150 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT. 



with the animals inhabiting the shells, supplies beautiful 

 microscopic objects. 



Sertularia operculata (Sea Hair). A common and very elegant 

 species, growing in small dense tufts on shells and sea- 

 weed, and, being found in shallow water, more easily 

 obtained with living polypes than some other species. 



Sertularia argentea (Squirrel's tail Coralline). Very common, 

 growing on oyster and other shells, and on the roots and 

 stems of the larger fuci. Some of the most beautiful 

 specimens obtained were parasitical on the shells of 

 Pholas Candida. From its dense mode of growth, and the 

 length and softness of its branches, it has acquired the 

 name of Squirrel's tail Coralline. After high tides or 

 stormy weather it is thrown ashore in large masses along 

 the entire coast. Rarely found with living polypes, 

 except when dredged up from deep water. 



Sertularia cupressina (Sea Cypress). Occasionally found on 

 the shore after strong westerly winds ; an elegant species, 

 procurable by deep dredging. 



Thuiaria Thuia (Bottle-brush Coralline). A very curious 

 species, frequently found on the recess of the tide, growing 

 on shells and stones. It varies much in size, from a few 

 inches to nearly a foot in length, and, except when 

 procured from deep water, is rarely found with living 

 polypes. 



Thuiaria articulata (Sea Spleenwort, or Polypody). On shells 

 and stones, sometimes in considerable abundance; at 

 other times not a specimen is to be found on the shore 

 for many weeks together; it is to be obtained from deep 

 water, growing in clusters on the base of Antennularia. 



