152 HALF AN HOUR WITH SEA-MATS AND SQUIRTS. 



Fig. 80. 



recognised by the syphon being four-cornered, 

 instead of folded. The same Fig. shows the tad- 

 pole-like young of this creature. By-and-by the 

 tail becomes absorbed, and the young animal, which 

 had previously swum by a series of jerks of the tail, 

 is obliged to settle down to the staid and steady 

 habits of its parents. The " Currant-squirter," as 

 Mr. Gosse calls another species (C. grossularia), may 



be found in deepish 

 water, adhering to 

 pebbles, shells, &c. It 

 greatly resembles, 

 when its tubes are 

 withdrawn, the red, 

 pellucid fruit which 

 has given to it its 

 name; and this com- 

 parison is further as- 

 sisted by its size, 

 which is about that of 

 a red currant. Another 

 species (Cynthia quad- 



rangularis) is much larger, being frequently found two 

 inches high. It looks much like soft leather, and in 

 its shape is nearly square. The external is often 

 covered with extraneous objects, and is furrowed 

 and roughened so as to resemble kangaroo leather. 

 Cynthia is thus found solitary, and in small numbers. 

 The next group of Ascidians is extremely common, 

 and the student will find it on the fronds of almost 



Cynthia, and its Tadpole. 



