58 



DELESSERTA SANGUINEA. 



magnificent both on account of its gorgeous 

 colouring, and on account of its luxuriance. This 

 is the Delesseria sanguinea, represented, about 

 half its usual size, in plate J, fig. 3. 



The shape of the leaf, or rather of the frond, 

 so closely resembles that of terrestrial trees, that 

 at first sight few would attribute the beautiful 

 scarlet leaf, with its decided midrib and bold 

 nervures, to an alga. Yet an alga it is, and may 

 be found in its most perfect state about June or 

 July : later in the year it becomes very ragged, 

 the broad flat frond giving way to the fruit. 

 In this state, although interesting to the botanist, 

 it is hardly suitable for the cabinet, as little of 

 the plant is left except the midrib, and a few 

 flapping raglets. When spread on paper and pre- 

 served, it retains its colour well, and adheres very 

 firmly. 



The fronds are generally from two to seven or 

 eight inches in length, but they are not often 

 found exceeding five or six inches. A branch 

 containing eight or ten fronds, averaging five 

 inches in length, may be considered a good 

 specimen, and worth preserving, if the edges are 

 entire. There is a very peculiar marine scent 

 about this plant, an ancient and fishlike smell," 

 quite indescribable, but not to be forgotten. A 



