INTRODUCTION. 9 



plants of the sea greatly surpass all otheis in the 

 perfection with which they retain their original beauty 

 when dried and preserved in the herbarium. Indeed, 

 some of them are more beautiful so, if possible, than 

 when seen in their native element. Their artistic value 

 wUl not be impaired by any lack of scientific knowledge 

 on your part. And yet I must assure you that a more 

 particular acquaintance with them wiU abundantly 

 repay all your labor by giving you a more intelligent 

 interest in them. And it will make you a better col- 

 lector, even for the mere beauty's sake, to know the 

 habits, homes, and seasons of these beautiful creations. 



GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 



You will find it an important help, in many cases, 

 to pay attention to the geographical distribution of 

 the species, so as not to look for what you cannot 

 find in given localities, and to search only for what 

 may reasonably be expected to grow there. 



Our eastern coast is distinguished by two quite 

 well marked floras. That long reach of land which 

 projects itself so far iato the sea, known as Cape Cod, 

 marks the division between the two. It is probable 

 that in former times, more than now even, that has 

 prevented the waters of the great arctic and equatorial 

 currents firom mingling, and so has maintained a 



