THE MOSS AMIMALS AND CORALLINES 75 
and accordingly these have degenerated, and even the internal 
organs have become simplified. On the other hand, reproduction 
by budding, and the development of a hard external skeleton have 
been fostered and are now almost but not quite universal among 
these creatures. 
The eggs are often produced in large oval or flask-shaped cells 
scattered at intervals over the colony. The little Jarvee are free- 
swimming, being provided with lines of waving cilia. After a time, 
however, they settle down, fasten themselves to some suitable anch- 
orage, and then begin to increase by budding. 
The Moss-Animal, ( Bugula turrita, Fig. 44), is very abundant 
upon piles of wharves and on rocks between Cape Hatteras and 
Casco Bay, Maine. It grows between low water mark and a depth 
of 100 feet, and is so abundant that the rocks below low tide level 
appear covered with its mossy-looking 
tufts, which are often ten inches long and 
branch profusely. The older branches 
near the base of the stem break off, how- 
ever, leaving a dense tuft of branches near 
the summit. The main stems are orange- 
yellow while the terminal branches are yel- 
lowish-white. Both stems and branches 
are, however, usually over-run with min- 
ute plant growths and so covered with bits 

of silt as to be dull brown in color. [Ex- 
amination with a magnifying lens will 
Fig. 44; MOSS-ANIMAL. 
Long Island Sound 
reveal the little individual animals of the 
colony, each in its own special sheath. 
The sheaths being arranged alternately, or on opposite sides of the 
stem. The bristle-covered tentacles will be seen engaged in the 
capture of minute organisms; while at intervals one will see curi- 
ous bird’s head shaped appendages, their mouths constantly open- 
ing and shutting. 
The Lace Coralline, (Membranipora pilosa), forms delicate, 
white, lace-like incrustations over seaweeds, dead shells, etc., being 
especially common upon kelp. It is very abundant from Long 
Island Sound to the Arctic Ocean; being also found on the north- 
ern coasts of Murope. 
