CHAPTER XIX. 



SEAWEEDS. 



HE third order of Algae, the Chlorospenns, are 

 distinguished by their green colour, though 

 there are exceptions in favour of a more or 

 less brilliant purple. The spores are formed within the 

 cells, of which the whole plant is composed ; indeed all 

 the colouring matter is capable of becoming reproductive. 

 These spores, when ripe, frequently move about, as if 

 endowed with life, because of threads which are kept in 

 motion by the water. We will turn our attention to the 

 marine species first, and then make the acquaintance of 

 a few of their fresh- water relations. 



It was on tke coast of Cornwall tkat I saw the first 

 family in the Chlorosperm tribe. The C odiums belong 

 to the Siphoneaceae order, the characteristic of which is 

 their tube-like branches. 



I shall not easilv forget the scene of grandeur which 

 burst upon my vision as, after threading the narrow streets 

 of East Looe, more like back alleys than important 

 thoroughfares, and passing by the church, 1 came out on 

 an open space of ground, girt with rocks, and command- 

 ing a full view of the wide ocean — 



" Tis the great Atlantic sea! 

 Many coloured floor of ocean, where the lights and shadows flee ; 



