LIFE BETWEEN THE TIDES 77 



but are found in a great variety of places. Katherina and Nuttallina live 

 on more or less exposed surfaces; the strikingly beautiful lined chiton on 

 more sheltered ones. Many remain attached to the under side of stones, as 

 the blue and gray chitons, foraging at night. While some chitons are less 

 than half an inch long when adult, the giant chiton, dark red in color, may 

 attain a foot or even more. It is found among kelps in the deepest pools 

 and the shell is completely hidden by a tough plush-like skin. The chitons 

 feed on minute plants and kelps rasped into the mouth by the file-like 

 tongue. 



Although worms are legion, they are not likely to engage the attention, 

 except the feather duster which lives in a tough, parchment-like tube which 

 adheres to the rocks. The color of the feathery gills is purple, wine color, 

 tawny or whitish. Small serpulids with brilliant red feathery gills and 

 twisted lime tubes are frequently very numerous. Predaceous crawlers are 

 hidden in sponges, mussel beds, sand, rock crannies, coming out mostly at 

 night. Ribbon worms swallow segmented worms and the latter devour 

 smaller worms and Crustacea. The giant Nereis which reaches a length of 

 three feet has not been taken on the Point but undoubtedly occurs hidden 

 within deep burrows, among loose rock. 



The foregoing is but a sketchy picture of Point Lobos intertidal life, 

 touching only a few of the more colorful bits of a surprisingly rich detail. 

 Point Lobos has a heritage which should be carefully preserved for the 

 benefit of those who love the sea and for the student to study in undis- 

 turbed conditions. There are few regions of the world with a better endow- 

 ment of natural resources. 



For those who seriously desire to become acquainted with the principal 

 types of animal life there are available two excellent books : Between Pacific 

 Tides by E. F. Ricketts and Jack Calvin, and Seashore Animals of the 

 Pacific Coast by M. E. Johnson and H. J. Snook. 



