30 



MOUNTING SPECIMENS FOE 



CHAPTER III. 



Those who aspire to extend their knowledge of marine 

 botany beyond the mere arrangement of the easily 

 recognized species, will require the aid of the micro- 

 scope. 



For identifying many species of Calithamnia, Cera- 

 mieae, Ectocarpeaa, Polysiphonise, and others, and for 

 most other purposes, simple microscopes will generally 

 be found sufficient. 



When collecting on the sea-shore, the algologist fre- 

 quently meets with plants, such as Ceramiae, Polysipho- 

 nias, &c, assuming such doubtful forms, that it is utterly 

 impossible to decide to what species they properly belong, 

 without the assistance of a glass of considerable magni- 

 fying power. 



At such times, it is very desirable to have ready means 

 for examination ; otherwise, one may be collecting and 

 filling his bag with useless trash, under the impression 

 of their being prizes ; or, on the other hand, throw 

 away, probably, some choice or rare specimens, under 

 the impression that they are common. 



