4 



matter of course, the most powerful currents will follow the deeper 

 and broader channels, while the smaller and shallower channels will 

 be tributary to them. Counter currents exist along the shores, and 

 areas also exist where opposing currents meet or counteract each 

 other, causing the water to be thrown into violent commotion, or else 

 to be comparatively quiet, according to circumstances. At one point, 

 in the central part of the harbor, we found a large bank, formed where 

 the two principal tide-currents meet, consisting of a nearly uniform 

 mass of comminuted shells and sand, which was almost destitute of 

 life; but where the currents slack, or produce eddies, banks are 

 formed which are very favorable for the development of a great variety 

 of marine animals. Such a bank, covered by 10 to 15 fathoms of 

 water, exists between Treat's Island and Friar's Head. This is com- 

 posed of broken shells and gravel in most parts, and is a very rich 

 dredging ground. Some of the most common and interesting species 

 found here are Alcyonium carneum, Urticina crassicornis, in many 

 beautiful varieties, Astrophyton Agassizii. Ophioylypha Sarsii, 0. ro- 

 busta, Amphiura squamata, Asterias Stimpsonii, and several other 

 species, Cribrella sanguinolenta, of many colors, Solaster endeca, Cros- 

 saster papposus, Pentacta frondosa, a great variety of Hydroids and 

 Bryozoa, Terebratulina septentrionalis (very abundant), Cynthia pyri- 

 formis, C. carnea, etc., Astarte undata, A. lens (Stimp. Mss.), Entalis 

 striolata, Sipho Islandicus, S. pygmceus, Scalaria Gronlandica, Acirsa 

 Eschrichtii*, Margarita undulata, and many other interesting shells, 

 with numerous worms and Crustacea. Nearer Campo Bello, towards 

 Welch Pool, the bottom becomes muddy and abounds in mud-loving 

 shells and worms. In the broad, shallow channel or bay west of 

 Treat's Island, in 10 to 15 fathoms, a similar assemblage of animals is 

 found, together with sojfte additional ones of great interest. Among 

 the species found here are Acaulis primarius St. (attached by a pedi- 

 cle), Pter aster militaris, Alcyonium rubiforme, Lucernaria quadri- 

 cornis, Aphrodite aculeata (very large), numerous Ascidians, Pandalus 

 annulicornis, several species of Hippolyte, etc. Another very prolific 

 bank of a similar kind, but composed of coarser gravel, broken shells, 

 sponges, &c., is found at the entrance of South Bay, between Eazor 

 Island and the Lubec shore, in 8 to 10 fathoms of water ; most of 

 the species already mentioned (including Pteraster) are found here, 

 together with numerous other species, many of which are ordinarily 

 found only in much deeper water, showing that depth, of itself, has 

 very little to do with the distribution of marine animals, and that 

 temperature and other local conditions are the main causes which 



* This species has not been recorded before from New England. It is not un- 

 common at Eastport. 



