270 SEA MOSSES. 



end of the remotest divisions. Except on the main 

 stem these plumes are scarcely discernible separately 

 to the naked eye. But under a pocket lens they are 

 easily seen, and it is these which give the plant its 

 delicate, feathery appearance. This is a somewhat 

 rare plant, though it is reported along the whole 

 California coast, growing at all seasons, upon other 

 Algae, in pools or below tide. It is certainly well 

 worth a long and laborious search, to fill one's hands 

 with the fronds of this wonderful little beauty. 



Thus ends our brief, and as it seems to me, 

 altogether inadequate survey, of the " Sea Mosses," 

 of our two far-parted shores. I may be permitted 

 to hope, perhaps, that even the imperfect acquaintance 

 which this little book shall give its readers, with these 

 lower forms of Ocean Life, may teach, at least, the one 

 lesson of patience and trust towards God, which the 

 Poet learned from them, long years ago. 



SEA WEED. 



Not always unimpeded can I pray, 



Nor, pitying saint, thine intercession claim; 



Too closely clings the burden of the day, 



And all the mint and anise that I pay 



But swells my debt and deepens my self-blame 



