( 'ONTINUATION OF HOME LIFE. 33 



magnifying glass, or poking in the streams at either side for 

 minute plants. 



According to his usual habit, he rose early, and occupied the 

 time till breakfast in examining his own plants, and making- 

 drawings of them, if not engaged with the collections sent him 

 by his botanical friends. His evening walks amid the beautifu 

 scenery encouraged his dreamy fancies, and the poetic vein 

 frequently broke forth in sportive rhymes, as well as in verses 

 of higher merit. A letter to Dr. Hooker confesses a state of 

 partial idleness. "Mrs. Telfaii's dlgte are finished at last. I 

 must appear sadly idle by having consumed so much time in so 

 trifling a matter. I certainly might have forwarded them some 

 months since, had I thought thou wert anxious for an early 

 publication, but I was a good deal occupied with other matters, 

 botanical and awfo'-botanical. I do confess, however, that 1 

 really have idled. While I write the rooks are cawing, and 

 the old elms standing out against the sky in the quiet evening 

 are quite poetical." 



To Mr. J. Fennell 



April 8th. 

 " Tempus per forelockum " is an excellent saying. I have 

 made up a parcel of algae (pronounced by the learned aljee) 

 for Miss T. and thyself, which I hope will prove acceptable. 

 I have lately discovered a most curious new genus of fresh- 

 water algae, order Diatomaceee (a precious set). I call it Chlo- 

 roglossum (green tongue) Berheleyanum. It is allied to 

 Cymbella and Berheleya, and provokingly to Oscillatoria. 

 Well, Connemara in May — is that the go ? The people at 

 Kilkee are arranging for a future residence. A pleasant place 

 to pay them a visit. Ought to be good algae there. 



June 23rd. I fear I shall not go anywhere this year. By 

 special favour I may get a week at Kilkee. This is all I hope 

 for. Tempora mutantur ; and it is really time I should give up 

 my life of pleasure. I am doing but little in botany. Andro- 

 meda polifolia is common in a bog opposite Plassey. Are not 

 Mrs. Griffiths' plants beautiful ? She is about publishing dried 

 specimens of Devon algae, with names, &c. This is the easiest 

 way of getting to be master of them. Each fasciculus contains 



D 



