THE SEA-WEEDS AT HOME AND ABROAD. 283 
Indies; the northern and southern portions of the globe de- 
light in their presence. For specimens they only dry indif- 
ferently, the joints shrinking by dryness, but the algologist 
cares little for looks. Very marvels are those closely adhe- 
rent alge, which creep over moistened surfaces, and some 
of which are found on rocks wetted by the sea, 
many in springs of flowing water, some in hot 
springs, and such unlikely places; but I should 
scarcely forgive myself if I overlooked in this 
connection the Microleus repens (fig. 72), in 
masses resembling a green slime of almost black 
intensity ; but lifted from the wet path and 
a few of its conferva-like threads magnified, 
shows its claim to regard. As the little bit. 
expands under water the microscope assists you 
to see the oscillating motions of its jointed 
filaments, creeping apart from each other like 
the measured progress of the hand over the dial plate of 
your watch! 
Similar, but not tied up in little sheathing bundles, are the 
pretty Lyngbyas, snarls of silky fibres, but each in a mucous 
sheath by itself and divided into numerous transverse joints 
of rich deep green, purple, brown and other colors; widely 
diffused over the globe and extensively scattered over wet 
surfaces, faces of rocks, and places where we should expect 
nothing curious or striking. They too, boast of many kinds 
of residence in the sea, in salt marshes, among pebbles on 
the shore, in hot springs, and the water of salt works, living 
alike in fresh or saline homes. 
Some few larger and more specious Chlorosperms are 
those rich green crisped and wavy-margined thin alge, which 
lie upon the soft mud after retreating tides, covering unsight- 
liness with continuous beauty, and refreshing the eyes. They 
are known as "lavers," Ulvw, and two or three species are 
well known. They do not make very pretty specimens, but 
pieces of them can be advantageously employed in arranging 
Microleus repens. 
