148 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT. 



The Laryna forms tufts from one to two or three inches 

 in height, and to obtain the polypes alive must be 

 procured from deep water. 



Tabularia gracilis. A beautiful species, much resembling 

 T. indivisa, but more slender. The polypes are larger and 

 brighter coloured than in the latter. It usually attains 

 the height of three or four inches, growing on other 

 species of zoophytes, and is only to be obtained alive 

 from deep water. It is not abundant here, though, like 

 numerous other kinds, it is cast ashore during severe 

 weather. 



Helicina hdicinum (Herring-bone Coralline). This beautiful 

 species is to be met with in very considerable abundance 

 at certain seasons, but is only found after rough weather ; 

 in May and September we have found it with the living 

 polypes, adhering to shells and stones. It is so much 

 like a diminutive dry tree that it is frequently passed as 

 a decaying vegetable. After stormy weather it may be 

 found in considerable quantities from Formby to Crossens. 



Sertularia polyzonias. A very pretty and not uncommon 

 species, affording a beautiful microscopic object. Mostly 

 found on stones, shells, and sea-weed. It varies from 

 one to several inches in height, and is of a pale fawn 

 colour, with the vesicles of a clear colourless substance, 

 giving out prismatic reflections. We have found it lining 

 the inside of the Cardium aculeatum. 



Sertularia rosacea (Lily or Pomegranate-flowered Coralline). 

 On shells, stones, corallines, and sea-weeds. A most 

 beautiful species, and found in tolerable abundance on 

 the receding of the tide. It is from one to two inches in 



