COPIOUS NOTICES OF THE NATURAL HISTORY
OF THE DISTRICT.

EDITED BY EDWARD DAY McNICOLL,

HONORARY SURGEON TO THE SOUTHPORT INFIRMARY ; FORMERLY

RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER TO THE SOUTHPORT

CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL.



TH I RD EDITION



SOUTHPORT :

ROBERT JOHNSON AND CO. LIMITED, " VISITER " OFFICE, LORD STREET.
1883.



PREFACE.



^W^HE first edition of this little book was compiled by my
father in 1859. The sale was rapid, and in 1861
another edition was called for and soon exhausted.

That no work dealing with the same subject has equalled
my father's in scope and completeness has been freely
admitted. To obtain a copy although frequent attempts
to do so have been made by the public has for many years
been impossible. My father's long illness, followed by his
lamented death in 1868, doubtless helped to prevent a re-
newed issue.

The approaching visit of the British Association to South-
port is an event of importance so great, and is so likely to
attract general attention to the town and its history, as well
as to promote local interest in all pertaining to it, that a
more fitting opportunity could hardly be found for now
publishing a new edition. Although the form of the work
remains the same, it is hoped that in substance it may lay
some claim to be considered much improved. The re-
markable, almost unexampled, progress and development

868701



vi. PREFACE.

of Southport, during the last twenty years, has called for a
total re-casting and re-writing of much that the former
editions contained the portions, in particular, which are
descriptive of the public buildings and institutions. Many
of these have been founded or enlarged within the period
named.

The preface to my father's original work contained a
paragraph, the re-printing of which, verbatim, will indicate
why even increased space is given to the Natural History.

" I need not apologise for the Natural History occupying
so large a portion of the following pages. The motive has
been to encourage useful and agreeable mental occupation
on the part of visitors whose stay in Southport is more or less
prolonged, and whose minds would, in the absence of some
external object of thought, turn and prey upon themselves.
This continual contemplation of their own condition the
result of the depression dependent upon disease, and absence
from the ordinary engagements of life needs to be carefully
guarded against, and I have not thought it out of place in a
work partly medical to suggest a substitute."

With a view to promoting my father's excellent object in
the best manner possible, I have sought the assistance, whilst
preparing this new edition, of some of the gentlemen to whom



he was himself indebted for help. In this connection it gives
me pleasure to name Mr. Charles H. Brown, to whom my
thanks are due for undertaking the chapters upon the Shells,
the Zoophytes, and the Foraminifera ; and Mr. Leo Grindon,
who has dealt with the Botany, and supervised the Natural
History in general.

Mr. Baxendell, the well-known meteorologist, has kindly
supplied me with some Tables, which present, in the clearest
manner, the results of the records daily made at the Ob-
servatory in Hesketh Park, extending over a period of
eleven years. These Tables have not before been published
in the present form, and are a distinct and valuable feature
of the volume.

To Dr. Vernon, our valued Sanitary Medical Officer, my
thanks are also due for placing at my disposal information
which he had collected for independent purposes.

E. D. McN.



SOUTHPORT,

AUGUST, 1883.



CONTENTS.



CHAPTER I. ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF SOUTHPORT ... i

II. SOUTHPORT AS A RESORT FOR INVALIDS. Geology

of the District General Remarks on Climate
Local Climate of Southport 21

III. EFFECTS OF THE CLIMATE UPON DISEASE.

General Claims of Southport as a Sanatorium-
Suggestions for Invalids 35

- IV. ON SEA-BATHING 54

V. NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHPORT AND ITS

ENVIRONS . ; . 64

THE FLORA . . . 65

- VI. THE SOUTHPORT BIRDS . . 89

VII. ARACHNIDA AND CRUSTACEA OF SOUTHPORT . 103

VIII. MOLLUSCA OF SOUTHPORT 114

- IX. ZOOPHYTES OF SOUTHPORT 140

X. FORAMINIFERA OF SOUTHPORT 158

METEOROLOGICAL TABLES . . 166

POPULATION TABLE OF INCREASE 172

COMPARATIVE DEATH-RATE TABLE 173




CHAPTER I.



Through days and weeks

Of hope, that grew by stealth,
How many wan and faded cheeks
Have kindled into health ?

The old, by thee revived, have said

" Another year is ours ! "
And way-worn wanderers, poorly fed,

Have smiled upon thy flowers.

Wordnvorth.

ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF SOUTHPORT.

<g OUTHPORT is situated on that part of the coast of
Lancashire which lies between the estuary of the
Mersey and the mouth of the Ribble, at a distance of about
eighteen miles from the entrance to the former. Throughout
almost its whole extent, the sea-border here presents a con-
tinuous range of sandhills, upon the outer or western side of
which there is a broad belt of level sand covered with water
at high tide, but left bare during a considerable portion of
every twenty-four hours. Inland from the sandhills the
country is flat for a distance of several miles, but then rises
with very agreeable undulation, the highest points command-
ing fine views, and memorable as having been in by-gone days
the locality of beacons.



2 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

The exact geographical position of South port is 53 38' 40"
north latitude, and 2 59' 45" west longitude.

The railway distances are : from Liverpool, 1 8 miles ; from
Wigan, 17 miles; from Bolton, 27 miles; and from Man-
chester, 37 miles. Preston, 18 miles distant, gives ready
access to Southport from Yorkshire and the North, and
no places upon the north-western coast of England are more
readily reached from the midland counties and the metro-
polis, either by Manchester, or by Crewe and Wigan. The
nearest market town is Ormskirk, nine miles to the east
The nearest patrician mansions and residences, are Lathom
House, the seat of the Earl of Lathom ; Rufford Hall ; Scar-
isbrick Hall ; and Blythe HalL

Relatively to the village of Churchtown, two miles distant
to the north, Southport is of almost recent origin. At
the beginning of the present century, it had scarcely come
into existence. To imagine what was then the complexion of
the ground now occupied by Lord-street and the Promenade,
we must imagine the Birkdale sandhills continued uninter-
ruptedly to a point beyond the Hesketh Park, with pools of
water, and forests of sharp and rushy grass ; narrow pathways
leading crossways, at long intervals, to the wastes beyond.
The cottages of a few fishermen stood about half-a-mile
inland from high-water mark. Of other houses there were
none. Churchtown, in a word, was the seat of local resi-
dence. Churchtown was the little mother village of modern,
handsome, and wealthy Southport, and whoever would trace
the uprise of the latter, must commence his survey with
the immediate neighbourhood of the Churchtown Botanic
Gardens.



