24, 



CHAPTER III. 



ON COLLECTING- AND PRESERVING SEA-WEEDS, THEIR 

 TSES ; ETC. 



" As we strolled along, 

 It was our occupation to observe 



Such objects as the waves had tossed ashore, 



Tangle, or weed of various hues and forms, 



Each on the other heaped, along the line 



Of the dry wrack. And, in our vacant mood, 



Not seldom did we stop at some clear pool 



Hewn in the rock, and, wrapt in pleasing trance, 



Survey the novel forms that hung its sides, 



Or floated on its surface.— too fair 



Either to be divided from the place 



On which they grew, or to be left alone 



To then- own beauty." 



It is not possible to prescribe precise rules which shall 

 be applicable to the collection of all kinds of Sea-weeds 

 in every varied circumstance of coast and season, or to 

 the opportunities or object of each individual collector. 

 Experience will be found to be the best teacher of all 

 minor details, and the time and labour expended to ob- 

 tain it will be productive of many collateral advantages ; 

 one of the chief of which will be a practical knowledge 

 of the habit and appearance of various species, which can 



