THE SEA-WEEDS AT HOME AND ABROAD. 275 
possess, in a series of specimens, the probable method of 
development which nature has thus instituted. Let me en- 
'deavor to adapt this idea to the thoughts of this present 
essay, and arrange to some extent the sea-weeds (Alga) 
of our own and of foreign or distant coasts together. Let 
us see in what kinds there are corresponding ones ; and when 
we select some choice specimen from the beach-drift, or 
pluck it from the rocks, endeavor to tell on what distant 
strand it is obedient to the pulsing waves, or perchance at- 
tracts other eyes. 
The coast of New England presents as great a diversity 
in outline and in character as perhaps can be found in the 
same length of the Atlantic shore. We have here the deep 
inlets like Norwegian fiords in Maine; the bold rocky prom- 
ontories of Massachusetts varied with the almost level and 
smooth sands of the South. The noblest in size, as well as 
most beautiful in color and features, are the algæ which are 
to be met with throughout this wide range. The would-be 
successful collector must resort to the dredging apparatus, 
and like the shell collector needs a strong arm and abundance 
of patient toil to serve him; else he must wait some vio- 
lent storm, which shall break from their deeper moorings 
those more valuable weeds which only can grow perfectly 
and develop themselves entirely far below the surface, 
where the sun’s rays but feebly penetrate and the water is of 
a nearly uniform temperature. Some wonderful waifs are 
occasionally met with in this way by visiting the beaches and 
picking over the waste with scrupulous care. In the 
warmer waters of the Southern States, like those on the 
Florida Keys, there may be sought singular kinds resembling 
corals, for whieh they were formerly mistaken by Lamour- 
oux, some of exquisite beauty in design and shape. Some 
of these are found growing from the base of a Gorgonia or 
sea-fan, and secreting from the ocean their covering of lime. 
And others of richest green ereep over the sand beneath the 
water, and throw up a turf as verdant as that which clothes 