NORTH MEOLS CHURCHTOWN. 3

The parish has for its name North Meols. What may be
the precise etymological signification of the latter word is not
clear. Baines, in the History of Lancashire, says it is a Saxon
term, signifying sandhills.

Quite a hundred years ago, probably for an undeterminable
earlier time, the sands of North Meols were noted for the
facilities they offered to invalids who looked to pure air and
sea-bathing as the chief means towards restoration to health.
The physicians of Manchester and other manufacturing towns
in South Lancashire, were accustomed to send their patients
hither. Churchtown was the primary destination, and thence
any who desired to dip in the sea were conveyed, when the
tide served, to the suitable localities then called the Hawes.
The reputation of the neighbourhood grew fast. The wealth
and the population of the cotton districts were constantly
augmenting. The visitors to Churchtown became more
numerous every season. Travelling two or three miles from
their lodgings before the water could be reached, and this
over rough and unformed sandy roads, was found to be a
serious inconvenience, and in these circumstances Southport
may legitimately be said to have had its origin. Some far-
seeing and enterprising man is generally at hand to play the
part of Columbus, though obscurely, when courageous adven-
ture offers promise of reward. About the year 1792,3 pioneer
arose in the person of a Mr. William Sutton, landlord of one
of the two inns then existing at Churchtown. To the amaze-
ment, and it would appear the amusement of his neighbours,
Mr. Sutton erected, on the spot at the Birkdale extremity of
Lord-street where the ornamental lamp-post now stands, a
hostelry and little lodging-house, which he called the " King's



4 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Arms." The original building was constructed entirely of
wood. Before long, it was enlarged with more substantial
materials, and in time became the " Royal Hotel " of the
period. The little cabin has long since disappeared. The
fact remains, nevertheless, that in this simple manner,
Southport had its birth. The enterprise was considered so
visionary that the " King's Arms " received, like many other
buildings of the kind, the facetious appellation of " Duke's
Folly," the " Duke " being the jocular title by which Mr.
Sutton was distinguished. Poor man, he was doomed to
experience the usual fate of those who live and work in
advance of their times. His subsequent history was infelici-
tous, if not unfortunate. Although living to see Southport
a thriving village, he died, without partaking of the prosperity
around him, in 1841. The man who bestowed upon South-
port its name, given, perhaps, because of its geographical
position with regard to Churchtown, was a Mr. Barton, a
retired Ormskirk surgeon, one of the most devoted of the
early believers in the salubrity of the place, and who chose,
as the fitting time of the bestowal, an entertainment given by
Mr. Sutton, when his inn was first opened to the public.
Notwithstanding the doubts that were entertained as to the.
prudence, not to say the sanity, of Mr. Sutton, it soon became
obvious that he had taken the first step in providing for a
genuine want, and that he had met it himself to only a
limited degree. Cottages soon began to multiply in the
neighbourhood of the " King's Arms " ; and although these
were intended at first for the accommodation purely of
visitors, they soon became tempting residences with people
who, coming as invalids, found Southport their best perma-



BIRKDALE LORD-STREET. 5

nent abode. New and independent residences of superior
quality soon followed, and, as in most other places of similar
history, the growth of Southport has been steadily progressive.
How wonderful the expansion in not exceeding eighty years,
may be judged from the fact, that the last census returns
(1881), give for Southport and Birkdale in the aggregate, a
population of 42,454.

The second step as regarded the providing hotel accom-
modation was made about the year 1807, when the "Union"
was erected. In this year was also built the first actual row
of houses. In 1818 the Wellington Buildings made their
appearance, and two years afterwards Southport enriched
itself with its first ecclesiastical edifice, namely, Christ
Church,
Lord-street, now a beautiful structure with tower, lofty spire,
and a peal of eight bells, but then of humbler appearance.
Up to that time episcopal service was celebrated only at
Churchtown, to which place even Birkdale still belongs,
ecclesiastically.

Birkdale is the southern of the two townships into which
the parish of North Meols is divided. There is nothing to
indicate where one township ends and the other begins. The
boundaries are not marked by a stream or other natural
feature. The path from one extreme of the parish to the
other is virtually continuous.

An important move towards the formation of the future
town was made in 1825, when an Act of Parliament was
obtained by the Lords of the Manor, authorising, among other
things, the laying out of the present Lord-street. An avenue
more noble is not often seen except in a metropolis. It runs
.almost exactly parallel with the high-water mark of the sea,



6 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

about 400 yards to the east, and has now grown to be 1440
yards in length. Being of excellent width, the vista is either
way exceedingly fine, and every year sees some addition to the
very handsome buildings and frontages which confer its archi-
tectural character. In some parts this noble street is lined
with villa residences, having little gardens in front, with
abundance of trees. The greater portion, however, is
devoted to commercial purposes, and towards the centre are
found most of the municipal and other public buildings. A
mass of stonework more imposing than that which comprises
the Town-hall, the Cambridge Hall, the Art Gallery, the
Post-office, and accessory edifices, it would be difficult to
find in any city in the country. Of late years, great pains
have been taken to convert large portions of Lord-street
into a boulevard. Vigorous young trees have been planted,
and in another quarter of a century, when these trees shall
have attained fair dimensions, Lord-street, Southport, will
certainly claim to be an object deserving of national
admiration.

