14 SEA MOSSES. 



to be found in the early spring months. This is 

 true of many other plants. You will be surprised, 

 also, to see what quantities of things you can find as 

 late as November and December. Indeed, if you are 

 to know these plants thoroughly, you must collect 

 them at all seasons of the year. Then you will know 

 when they come, and when they go, and when they 

 are in their greatest perfection. Those living and col- 

 lecting on the Pacific coast, are not fenced away by 

 an icy wall, as we are on our shores, during two or 

 three months of our hard, inclement winters. So 

 they can collect the year around. Dr. Anderson 

 assures me that most of the plants growing there 

 may be found at all seasons, though of course most of 

 them are more beautiful, and of more luxuriant growth, 

 during the summer than during the winter months. 

 In general, there are three principal places for col- 

 lecting "Sea Mosses" by the shore. 



First, from the mass of material which the sea 

 throws up upon the beaches, and leaves behind it 

 when the tide goes out. This will be your main re- 

 source, for getting the plants that grow in deep water. 

 By many causes they will be loosened from their 

 holdings in the depths, and will then float up to the 

 surface, and margin of the sea, and will be cast on shore. 

 By carefully turning over these masses, which will be 



