460 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 
(20) THE CHORDARIA ASSOCIATION. 
Chordaria flagelliformis during the summer develops extensive growths on stones 
and rocks a little below low-water mark. It grows in large masses and is frequently 
the most conspicuous member of the zone of brown alge, fringing exposed rocks near 
low-water mark. The other prominent members of this zone are commonly Phyllitis 
jascia and Scytosiphon lomentarius, which grow above the Chordaria and in the littoral 
region. The Chordaria is frequently overgrown with Ectocarpus confervoides, E. 
jasiculatus or E. stliculosus, and it also harbors Callithamnion Batleyr, C. corymbosum, 
and other algal epiphytes. 
(21) THE MESOGLOIA ASSOCIATION. 
Mesogloia divaricata grows in masses on stones and alge in relatively quiet waters 
a little below low-water mark. It is a conspicuous summer plant occupying a situation 
somewhat similar to that of Chordaria flagelliformis in more exposed situations. 
(22) THE RALFSIA ASSOCIATIONS. 
Ralfsia clavata is very abundant on stones and shells at low-water mark and below. 
It is widely distributed throughout the sublittoral region at Woods Hole and in the Bay 
and Sound, and has been dredged in 3 to 12 fathoms. Maljfsta verrucosa is less widely 
distributed, but in certain localities has been found in quantity (Grassy Ledge, Little 
Harbor, Tarpaulin Cove); it grows on stones near low-water mark. 
(23) THE CHORDA ASSOCIATION. 
Chorda filum is a summer species very common in the sublittoral region on stones 
and shells in water 3 feet or more in depth. It frequently forms large beds and some- 
times supports extensive epiphytic growths of Ectocarpus jasiculatus, Ceramium rubrum, 
and other species. Chorda filum is widely distributed throughout the Bay and Sound 
(chart 234) and was dredged in 2 to 14 fathoms. 
Chorda tomentosa is a very beautiful spring species common at Woods Hole in the 
same situation as Chorda filum, which takes its place later in the season. We know 
nothing of its distribution in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. 
(24) THE LAMINARIA ASSOCIATIONS. 
The genus Laminaria has only three representatives in the waters of Buzzards 
Bay and Vineyard Sound. In comparison with the flora north of Cape Cod the kelps 
play but an insignificant part in the vegetation of this region. 
Laminaria A gardhiz is rather widely distributed (chart 235), being common at Woods 
Hole on wharves and stones in water 3 feet or more in depth; it was dredged over sandy, 
shelly, and stony bottoms in 2 to 17 fathoms. 
Laminaria Agardhiw var. vitiata is restricted in its distribution chiefly to the lower 
portion of the Bay and westerly portion of the Sound (chart 236); it grows over sandy, 
shelly, and stony bottoms in 2 to 17 fathoms, sometimes forming beds of considerable 
extent frequently mixed with Laminaria A gardhii. 