Parallel with Lord-street is the Marine Promenade, which,
including the recent extensions north and south, now
measures no less than 2600 yards. It was commenced in
1834, with a length of about 400 yards, reaching from the
end of Nevill-street to Coronation-walk. In less than twenty-
five years the length was considerably more than doubled,
and great as it has now become, the probabilities are that it
will be continued still further towards the north. Raised well
above the level of the sands ; admirably defended from the
assaults of the tide, when unusually high and vehement ; of
capital width ; excellently paved and asphalted ; and bordered



THE PROMENADE AND PIER. 7

along the inward side by handsome terraces, with hotels and
other large buildings, few sea-side roadways of the kind
supply a more inviting place for exercise. It has the
immense advantage also, of being open to the full influence
of the afternoon and evening sunshine, the latter very
generally implying sunsets of singular brilliancy. The coast
of Lancashire has always been noted for the beauty of its
sunset views, and these are certainly nowhere obtained to
greater advantage than at Southport. Across the water,
looking westwards, the eye catches the bold yet softly beauti-
ful outlines of the mountains of the nearer portions of North
Wales. At the other extreme of the sea-view, the picturesque
sandhill range which marks the neighbourhood of Lytham,
is plainly seen ; and beyond this loom the grand heights of
Cumberland and Westmoreland, including the celebrated
eminence called Black Combe, the summit of which is 1919
feet above the sea level. In particular states of the
atmosphere, the peaks of the Isle of Man are said to be
distinguishable. These delightful views and prospects are
obtained to even greater satisfaction from the Pier one of
the most remarkable in England. The great distance to
which the water retires when " out," and which it was desired
to neutralise, so as to allow of the approach of boats and
steamers at any time of day or night, demanded a length of
not less than 1465 yards. In addition to this, the extremity
is expanded into a platform of 180 feet in length, and propor-
tionately wide, so as to permit of the gathering together of
many people, and give room for all. In order to facilitate
approach to the extremity, whoever does not care to walk the
whole distance has the option of a little tramway worked by



8 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

a stationary engine. The original work was commenced in
1859. The entire structure was widened and lengthened
in 1864.

When the water is out, the broad firm sands, which in parts
stretch like a Sahara, are incomparable for horse exercise.
Their substantial character, and the certainty of doing no
mischief, recommended them for the early experiments made
with the Whitworth long-range artillery. At the present day
they are resorted to, periodically, for drill and other military
exercises.

Returning to Lord-street, it is impossible not to be arrested
by the pile of noble public buildings above referred to, and
which may now be spoken of in detail.

The original edifice was the old Town-hall, erected in
1853, and fairly classical in its columns and pediment.
Adjoining it is the still more handsome Cambridge Hall,
the foundation stone of which was laid in 1872 by the Duchess
of Teck. It was opened in 1874 by Sir R. Cross. The total
cost was ,30,000. The very elegant tower at the south
front corner, with illuminated clock and a peal of bells, at
once attracts the eye of every visitor to the town. The interior
contains many spacious and well-proportioned apartments, and
is partly occupied by the Post-office. The great hall is
capable of holding 2,000 persons. Contiguous, in turn, to the
Cambridge Hall are the Atkinson Art Gallery and the
Atkinson Free Library, erected in 1877, at a cost of ,8,000,
which large sum was wholly provided by the munificent
gentleman whose name is attached to these most valuable
elements of the wealth of Southport the late Mr. William
Atkinson, originally a Manchester merchant. To this gentle-



FREE LIBRARY WINTER GARDENS. 9

man the town is indebted also for the clock-tower of the Cam-
bridge Hall and the stone front and spire of Christ Church.
The architecture of the exterior of the Free Library and Art
Gallery, designed by the Messrs. Waddington, of Burnley, is
composite Italian, a style which allows of the introduction of
abundance of graceful ornament, without temptation to unwise
luxury, and certainly a better example of chaste adhesion to
the laws of purity in architecture would be hard to find. The
main gallery of the portion devoted to the Fine Arts is 67 feet
in length ; two other picture galleries are each about 45 feet
in length ; and in addition to these there are smaller ones for
sculpture and miscellaneous articles. The wall space available
for pictures exceeds 6,000 feet. The Free Library contains,
in the reference department, about 1,127 volumes, and in the
lending department about 10,931 volumes. Other apartments
are available for meetings, such as those of the Southport
Literary and Philosophical Society, which usually assembles
here.

Over and above its indebtedness to Mr. Atkinson, Southport
has good reason to be grateful to another gentleman for some
buildings, and for several scientific gifts of real beauty and
usefulness namely, the late Mr. John Fernley. Trinity
Wesleyan Chapel ; the School for the Daughters of Wesleyan
Ministers, opposite to the Chapel both exceedingly hand-
some structures; the Drinking Fountain, and Barometer upon
the Promenade ; and the Observatory in Hesketh Park were
all provided by the munificence of Mr. Fernley.

In Lord-street are also found the Winter Gardens, an
establishment so complex and complete in the variety of the
enjoyment it provides alike for the permanent inhabitants of



10 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTH PORT.

