50 



CHORDA — PADINA. 



but swelling to the size of a swan's quill in the 

 centre. When the plant is handled, it slips from 

 the grasp as if it were oiled; this effect is pro- 

 duced by a natural sliminess, aided by a dense 

 covering of very fine hairs. 



The name of this plant is Chorda filum. Its 

 length varies extremely, some specimens being 

 found to measure barely one foot, while others 

 run from twenty to thirty, and even to forty feet. 

 It tapers gradually from the middle to the point, 

 where it is about the same thickness as at the 

 base. 



I here make an exception to my general rule 

 of excluding all but the commonest objects, in 

 favour of one sea-weed, which, although not very 

 common, yet may be found quite unexpectedly. 

 It owes its introduction to its very singular form. 

 The name of it is the Peacock's-Tail, deriving its 

 title from its shape. Its scientific name is Padina 

 pavonia ; see plate a, fig. 3. 



The habitation of this plant is midway between 

 high and low water-mark, where it may occasion- 

 ally be found adhering to the rocks. It is not 

 a large plant, as it is generally only two or three 

 inches in height, but occasionally reaches the 

 height of five inches. 



In the same order as the Padina is another 



