, it is not attractive in appearance, 

 but in Southern Europe is regarded as a bonne bouche and 

 eaten raw under the euphonious title of Violette de mer. 