Southport and for visitors that it may unhesitatingly be
pronounced unique. The Brighton and Westminster Aqua-
riums, which come nearest, have no actual gardens outside ;
here, on the other hand, the external portion is not inferior to
any part of what is covered in. The area of this fine property
is about nine acres. Possession of the ground was obtained
about 1872 by a Company whose first expenditure approached
;ioo,ooo, and who certainly selected a site which it would
be impossible to consider other than the very best for such a
purpose, having its front entrance in the principal thoroughfare
of the town, tramway cars from north and south passing the
gates every few minutes. Looking out in the rear upon the
sea, the outside flower-gardens protected from high winds by
a peculiar local depression of the ground they occupy, what
locality more eligible could be found ? Crossing the bit of
garden space just within the gates, and entering by the
principal doorway, the steps upon the left hand lead into the
Aquarium, which is one of the completest in the kingdom,
containing some thirty or forty tanks, with pools also for sea-
lions and other large aquatic creatures. Upward steps from
the same point lead into a splendid Pavilion, 170 feet in length
and 44 in breadth, and which gives access at one extreme
to the great Concert Hall, fitted to hold an audience of 2,000,
and at the other to the Conservatory. When in 1805, Sir
James Edward Smith wrote his notice of the evening-primrose
for the original English Botany, he said his specimens came
from some dreary sands a few miles north of Liverpool ; they
were gathered at a place without a name. Now, upon the
very spot he speaks of, or close by, there is the noblest and
loftiest botanical palace after Kew and Chatsworth existing



HESKETH PARK BOTANIC GARDENS. II

anywhere in England. It is filled, moreover, with valuable
and curious plants, including many of the most admired
varieties of exotic evergreens, such as tree-ferns ; and, in
regard to its flowers, presents throughout the year an unrelax-
ing current of cheerful beauty. The length is 180 feet, the
width 80 feet ; and along the centre which is an exact
miniature of the transept of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham
the height is the same, namely, 80 feet. There is nothing
else of the kind in Lancashire of similar altitude, so that such
plants as palms have at Southport the best chance the county
affords of a prolonged and beautiful existence. The Concert
Hall is devoted to the purpose for which it was designed, and
to the regular exhibition of dramatic entertainments. There
is also a large Skating Rink.

Whilst upon the subject of provision for high-class pastime
and recreation, the time is opportune to speak of the Hesketh
Public Park, reached by tram-car in a few minutes from the
northern extremity of Lord-street. Up till 1866, the site
was chiefly occupied by sandhills. The thirty acres which
are now so thoroughly covered with trees, shrubs, grass, and
flower-borders, were then given to the town, as a present in
perpetuity, by one of the principal landowners, the late Rev.
Charles Hesketh, rector of North Meols. In 1868, the Park,
with its encircling carriage way, was thrown open, and from
that time forwards, it has been regarded as one of the most
charming possessions of all who care for a lovely and
peaceful resort, reached at a minimum expenditure of time.
For the same reason, the present becomes the suitable
opportunity for speaking of the Churchtown Botanical
Gardens. That they are situated rather more than two miles



I 2 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

distance from the centre of the town is no objection to their
being considered as part of Southport. Two lines of tram-
cars go to the gates every ten or fifteen minutes ; they are
readily reached also by the West Lancashire Railway. If the
Lord-street Winter Gardens show what enterprise, guided by
taste, and with no stint of money, can accomplish, how
splendid again the proof afforded at Churchtown ! Up to
about 1873, the locality was meadow and swamp, threaded
by a little water-course. Twenty acres of this were enclosed ;
the stream was made the parent of a beautiful lake ; by the
constant employment of the curve, in laying out the ground,
the paths were made so to diverge and glide into one another,
that the twenty acres seem fifty; every portion was plentifully
and judiciously planted with shrubs and herbaceous peren-
nials, and to crown the whole, a magnificent Conservatory
was erected, which in the north of England has scarcely
a rival. Taking the three establishments together the
Winter Gardens, the Hesketh Park, and the Churchtown
Gardens the provision in Southport for the enjoyment of all
who take delight in flowers, trees, the song of wild birds, and
sweet fresh air, where there can be no fear of molestation, is
beyond all dispute, in this part of England, unapproached.
It should be added that the Churchtown establishment
includes also a very fair Museum, chiefly ornithological.
Upon the lake, moreover, there are boats for those who like
rowing.

The Southport Glaciarium, at the northern end of Lord-
street, has the distinction of being the only place in Great
Britain, if not in the world, where skating on real ice can be
enjoyed all the year round. The promoters Mr. Edward



GLACIAKIUM CHURCHES. 15

Holden at the head have shown extraordinary courage and
perseverance in overcoming the great difficulties that had to be
encountered before the place could be said to be in perfect
working order. They have now succeeded not only in provi-
ding a really dry, firm, and beautiful sheet of ice, 54 yards
long, and 1 8 yards wide, but also in rendering the air of
the building dry and pure by a ventilating process recently
patented. The Scotch national game of curling, a most
invigorating and wholesome exercise, has received an impetus
by the opportunities given at the Glaciarium, and twice a
year, clubs come from all parts of the kingdom to compete
for a challenge shield, value 50 guineas, given by Mr. Holden.
Pure block ice is also made and supplied in any quantities.

Southport contains plenty of places of worship. Christ
Church, the original, as already mentioned, is now only the
eldest of nine belonging to the Establishment, viz. : Holy
Trinity, in Manchester-road, erected in 1837 ; St. Paul's, St.
Paul's-square ; St. Paul's School-Church, Duke-street St.
Andrew's, Eastbank-street ; St. Luke's, Hawkshead-street ;
All Saints', Queen's-road ; All Saints' School -Church,
Ormskirk-road ; and St. Philip's, Scarisbrick New Road.
At a little further distance from the middle of the town, but
in the borough, there are St. Cuthbert's, Churchtown the old
parish church of North Meols ; and St. John's, Crossens. The
Birkdale churches are St. James, Lulworth-road ; St. Peter,
Liverpool-road ; and the Church School-room, Birkdale
Common.

