SEAWEEDS. 161 



Of all the beautiful weeds on our shores, none can out- 

 strip, and few equal in charm, those belonging to the last 

 order of red algae, the Ceramiaceee. Composed of thread- 

 like branches, each branch a string of cells of a texture 

 and form most exquisitely delicate, the more we look int< > 

 the structure of these plants, and the higher the power of 

 the lens we use to aid our vision, the more we wonder 

 and admire the amazing skill of their Creator ; truly 



" Each, rock pool has its treasure ; every tide 

 Strews on the yellow sand from ocean's lap 

 Weeds, than our flowers more fair." 



We sauntered along the flat shore between Ardrossan 

 and Saltcoats. As we approached a group of low rocks 

 near the latter place, the waves washed a beautiful weed 

 to our feet, whose slender twice compound branches, be- 

 set with minute thread-like foliage, bore a great resem- 

 blance to a plume of feathers. The leathery nature of the 

 frond, its deep red colour, and thrice pinnate form, proved 

 it to be the Ptilota plumosa (Plate XII., Jig. 7), one of 

 the weeds more plentiful in the north than in the south. 

 Quantities of Delasseria alalata, and sinnosa, were 

 washed ashore by the same waves, as well as many other 

 weeds. 



" See the glittering waves advancing, 

 Crown' d with garlands from the sea ; 

 Lovely water- spirits dancing, 

 Wreathing ocean gifts for me." 



The Ptilota sericea was there too ; it is a more slender 

 species, and its texture is softer. 



