GUIDE TO COLLECTION. 
CHAPTER I. 
OF THE ALGiE GENERALLY. 
Few studies afford more instruction, or are attended with 
more genuine pleasure, than that of the Algas. And this is 
not simply due to the boundless wealth of form which they 
exhibit, and which astonishes and delights even those who 
have never given their attention to Natural History. Nor 
is it merely on account of the inexhaustible materials 
for observation and comparison which they afford to the 
botanist. But the main point of interest consists in this, 
that it is only by a close investigation of the conditions 
of life existing in the Alga*, that we are enabled to get a 
true insight into the structure and functions of the higher 
plants. In fact, it is not too much to say, that vegetable 
anatomy and physiology, and the theory of the nature, deve- 
lopment, and increase of vegetable cells — depend in no 
slight degree on the close observation of the Algse ; because 
in them the separate existence of each cell is so clearly 
seen. Whoever, therefore, would cultivate the study of 
vegetable anatomy, must first make himself thoroughly 
acquainted with this particular family. 
Materials for observation are always near at hand, for 
Algae abound everywhere ; often, indeed, where the superficial 
observer -would scarcely expect to find even the smallest 
trace. Wherever water collects in large or small quantities, 
in a sea or lake, in a river or pond, and equally in the 
smallest ditch or puddle, or even on the face of a damp 
wall, there A] gas thrive, and invite the attention of the 
B 
