32 SAGARTIAD^. 



fronds which overarch the green hedge-banks just above, — 

 larger and finer specimens occur, apparently each broad 

 coin-like disk stuck on to the smooth wall of the cavity, 

 but really, as you find when you attempt to capture it, 

 imbedded in its own proper cranny, into which it can 

 retire out of danger. 



But it is as common to find colonies of the species, 

 inhabiting the long narrow fissures, covered with but an 

 inch or two of water when the tide is out ; five, ten, or 

 even twenty individuals crowded together in a line as close 

 as their bases, firmly planted side by side, will admit. 

 Here, of course, when expanded, the puckered edges of 

 each disk press upon and fit into the mutual irregularities 

 of the others ; and the effect is very attractive, when the 

 variety is that patched one, pale blue and black, which 

 I have named versicolor. 



I have much admired them in this condition along the 

 foot of the lofty overhanging cliffs at Watcombe, between 

 Teignmouth and Torquay. Huge masses of the red con- 

 glomerate have fallen from above, and are piled in con- 

 fusion along the whole sea-line. And these seem to have 

 formed a natural breakwater, protecting the base of the 

 cliff from the action of the waves. Hence the lower part 

 of the rock remains in situ, while all the upper and middle 

 portions have been detached by the influence of rains and 

 frosts, and have fallen ; and this lower part forms a suc- 

 cession of sloping terraces, averaging perhaps some twenty 

 feet above low-water mark. Each successive terrace dips 

 to the northward at a very gentle angle with the horizon, 

 so that the explorer has to mount from one to another in 

 turn, while lie pursues the line of coast, as each slope 

 successively brings him to the water's edge. These ter- 

 races are very rough, but not unpleasant to walk upon; 

 and their angles are occupied with water, forming long 



