OF THE MARINE ALG.E. 



105 



tint is communicated to the cells, giving them a clear sharp 

 outline. m 



Contrary to the plan previously adopted in this little 

 work, we have not yet touched upon the subject of the 

 collection of the marine Algae. The fact is, the individuals 

 belonging to this huge family are so exceedingly numerous, 

 and occur in such an infinite variety of localities, that it is 

 impossible to do more than offer some general suggestions. 

 The best rule to observe is, to search every habitat dili- 

 gently, and to take careful note of all that meets the eye ; 

 not, in a word, to pass by the smaller and humbler species 

 in favour of their gaudier and more prominent relatives. 

 This is by no means a rare fault with the botanical tyro. 

 He allows his imagination to be impressed by some mag- 

 nificent representative of the larger Algae, forgetting that 

 the lowly object, which he crushes under foot without 

 remorse, should have at least as much interest in his eyes. 

 And the consequence often is, that he has to lament the 

 loss of a specimen which would have greatly aided him in 

 his studies, and afforded him much genuine pleasure— a loss 

 which is sometimes irremediable. 



Marine vegetation depends largely on. the character of 

 the coast line. Sandy shores are the least promising ; mud 

 flats are not satisfactory hunting grounds : it is on a bold 

 precipitous coast that the collector may look for the largest 

 returns. This is especially the case where the receding 

 tide is caught, in rocky hollows and basins, for here the 

 loveliest of the seaweeds are sure to be found, spreading 

 abroad their delicate filaments, while the coarse, leathery 

 kinds cluster about the rough blocks that overhang the 

 crystal pools. 



Even in spots where old Ocean shows himself in his 

 roughest mood, and breakers roar and burst against the 

 iron-bound cliffs, even there these tender plants are to be 

 seen tossed about by the wild waves, or clinging closely to 

 the .rock, as if in defiance of their utmost efforts to dislodge 

 them. 