St. Cuthbert's, Churchtown, above named, has the peculiar
interest attaching to it of being the only local memento of the
past which can strictly be called archaeological. Ecclesiastic-



14 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

ally, the place was in the first instance under the priory of
Penwortham, near Preston. The church appears to have been
built at three different periods, the earliest assigned date being
1571. It stands upon the site of a still older church supposed
to date from the twelfth century. The earliest existing records
are a tombstone in the graveyard, dated 1577 ; and a register
for 1594. Inside the building there are three marble monu-
ments of interest : one, the work of Nollekens greatly ad-
mired for its artistic qualities to a member of the Hesketh
family. The same family is commemorated in the second
piece of sculpture ; the third was erected to the memory of
Thomas Fleetvvood, of Bank, who died in 1717. The Fleet-
woods (an old Staffordshire family) were the original patrons,
Edward Fleetwood presenting in 1684. The connection of
the Fleetwood and Hesketh families, as well known, is of
long standing. The memory of the late rector of North Meols,
the Rev. Charles Hesketh, above-mentioned, is widely cher-
ished, alike on account of his Christian character, his
benevolence to the poor, and the excellent use he made of
his varied opportunities as the rector of the parish for 44
years, and as an extensive landowner in the district. The
present rector is the Rev. C. Hesketh Knowlys.

The Wesleyans have excellent chapels in Mornington-road,
Leyland-road, Duke-street, and Upper Aughton-road, Birk-
dale the majority of them very handsome. The Congrega-
tionalists are quite as well provided for in Chapel-street,
Portland-street, and Lord-street West. The Catholics have
a pretty building, dedicated to St. Marie, in Seabank-road,
erected in 1841 from designs by the elder Pugin, and enlarged
in 1875; with a second in Albert-road, Birkdale, dedicated



MARKET AND BANKS. 1 5

to St. Joseph. Other denominations are represented to
the extent of at least seven or eight ; the total number of
places of worship counting up to fifty-five. A census taken on
a Sunday in September, 1882, showed the presence of over
13,000 worshippers in the morning, and 12,300 in the evening,
at the different places of worship in Southport and Birkdale.
These numbers show that, in proportion to the population,
there is probably no community in the country distinguished
for a more becoming and respectful Sunday observance. At
a census taken in 1851, Southport established a reputation in
this respect which it has never lost, the percentage of those
attending Divine service being found to be 87-8 of the
population.

The Cemetery, opened in 1865, lies upon the south-west
side of the town.

Southport is well off, likewise, in respect of its Market. Up
till 1880 the dealers in "fish, flesh, and fowl," fruits and
vegetables, had their stalls in a large building in Chapel-street.
This being insufficient for the constantly increasing needs of
the town, a new one, very airy and commodious, was erected
close by, at a cost of ^40,000, and formally opened by the
Earl of Derby, September yth, 1881. Upon this day also the
New Promenade Extension was opened with much ceremony
by the Earl of Lathom.

The Banking fraternity are well represented, having five
branch establishments, viz., the Preston Bank; the Manchester
and Salford Bank ; the Manchester and Liverpool District
Bank ; Parr's Bank ; and the Southport and West Lancashire
Bank. Some of the buildings occupied are very ornate,
especially those of the last-named Company, which stand



1 6 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

at the comer of the group of municipal buildings mentioned
above, and form a strikingly handsome addition to them.
One of the most important and interesting of the Southport
institutions has still to be mentioned the Convalescent
Hospital and Sea-bathing Infirmary. The origin of this very
useful and well-conducted establishment is found far back in
the local history. In the year 1806 a charitable fund was
organised by some benevolent persons, with a view to enabling
the poor of the large manufacturing towns in Lancashire and
Yorkshire to receive, when invalided, the benefits of sea-
air and sea-bathing. This fund, small no doubt at first, was
steadily augmented from without as the excellence of the
design became apparent. The appellation given to the insti-
tution probably the pioneer of its kind was the "Strangers'
Charity." In 1853 the present building was erected. In 1862
it was considerably enlarged, and the name was at the same
time altered to that one now in use. New buildings, of
very considerable beauty and extent, are now in progress of
erection, these additions being rendered practicable through
the liberality of the committee of the " Surplus Cotton
Famine Fund," which has contributed for the purpose a sum
of no less than ,40,000. The number of beds available for
patients is at present 220, and when the extensions shall be
completed there will be accommodation for 400. The institu-
tion is now the second in the kingdom in point of extent,
being surpassed only by the Margate Royal Sea-bathing Infir-
mary. To all appearance it will before long stand in advance of
all, a blessing to the operative classes especially of the manu-
facturing districts which it is impossible to overestimate.
Numbered among its active supporters have been many of the



CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL VICTORIA BATHS. 17

chief philanthropists of the large towns of Lancashire. It is
aided also by the great landowners and other principal capital-
ists of the county, the clergy and ministers of all denominations
also doing good service. During the year 1860 the number of
patients received was 1454 ; last year (1882) the number was
2628. The Convalescent Hospital has a good supply of salt-
water for the indoor use of its inmates, being connected, by
a line of pipes, with the Victoria Baths, which draw it con-
tinually from the sea by means of powerful engines.

The Victoria Baths constitute one of the most valuable
possessions of Southport. They were erected in 1871 at a cost
of ^"40,000. Externally, the building is allowed to be very
handsome, the style of architecture being Italian classical, and
the frontage extending to a length of nearly 200 feet. Facing
the sea, and being central, the edifice is a great ornament to
the Promenade. The interior arrangements are excellent.
It may be allowed to claim for them that they are the best in
the kingdom. Every description of bath is provided salt
water and fresh water, hot air and vapour baths, are alike at
the command of the public. Visitors to Southport and invalids
have thus a permanent choice in regard to place for sea-water
bathing. Any difficulties or disadvantages that may at times
arise in regard to bathing upon the open sands are perfectly
met and compensated within the walls of this very admirable
establishment.

Southport, like other towns, has its Infirmary and local
charities. There are also some excellent institutions, not so
general in character, which deserve special mention, viz., the
Convalescent Home, in Lord-street West, in connection with
the Manchester and Salford Provident Society ; the North of



1 8 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

England Convalescent Home for Children, in Hawkshead-
street ; the Governesses' Home, in Alexandra-road ; and the
Home for Gentlewomen, in Park-road.

