THE MOSS AMIMALS AND CORALLINES 



and accordingly these have degenerated, and even the internal 

 organs have become simplified. On the other hand, reproduction 

 Ijy 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 larvfe are free- 

 swimming, being provided with lines of waving cilia. After a time, 

 however, they settle down, fasten themselves to some suita1)le anch- 

 orage, and then begin to increase l)y budding. 



The Moss-Animal, fBiigiila tiirrita, Fvj. 44), is very al:)undant 

 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 ami 

 branch profusely. The older branches 

 near the liase of the stem break off, how- 

 ever, leaving a dense tuft ot branches near 

 the summit. The main stems are orange- 

 yellow while the terminal branches are yel- 

 lowish-white. Both stems and Ijranclies 

 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 

 reveal the little individual animals of the 

 colony, each in its own special sheath. 



TJie sheaths being arranged alternately, or on opposite sides of the 

 stem The bristle-covered tentacles will be seen engaged in tlie 

 capture of minute organisms; while at intervals one will see curi- 

 ous l)ird"s head shaped appendages, tlieir mouths constantly open- 

 ing and shutting. 



The Lace Coralline, f MemhraniixDu piJoaa ), forms delicate, 

 white, lace-like incrustations over seaweeds, dead shells, etc., being 

 es])ecially common upon kelp. It is very abundant from Long 

 Island Sound to the Arctic Ocean; being also found on tlie north- 

 ei'n coasts of Europe. 



/^ig. .14; MOSS-ANIMAL. 

 Long Island Sound 



