8 
while others have very few ; in some they are apparently absent, or more probably, 
present with instinct and power to contract internally, or withdraw from our sight; 
the largest antheridia are very small when under the highest power of the microscope ; 
and we may reasonably suppose that the Ulva, Conferva, and a very few others, where 
I have not seen those organs, may be provided with antheridia that timidly withdraw 
from our sight, or, remaining distended, may be too small for observation under the 
highest microscopic power. The carnose organs of Corallines and Sponges, are con¬ 
tracted and withdrawn whenever they are at all disturbed, and no power of vision 
that we can direct would reveal their form or structure, unless we permit them in 
perfect quiet to pursue their natural labors. 
The motions of external antheridia appear to have entirely escaped the observa¬ 
tion of Naturalists, many of whom reside at a great distance from the sea: Linnaeus 
resided at a very inconvenient distance from salt water. Algae cannot long survive 
removal from their natural element. If those who may conveniently examine them 
while living, and within a few hours after removal from the water, would direct their 
attention to the motions of the antheridia, I think they would hesitate before severing 
the link with which nature binds both Algae and Corallines to animal life. 
The success of the past has encouraged bright hopes for the future ; and I shall 
continue to devote what little time may be conveniently spared from other pursuits, 
in perfecting or in approximation to a complete history of the Algae and Corallines 
of our spacious Harbor and Bay. No Harbor in the world is more prolific than our 
own, whether we regard the number of species, or variety and beauty of color, and 
graceful outline of form and proportions. The plants are abundant, and profusely 
growing in every part of the Bay ; disposition and time are alone required for their 
collection and classification. The pursuit is easy ; a delightful recreation, and parti¬ 
cularly and invitingly appropriate for ladies, whose delicate fingers and keen percep¬ 
tions of the curious and beautiful in nature, could not fail to make Algology the most 
instructing and the most interesting branch of natural science. British writers make 
favorable mention of several ladies who have contributed largely towards adorning 
Algology; whole genera and many species would probably have remained unknown, 
but for Mrs. Griffiths, Miss Hall, Miss Hutchins, Miss Turner, and others, whose dis¬ 
coveries of new and beautiful plants have conferred lasting obligations. A thorough 
exploration of our Bay, requires more and numerous co-laborers. The line of shore 
is very extensive ; no part should be neglected or slighted ; frequent visits to every part 
are essential, as plants found in one locality may not exist in another. Though some 
are perennial, others are of short periods, and quickly decay : a rock that is barren at 
the first visit, may be clothed in beautiful Algae at the second, and have a new color 
with new species at the third. Plants found floating in great abundance at one time 
in a particular place, may have been sought for in vain on consecutive days, for a week 
or a month in the same locality. The frequent visits of numerous Algologists to all 
parts of the Harbor, and at all seasons, would probably reveal many species that are 
now unknown. If my feeble efforts shall inspire a love of the science, and induce 
others to join in perfecting the catalogue of Algse and Corallines that flourish and 
decay in our waters, then I shall have accomplished a very desirable object. 
