32 
SAGARTIAD^. 
fronds which overarch the green hedge-hanks just above,— • 
larger and finer -specimens oeeur, apparently each broad 
coin-like disk stuek on to the smooth wall of the cavity, 
but really, as you find when you attempt to eaptm'e 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, el- 
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 puekered edges of 
each disk press upon and fit into the mutual irregularities 
of the others ; and the effeet is very attractive, when the 
variety is that patched one, pale blue and blaek, whieh 
I have named versicolor. 
I have mueh admired them in this eondition along the 
foot of the lofty overhanging elifis at Watcombe, between 
Teignmouth and Torquay. Huge masses of the red eon- 
glomerate have fallen from above, and are piled in eon- 
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 terraees, 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 he pursues the line of eoast, as each slope 
sueeessively brings him to the water’s edge. These ter- 
raees are very rough, but not unpleasant to walk upon ; 
and their angles are occupied with water, forming long 
