THE SHOllES OF BRITAIN. 47 



green, and the whole surface shines as if it were 

 varnished. It is so delicate, that, in drying, the 

 colouring matter frequently contracts in the stem, 

 leaving interrupted spaces destitute of colour, and 

 perfectly transparent. 



These are but a very few of the multitudinous sea- 

 weeds which would come under the notice of £.n 

 observant visitor to our own rocky shores ; yet how 

 manifold are the indications of infinite intelligence 

 and goodness even in these things proverbial for their 

 vileness ! And while we gratefully acknowledge the 

 Divine hand in such species as conduce to man's 

 sustenance or comfort, may we not, from the lavish 

 beauty and elegance of such as are of nc direct 

 benefit to us, legitimately draw the same consolatory 

 inference which the Saviour drew from the lovely 

 lilies at His feet ? If God so clothe these obscure 

 caverns and submerged rocks, will He not muJc more 

 care for those whom He has redeemed with the blood, 

 and conformed to the image of His Son ? Nor is the 

 relation which He sustains to these frail and perish- 

 ing weeds limited to an exertion of creative power. 

 All are marshaDed in order, each is provided inces- 

 santly with the requisite supplies for its welfare, and 

 each is assigned to that particular locality which suits 

 its habit of growth, and where alone it flourishes. 

 On this subject Mr, Neill observes, " On our open 

 shores a certain order is obsem^ed in the habitat of the 

 Fuci, each species occupying pretty regularly its own 

 zone or station. Chorda jilum, or Sea-laces, grows in 

 water some fathoms deep : in places where the tide 

 seldom entirely ebbs, but generally leaves from t^'o 