Though not among the very first of the Lancashire towns
to secure to itself the advantages of the railway system,
Southport was not long behind. The line from Liverpool to
Preston, via Ormskirk and Burscough Junction, opened April
2nd, 1849, 8 ave easv access to the north, and a choice of ways
to Yorkshire. The line to Liverpool, via Crosby and Waterloo,
was opened October ist, 1850. Through communication with
Manchester was established, via Wigan, April yth, 1855. A
direct line to Preston, called the "West Lancashire," was
opened September 4th, 1882 ; this line also provides another
route to Blackburn. A new line, called the Southport and
Cheshire Lines Extension Railway, connecting Southport with
the Midland system, via Aintree, is in course of rapid
construction, and will be opened in part before the close of
the present year (1883).

The government of Southport is vested in a mayor, ten
aldermen, and thirty councillors. The Charter of Incorpora-
tion was issued in 1867. The first election took place June
ist, of that year. The burgess roll contains 4,891 names.

The public Press has been well represented for a long
course of years, though with varying fortunes to the different
papers. The oldest local newspaper still pursuing "the
even tenor of its way" is the Southport Visiter, the first
number of which was issued in 1844. The other papers now
in course of issue are the Southport News and the Southport
Guardian.

Southport has long been renowned for the number and



SCHOLASTIC ESTABLISHMENTS, ETC. 19

excellence of its Schools. It has been computed that the
number of pupils in the schools, sent hither from other places,
is at present (1883) about two thousand. In 1869, Southport
was made a centre for the Cambridge University Local Exam-
inations, and has distinguished itself as a centre by the marked
success of the boys and girls examined here every December.
It has been far above the average success of other centres.
This is an excellent testimony to the thorough education given
in the schools of Southport. The total number of youths and
girls examined since 1869 has been 1,359, of whom 945,
or upwards of 69 per cent, have successfully passed the
Examinations. Upwards of 27 per cent, of these Examinees
have passed, moreover, in honours. At the Examination in
December, 1882, the average of the Southport candidates who
came up to the Examiners' requirements was nearly 13 per
cent, higher than the average of all England ; and, in com-
parison with the results attained at some of the great city
centres, Southport appears in a still more favourable light.

The political franchise is held by 2,361 persons 1670 in
the borough of Southport, and 691 in Birkdale. The consti-
tuency forms a portion of the south-western division of
Lancashire.

The land upon which the town is built is owned by repre-
sentatives of the Hesketh and Scarisbrick families. A large
portion of Birkdale is the property of Mr. T. Weld-Blundell.

The rise in the value of public and private property has
been commensurate with the increase of the population, the
grand total being now about ,12,000,000. The average
annual rent of the houses is 40.

The Southport Waterworks Company obtained their first



20 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Act in 1854. They provide for the town and district a good
supply of pure water, drawn from the New Red Sandstone at
two pumping stations, one at Aughton. the other at Town
Green.

In 1878 the town was greatly benefited by the introduction
of a new system of drainage, which, though hardly yet com-
plete, has proved, as the vital statistics show, a great success.
The Corporation, recognising the importance of sanitary
improvements, have spent upon these drainage works
,150,000. The outlet is into the sea at Crossens, four miles
to the north of Southport.

It needs only to add that the principal hotels in the
town many of them very large and handsome are the
Victoria, the Royal, and the Queen's, on the Promenade ; the
Prince of Wales, the Bold Arms, and the Scarisbrick, in Lord-
street.

In Birkdale there are two large Hydropathic Establishments,
viz., " Smedley's," Trafalgar-road ; and the Palace Hotel and
Spa. The Company owning the last-named has recently
erected large and handsome baths of various kinds, supplied
with salt water direct from the sea.



CHAPTER II.



When the extent of benefit which may be derived from occasional
change of air, both to the physical and moral constitution, is duly

estimated, no person whose circumstances permit wall neglect to
avail
himself of it. SIR JAMES CLARK.



SOUTHPORT AS A RESORT FOR INVALIDS.

GEOLOGY OF THE DISTRICT GENERAL REMARKS ON CLIMATE
LOCAL CLIMATE OF SOUTHPORT.

.EOLOGICALLY considered, Southport is situated upon
the edge of a series of recent deposits overlying the
margin of the Trias or New Red Sandstone of the south of
Lancashire. The rocks of the latter form the high ground
towards Ormskirk and Liverpool. Nearly the whole of the
space to which the name of Southport, with its immediate
adjuncts, may be applied, was, as regards the surface, at no
very remote period, a tract simply of blown sand ; whatever
soil may exist upon any part of the surface within these
bounds has been created by the industry of man, and but



22 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

for cultivation the greater part would have remained sand to
the present day, containing only a trace of organic matter.
The space in question begins at Waterloo, and extends
almost unbrokenly, though with varying width, to Crossens,
Southport thus occupying what is nearly the north-western
extremity. The greatest width is at Formby, where the
tract of blown sand is nearly three miles across. The
narrowest part is at a point which would be represented by
a line drawn from the mouth of the river Alt to Orrel-hill
Wood. The extent of the whole is from 14,000 to 15,000
acres. The bed of sand varies considerably in depth, thin-
ning out inland, and undergoing every possible superficial
change, some of the higher dunes rising to as great an
elevation as seventy-five feet above the mean level of the sea.
The average thickness of the entire deposit has been
estimated at about twelve feet. Underneath the blown
sand there are variously arranged beds of peat and silt,
red loam, boulder clay, and laminated blue clay, or sili-
ceous silt ; while here and there occur intercalated beds of
soil which have been at some period under cultivation but
have again been covered up. Sections in the courses of
streams, and in artificial openings, often indicate as much as
four or five feet of peat. The surface of these peat-beds
appears to dip towards the sea, and near the coast the cover-
ing of sand is usually three or four feet in depth. At
Formby the peat crops out upon the shore, and here, also,
the presence of numerous stumps of trees certify the ancient
presence of a forest. The very low level of the peat near
the sea declares pretty certainly that in past ages there has
been a considerable amount of local subsidence. The result



GEOLOGY OF THE DISTRICT. 23

of this would be that the drainage would be obstructed, and
thus, that the ancient forest would gradually disappear.
There seems to be no evidence of the subsidence extending
beyond the boundary of the alluvial deposits. The peat-
beds, as already said, dip towards the sea, and in some places
are actually below the line of the rise of the spring tides, so
that a sinking or contraction of the underlying sands seems
to be the only cause to which the phenomenon can be
attributed. At a little distance inland, the peat-beds are
exposed upon the surface of the ground, and here the peat
is collected and dried for use as cottage fuel.

