
284 RAMBLES IN FLORIDA. 
Without enlarging upon the merits of the Palms and 
Cacti, which would require a volume, we will consider the 
species we have encountered as unworthy representatives of 
noble families, and proceed upon our wa 
It is hard work for either man or beast toiling through 
shifting sands, but pressing on we soon achieve the summit 
of tha) mimic mountain range, which the wind and sea 
always pile up on the landward side of the shore. Descend- 
ing the slope we are face to face with old ocean, whose maj- 
esty, whether in storm or calm, is ever impressive ; the sea’ 
is smooth, the surf beats gently on the beach. We pause 
a while to admire the glories of sky and water; to ponder 
upon the mysteries of life and form that dwell within the 
broad blue bosom of the deep; to peer into the hazy beauty 
of the atmosphere which hangs like a curtain at the remote 
horizon, implying hidden and greater beauty beyond; to 
. note the distant sails of coming or departing ships; or watch 
the gulls riding upon the ripples like tiny shallops at anchor; 
to recall how in the north the wintry winds nipped us on 
New Year's day, only a week or two ago, and how bland 
and genial are the breezes here; to behold at our feet as we 
follow the more recent drift-rows, the rejected treasures 
which the sea has cast aside, forms different from any that 
we have elsewhere found, and each curious in its way- 
There are but few sea-weeds (alga) on the beach, and not 
many species of shells; of some of the species, however, 
many individuals can be obtained. Here are numerous. 
specimens of the Fan Mussels (Pinna). What is written 
of the lilies of the field, "they toil not, neither do they 
|... Spin," does not apply to them; for these submarine weavers 
| Spin a byssus, or beard, by which they attach themselves 




4 cable, and its fibres are tubular, like human hair. When 
. fresh and flexible, gloves and stockings can be woven from : 
3 A and at Tarento it is uu into articles of wear — 
“Acce inis ing inc SN the byssus is a successful remedy ; 



