OP ULVA AND CODIUM. 



93 



small threads, of a tenacious, membranous consistence, 

 filled with a dense granular fluid, closely and intri- 

 cately matted together; the threads in the centre of the 

 branches having a longitudinal direction, while those 

 of the circumference are horizontal, presenting their 

 closely-set tips to the surface of the frond. This plant 

 abounds on the shores of the Atlantic, from the north 

 of Europe to the Cape of Good Hope : it appears to be 

 equally common in the Pacific, extending along the 

 whole western coast of the American Continent : it is 

 found in the Indian Sea, and on the shores of Australia 

 and New Zealand : nor is there any certain character 

 by which the specimens of one country may be known 

 from those of another. 



Allied to the Codium in 

 structure, and not uncom- 

 mon in rock-pools, is a slen- 

 der and extremely elegant 

 little plant, Bryopsis plumo- 

 sa, which consists of a mul- 

 titude of soft green feathers 

 gracefully connected toge- 

 ther. Its substance is ex- 

 ceedingly flaccid, and the 

 branches fall together when 

 removed from the water, 

 but immediately expand on 

 re-immersion. Few of our 

 marine plants are more beautiful; and the pleasure of 

 admiring its graceful characters may be indefinitely 

 prolonged, as it is one of the plants which may be most 



BBYOF8IS PHUMOS4 



