OF THE MARINE AL GJE. 
105 
tint is communicated to the cells, giving them a clear sharp 
outline. 
Contrary to the plan previously adopted in this little 
work, we have not yet touched upon the subject of the 
collection of the marine A] gas. The fact is, the individuals 
belonging to this huge family are so exceedingly numerous, 
and occur in such an infinite variety of localities, that it is 
impossible to do more than offer some general suggestions. 
The best rule to observe is, to search every habitat dili- 
gently, and to take careful note of all that meets the eye ; 
not, in a word, to pass by the smaller and humbler species 
in favour of their gaudier and more prominent relatives. 
This is by no means a rare fault with the botanical tyro. 
He allows his imagination to be impressed by some mag- 
nificent representative of the larger Algse, forgetting that 
the lowly object, which he crushes under foot without 
remorse, should have at least as much interest in his eyes. 
And the consequence often is, that he has to lament the 
loss of a specimen which would have greatly aided him in 
his studies, and afforded him much genuine pleasure — a loss 
which is sometimes irremediable. 
Marine vegetation depends largely on the character of 
the coast line. Sandy shores are the least promising ; mud 
flats are not satisfactory hunting grounds : it is on a bold 
precipitous coast that the collector may look for the largest 
returns. This is especially the case where the receding 
tide is caught in rocky hollows and basins, for here the 
loveliest of the seaweeds are sure to be found, spreading 
abroad their delicate filaments, while the coarse, leathery 
kinds cluster about the rough blocks that overhang the 
crystal pools. 
Even in spots where old Ocean shows himself in his 
roughest mood, and breakers roar and burst against the 
iron-bound cliffs, even there these tender plants are to be 
seen tossed about by the wild waves, or clinging closely to 
the rock, as if in defiance of their utmost efforts to dislodge 
them. 
