COLLECTING SEA-WEEDS. 



43 



processes all round the edges of the leaves. This 

 and the preceding are very hardy in confinement, 

 and form very suitable plants for an Aquarinm. 



When we can no longer work at so low a level, 

 we recede to the slopes of the ledges yet nncovered, 

 and find other species in the quiet sheltered pools. 

 A weed is found here, growing in dense mossy 

 patches on the perpendicular and overshadowed 

 edges of the rock, which, when examined, looks 

 like a multitude of tiny oval bladders of red-wine, 

 set end to end in chains. This pretty sea-weed is 

 called CJiylocladia articulata. 



Here also grows the stony Coralline, a plant 

 bearing some resemblance to that just named, in 

 the peculiar jointed form of its growth. Low-lying 

 pools are often incrusted with a coat of stony or 

 shelly substance of a dull purple hue, having an 

 appearance closely like that of some lichens ; the 

 crust investing the surface of the rock, and adhering 

 firmly to it, in irregular patches, which continually 

 increase from the circumference, in concentric zones. 

 This is the young state of the Corallina officinalis^ 

 which by and by shoots up into little bushes of 

 many jointed twigs, diverging on every hand, or 

 hanging in tufts over the edges of the rock-pools. 

 Young collectors are eager, I perceive, to seize such 

 specimens as are purely white ; but this condition 

 is that of death ; in life and health, the shoots are 

 of the same pale purple hue as the lichenous crust. 

 This plant in both states (for plant it undoubtedly 

 is, though principally composed of lime, and of 

 stone-like hardness) is suitable for a tank, as it 

 survives and flourishes long ; and your pieces of 

 rock-work you may select from such places as are 

 covered with the purple crust. 



