44 ANIMALS OF THE SEASHORE 



procure a better food supply (microscopic organ- 

 isms) than if it were rooted to one spot. 



Hydractinia is found in shallow water in tide 

 pools, inlets, and like situations, also in deeper water 

 off the coast at least to 26 fathoms. 



Tubularia crocea Agassiz (Sea Strawberries) 



PLATE III. Fig. 3 



This hydroid grows in large clusters; The stems 

 are smooth, about six inches in height and each is 

 surmounted with a flower-like head of deep pink. 

 This color gives the local name ' ' Sea Strawberries. ' ' 

 The reproductive zooids are not liberated as free 

 medusae (jellyfish) but remain attached to the stem 

 like a bunch of grapes. 



It grows on wharves, wrecks, driftwood, etc., 

 and occasionally on the back of Spider Crabs, from 

 New England to the Carolinas ; it is more frequent in 

 bays and inlets than in the open ocean. After storms 

 this hydroid is frequently cast up on the beach, 

 either loose or attached to driftwood. 



It is sometimes found in winter, but the polyp 

 has usually contracted within the tube during that 

 season. 



Bougainvillia carolinensis McCrady 



PLATE II. Fig. 4 



Branched; up to 12 inches in height although 

 usually less; nutritive polyps (hydranths) grow on 

 both main stem and branches; annulations (rings) 

 on stalk below the polyp. Polyp with single band of 



