76 



SEA-SHORE LIFE 



The Red Crust, ( EschareJla variahiligj, forms a dull-red or 

 pinkish incrustation over rocks and dead shells, layer after layer 

 being formed until the rock becomes thickly coated with a mass 



bearing a superficial resemblance to 

 coral. 



It is common from South Caro- 

 lina to Massachusetts Bay from low 

 tide level to a depth of 150 feet, and 

 is especially abundant in shaded tide 

 pools. 



The False Coral, fDiscosoma iii- 

 dita. Fig. 45), forms rough, nodular 

 masses of dull greenish-j'ellow color, 

 and is extremely abundant in Long 

 Island Sound where it is commonly 

 but erroneously called "coral." These nodular masses are a grad- 

 ual growth, and are due to layer after layer of the incrusting Poly- 

 zoa which always forms over a dead shell or some loose stone. It 

 is found only below low tide mark, aud is most abundant in water 

 about thirty feet deep. 



Fig. 75,- FALSE CORAL. A coral- 

 line animal. Long Island Sonnd. 



