SEA- WEEDS. 113 



the tide recedes they hang drooping down and 

 begin to dry, but the returning waters restore 

 their freshness. It is not in the calm summer, 

 when the sun has been for many days shining in 

 all its brightness, and when the breeze 



" With careering wing, 

 Plays like an unseen being on the water ;" 



it is not then that our beaches are strewed with 

 their numerous black fronds. But when the leaden 

 clouds seem to give their own deep dull tint to the 

 once blue sea, and the winds rising gradually with 

 hollow moan sweep angrily over it till ocean's 

 voice drowns all other of the storm voices ; then 

 the waves dash with tremendous violence against 

 the rocks, tearing away the marine plants, and 

 sending them out to float on the waters, to tell 

 the approaching mariner that he is not far from 

 the shore, or they strew them on the beach for our 

 service or delight. Then when the storm song of 

 yesterday seems hushed in the quietness of to-day, 

 or is singing to us only in its low and gentle 

 murmurs, and we can stray again by the shore, 

 what treasures do we find there 



" Crusted shells, 



Rich mosses, tree-like sea-weeds, sparkling pebbles 

 Enchant the eye, and tempt the eager hand." 



Two common plants, which may be easily described, 

 are almost sure to be among the offerings brought 

 to our feet by the waters. These are the Sweet 

 and the Digitate Laminaria, or Oar-weed. The 

 former of these consists of a frond or leaf, gene- 

 rally about three or four feet long, and about four 

 or five inches wide ; but when in its young state 

 we may find it not more than two inches, while 

 I 



