_Ulva lactuca_, which is the broad green “leaf”; _Ulva lanceolata_, which is in thinner, more ribbon-like strips. _The Red Algae_ [Illustration: Irish Moss] Irish Moss (_Chondrus crispus_) Flattened, branching fronds Purple in life, white when sun-bleached Here is a very common tidal plant that has commercial value. It is called “Dulse” on the Boston markets, and a very delicious pudding is prepared from it (seamoss farine). Why not take some home and try it? [Illustration: Polysiphonia] Polysiphonia (_Polysiphonia_, several species) Pink or red color Branching, lace-like appearance Sometimes called “Mermaid’s Hair,” these tiny plants are very common on the beach. There are many kinds of Polysiphonias, but a microscopic study is usually necessary to tell them apart. [Illustration: Coralline Algae] Coralline Algae (_Coralline_, several species) White or pink limy covering Appear jointed These plants have the amazing ability of concentrating lime from the sea water and depositing it on their fronds, thus acquiring a stony, coral-like appearance. ANIMALS OF THE SEA [Illustration: Dolphin] Animals, in a kaleidoscope of unbelievable sizes, shapes, and colors, abound here at the margin of the sea. Specializations range from the single-celled body of the zooplankton to the multicellular body of the Seals and the occasional Porpoise. _The Sponges_ [Illustration: Finger Sponge] Finger Sponge (_Chalina oculata_) Brown or tan color In colonies of fingerlike projections The most common sponge on Crane’s Beach is the Finger Sponge. Even a small piece may be identified by the holes on its surface, through which the animal filtered water. The strange appearance of this sponge has given it the repulsive name of “Dead Men’s Fingers.” [Illustration: Crumb-of-Bread Sponge] Crumb-of-Bread Sponge (_Halichondria panicea_) Pale green in life Light tan or white when dried on beach Crumbles easily Only the most searching eye will discover this sponge, because it so closely resembles a dull uninteresting rock or pile of bread crumbs. When it has been freshly broken, it has a vile odor—a good clue to identification. _The Jelly-like Animals_ [Illustration: White Jellyfish] White Jellyfish (_Aurelia aurita_) Flattened body Under 10″ in diameter The tentacles dangling down from the underside of this jellyfish are covered with tiny stinging cells, which in this species do not penetrate human skin. [Illustration: Pink or Red Jellyfish] Pink or Red Jellyfish (_Cyanea capillata_) More than 10″ in diameter Reddish center, yellowish sides