262 BRITISH SEA-WEEDS. [^Rhodos2)ermea. 



])roperty, like Nitophi/lhim versicolor, of assuming au orange 

 hue in fresh v»ater^ and of recovering its original colour 

 when dried. Tresh water acts also on it, as on Griffithsia 

 setacea. My daughter, Mrs. Stark, \\]\q\i floating a newly- 

 collected specimen in fresh water, cried out, " Hear how it 

 fizzes'' In the struggles of death it made this hissing, 

 crackling sound, but it was soon over. The specimens got 

 in the west of Scotland, though very beautiful, are seldom 

 more than five inches in length by four in breadth. "With 

 what surprise should we gaze were a gigantic Irish specimen 

 to be floated over to us, such as those found by Mr. D. 

 Moore at Cushendall Ba}^, in the west of Ireland — five feet 

 long, by three feet wide ! We have heard of mermaids re- 

 clining on a rock, combiug their beautiful flowing locks. 

 Were they ever, in the pride of their hearts, to think of 

 assuming female attire, what robe could be more appropriate 

 and becoming than a spotted Nitojjhjjllum, with its finely- 

 lobed margin encompassing their neck, and turned back, a 

 la Vandyhc, on their shoulders? Where is the merman 

 who would not be fascinated with their graceful appearance 

 in this new costume ? The colour of tliis marine mantle is 

 a beautiful pale rose-pink. Its beauty is much increased 

 by the darker-hued capsules and sori with which it is spotted. 



