66 HANDY BOOK Of 



when the tide is out, but more frequently it is dredged from 

 four or five-fathom water. 



Different species of the family of Rhodomenia, connected 

 with the present series, crowd before the mental view, but 

 while looking over notes made at various times we shall 

 briefly select a few of the most conspicuous. Among such 

 the red dock-leaved Delessaria (D. sanguinea) is entitled to 

 rank high in the oceanic flora; and notwithstanding its 

 common occurrence on our shores, is never seen without 

 attracting admiration. In favourable localities, at Scar- 

 borough and Yarmouth, Falmouth Bay and the Scilly Isles, 

 specimens are seen occasionally of gigantic size, while the 

 length and breadth of its delicately membranaceous, yet 

 glossy and shiny leaves, render it one of the most beauti- 

 ful objects in nature. As a type therefore of its genus, the 

 red dock-leaved Sanguinea worthily commemorates the 

 services rendered to marine botany by her most distin- 

 guished votary, whose loss was deeply felt, and whose place 

 in the wide circle of which he was the centre can never 

 be supplied. 



The absence of a nerve distinguishes the genus Nitro- 

 phyllum from the preceding, as do the thinner, more reticu- 

 lated substance, and distinct spots of granules, from the 

 brotherhood of Rhodomenia. Marine botanists, therefore, 

 who seek for the six members of this pleasing genus on the 

 coast of Devonshire or Cornwall, where they obtain a full 

 development, will do well to bear their distinctive pecu- 

 liarities in mind. Such also is the favourite haunt of the 

 blunted Laurencia (L. obtusa), which, in common with its 

 brethren, recalls to mind the name of M. de la Laurencie. 

 In colour a fine but fleeting pink, it is said to emit the 

 scent of violets ; and those who gather it along our shores 

 are thus often pleasingly reminded of green fields and banks 

 where grew the favourite flower of their childhood. And 

 yet, though beautiful in its assigned locality, conspicuous 

 too, being from three to six inches high, it may not compare 



