Lichi7iecB.'] lichina. 101 



may be seen in Dr. Greville's ' Algse Britannicse/ pi. vi., 

 where it may be learned how much the two species differ in 

 fructification, the capsules of Lichina pijgynaa being subglo- 

 bose and sessile upon the frond, whereas the capsules of 

 L, confinis are oval and terminal. The generic name im- 

 plies its resemblance to lichens, among which Prof. Harvey, 

 it is probable, means to place it, as he has omitted it in his 

 catologue of Algse. 



To whatever department these little plants may be found 

 to belong, insignificant though they may seem, they are far 

 from being useless. They give variety to the appearance 

 of the otherwise barren-looking rocks on the sea-shore. 

 We are not always sufficiently aware how much our kind 

 Creator consults the happiness of man, even in making what 

 would be offensive, or at least unpleasing, all '^ beauty to 

 the eye.'' Look at an old ruinous stone wall by the road- 

 side, — under the shade, it may be, of some overhanging 

 trees. Were it a bare ruin, it would be a disagreeable ob- 

 ject ; but it is covered with mosses and lichens of all shapes 

 and hues, which so change its aspfect that it really gives 

 pleasure even to those who think not how the effect is pro- 

 duced, and know nothing about the mosses and lichens by 

 which the mural ruin is enriched. Now our little LicJdncB 



