256 SEA MOSSES. 



the main stem is more or less coated towards the 

 base, by a covering of small cells. 



It comes within the purpose of this book to 

 direct attention only to those few species, which are 

 specially notable for their beauty, their plentifulness, 

 or their wide distribution. Standing at the head of 

 the list, of our Atlantic Callithaninia^ in respect to 

 beauty, if not at the head of the genus itself in 

 that regard, is 



Callithamnion Americanum, Harv. 



This plant grows not uncommon along the whole 

 coast, from Halifax to New York. In the warmer 

 waters, south of Cape Cod, it seems to be of a 

 finer and more delicate habit, as well, also, as of a 

 more brilliant rose-red color, than in the north. It 

 is among the earliest plants to be found. I have 

 most exquisite specimens, collected by my friend, A. 

 R. Young, about New York, as early as March 12th. 

 And he assures me that he has found it in fine de- 

 velopment among the ice, on Washington's Birthday. 



In Plate XX., the artist has reproduced, with 

 great faithfulness and spirit, one of the plants ot 

 this species, with which Mr. Young has enriched my 

 collection. It will convey some hint, I hope, of the 

 beauty of thi§ wonderful plant. But I believe a 