Some light was thrown upon the character of the deeper
strata by an unsuccessful attempt made a few years ago to
obtain water in Birkdale by boring. At sixty-five yards
depth, beds of red and light coloured marls, with crystals of
sulphate of lime and white granular gypsum, were met with ;
at sixty-seven yards, similar beds, with greater quantities of
sulphate of lime and gypsum ; at sixty-nine yards, beds,
again similar, but without sulphate of lime and gypsum. All
the deposits contained common salt, which was very evident
on the application of the tongue. Similar red and variegated
marls, containing gypsum, have been met with in the upper
Permian beds of Lancashire, and in the keuper marls of the
trias in Cheshire, but in the latter alone has salt yet been
found. It is probable, therefore, that the Birkdale deposits
are triassic, and that the strata is not very likely to yield an
abundant supply of fresh water.

There can be no doubt that the British Islands were subject,
in the primeval times, to the rigours of a Polar climate.
Great Britain was once only a scattered archipelago of



24 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

murky, misty islets, their chief phenomena the mighty,
crushing glacier, and the electrical flashings of Boreal lights.
By what means, and through what processes, they were brought
to their present state is in some measure open to conjecture,
the most probable being changes in ancient sea levels, and
the establishment of strongly denned ocean currents from the
mass of heated water around the equator.

The position of the British Islands on the map, and the
unusually mild temperature they enjoy, are so inconsistent
that it might puzzle the theorist, as well as the practical man,
if he attempted to explain the fact without taking into cal-
culation the above all-important cosmical influences. Within
a few degrees of the region of perpetual snow, Britain has
an atmosphere equal to that of any part of the temperate zone.
To tell the nervous, the consumptive, or the hypochondriac,
that they are living in a country about the same distance
from the Arctic Circle as are the inhabitants of Labrador
and Kamtschatka would, at the least, add an extra chill ; to
tell the delicate invalid, hastening to the sheltered coast of
Devonshire, that he is fixing his winter dwelling to the north-
ward of the latitude of the Banks of Newfoundland, would
certainly impart an unwelcome shock to his sensibilities.
But isothermal lines are not coincident with parallels of
latitude, and the modifying circumstances of climate do
more than correct the evils of position they very often
introduce a bland and salubrious element in situations of the
most unpromising description.

The insular position of these islands, after all, would be of
little avail had they not some more vital bond of union with
more genial climes. That magic "circle of marriage with



CLIMATE OF THE SEASIDE. 25

all nations " would form but an icy bond were there not some
currents bringing life and warmth to our coasts. The extent
of influence possessed by the great Gulf Stream in these
climatic modifications is not yet fully understood ; but there
can be no doubt that it has had a large share in the changes
to which reference has been made.

A nation and its destiny may be linked by very slender
threads. Should any deep, mysterious, but all-potent cause,
ever throw those mighty activities into new and unaccustomed
channels, thereby producing startling changes of local climate,
the historian's fancy sketch of the meditative New Zealander
may be realised by means of agencies of which he never
dreamed.

The effect of proximity to the sea in softening and warming
a climate has long been recognised. Owing to the penetra-
bility of water by radiant heat, and the perpetual agitation
and intermixture of its superficial strata, its changes of tem-
perature are neither so extensive nor so sudden as those of
the land. An island is always found to possess a milder air
than land in the same parallel of latitude forming part of a
continent. On this subject, Sir Charles Lyell well observes :
" The ocean has a tendency to preserve everywhere a mean
temperature, which it communicates to the contiguous land,
so that it tempers the climate, moderating alike an excess of
heat and cold."

In addition to this general result of proximity to great
masses of the ocean, some localities derive additional benefit
from certain great marine currents which transport their
waters from about the equator.

It is generally believed that the water encircling our shores



26 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

during the winter months is some degrees warmer than our
atmosphere. It is also considered that the west coast of our
island is milder than the east coast. Why this should be so
is not easily explained without bringing into the question the
qualifying influences supposed to be derived from the cur-
rents of heated water setting from the equator. Neither to
the winds that blow, nor to the sun that shines, can these
differences be wholly referred. It is not a theory, but a
positive fact, that a portion of the Gulf Stream impinges on
the west coast of Ireland, bearing abundant traces on its
bosom, in the shape of fragments of tropical vegetation, of
the hot latitude from which it has travelled. It is, indeed,
possible that these shores would enjoy a milder climate than
they do at present, did they not contribute to the sea so many
large rivers fresh from the hills, serving to put a barrier of
cold water round our shores, and absorbing the surplus heat
from the warm currents. Many significant data might be
procured if proper observations were made at such parts of
our coast as are favourable to the required experiments.
Many of our fashionable summer resorts on the coast might
be found to owe the peculiar mildness of their climate to the
proximity of these currents, and to the absence of any great
outlet of fresh water into the sea.

Strong sea currents, setting over the south coast of Ireland,
would be deflected towards the estuary of the Mersey, and
as the currents of the Dee and Mersey prevent them ascend-
ing those channels, these waters would be pressed towards
the north, and may tend to raise the temperature on the
South port coast.

The fact has been proved, that, while the deep sea water



LOCAL CLIMATE OF SOUTHPORT. 27

in the channel remains of an average temperature, that of
the flood tidal water, coming over the banks, is higher than
either the sea or the air. It gives out its surplus tempera-
ture, and is probably one cause of the mildness and salubrity
of Southport in the winter.

At the end of this book will be found a series of meteoro-
logical tables, compiled by Mr. Joseph Baxendell, from
observations made at the Southport Meteorological Observa-
tory, Hesketh-park, during the eleven years 1872-1882.
They form a complete and valuable record of the rainfall,
temperature, and humidity of the district.

Careful examination of these tables will show that South-
port enjoys a remarkably equable climate, and that the
climatic advantages formerly claimed inferentially, are ac-
tually found to exist, when subjected to the test of rigorous
daily observation, made with duly verified instruments.

The sandy nature of the soil enables the moderate rainfall
to be easily disposed of, and, as there is reason to believe
that the evaporation in this district is much in excess of the
rainfall, it is apparent how dry the average surface must be,
and how much the mean humidity of the atmosphere is
modified.

The nature of the soil tends to equalize the temperature as
well as to elevate it ; the first of these effects being of chief
importance, as it is not always a high temperature which is
most desirable in the climate of a sanatorium, but an even
temperature, which is neither too hot in summer nor too
severe in winter. This is precisely the character of the mean
temperature as observed here, and gives Southport an
immense advantage over places much further south, which



2 8 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

many persons would think are, therefore, warmer. Com-
parisons have shown that the mean temperature of Southport
is less variable than that of some well-known health resorts
on the south coast, taking each quarter of the year as the
basis of comparison; and that, although the position 200
miles more to the south raises the mean temperature for
the year one degree, the temperature fluctuates more than
that of this locality. Certain portions of the Welsh coast
enjoy the influence of the Gulf Stream more than Southport,
and, hence, surpass even the south coast of England in mean
annual temperature ; but this advantage disappears when
we go more into detail, and compare the mean daily
ranges of temperature of these places. This is the true
criterion of climate, so far as it depends upon temperature
only, and, tried by this test, the climate of Southport
is much more genial than that of many other places in
lower latitudes. Climate, however, is not a mere question
of temperature. Many other elements enter into it, and,
notably, humidity. Here, also, the condition to be desired
is that of regularity ; neither excessively dry air nor exces-
sively moist air. Comparisons of mean humidity show in a
striking manner the advantageous character of the climate of
Southport, as regards the more equable condition of this
important meteorological element. The prevailing winds, as
shown by Mr. BaxendelPs observations, are from the south
and the west A seaside place has, of course, a higher rate
of wind movement than obtains inland, but the other meteor-
ological conditions being singularly equable, and the lighter
winds prevailing, it is, perhaps, an unmixed advantage for the
purification of the atmosphere that the total movement of
the wind should be as high as it is.



LOCAL CLIMATE OF SOUTHPORT. 29

The above general remarks upon the circumstances which
modify all climates, and upon the local peculiarities of
Southport, must be borne in mind in proceeding to consider
the claims which this place possesses as a resort for invalids.
Sharing, as it does, with the most favoured health resorts, the
advantages derived from immediate proximity to the sea, it
has certain well-marked and more immediately local advan-
tages, which few other places possess in an equal degree.

Foremost amongst these must be placed its open sea
aspect, yet well-sheltered position on the coast. It has all
the advantages enjoyed by other neighbouring watering-places,
without the exposure to bleak and piercing winds incident
to some towns on the north-west coast. East and north-east
winds are usually limited to the months of April and May.
The tide receding a considerable distance leaves a large
expanse of sand to be heated by the sun, which has the effect of
warming the sea-breeze passing over it, giving to Southport,
that of which few, if any, other watering-places can boast,
viz., a bracing sea atmosphere, and yet, one thoroughly dry.
Whether the air immediately in contact with the sand, while
parting with its moisture, does not not take up some of the
peculiar constituents only found in sea water, or whether a
stratum of dry air passing over an extended sandy surface, at
a high velocity, has not its force of electrical tension highly
increased and condensed, are questions worthy of considera-
tion. Both have been adduced as explanatory of the peculiar
sanitary effects of Southport in some diseases.

In addition to the abundance of ordinary oxygen in the
atmosphere, there is in the Southport air another form of the



3 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

same element, to which has been given the name of ozone.
This substance, as the etymology of the word suggests, is
known by its peculiar smell, which somewhat resembles that
of burning sulphur. The odour may be perceived in a room
in which electrical or galvanic machines have been in action,
and often in the open air after a thunderstorm. Experiment-
ally, ozone may be produced by passing electric sparks
through confined portions of air. Its presence, in association
with lightning, is thus easily explained. Ozone (discovered
by Dr. Schonbein) is oxygen in an allotropic condition, three
volumes of oxygen forming two of ozone. Hence it derives
the peculiar combining power which ordinary oxygen does not
possess. Whether the presence of ozone be due to the
electrical state of the atmosphere, to partial decomposition
of water, or to the presence of peroxide of hydrogen, it is
usually most plentiful upon the surface of the sea, and to it
the invigorating power of the sea air is in a great measure
due. Indirectly, ozone is beneficial in destroying noxious
effluvia and miasms. Indeed, it may be regarded as nature's
disinfectant, accomplishing or accelerating the oxidation of
all decomposing animal and vegetable matter, and being a
potent agent for the destruction of the germs of zymotic
disease. Owing to its energy as an oxidizing agent it is
often difficult to detect in the air of large towns, and
wherever there is much decomposing animal matter. As
ozone is found most plentifully above the surface of or
near the sea, and where vegetation is scanty, and is associated,
moreover, with the prevalence of south-westerly winds, it is
not surprising that it should constitute a distinguishing feature
of the air of Southport.



OZONE DISTINCTIVE CLIMATES. 31

The usual mode of gauging the amount of ozone present in
the air is to expose test slips made of blotting paper soaked in
a solution of iodide of potassium and starch. The slips are
suspended in a little cage, roofed in so as to shelter them from
the rain and the direct rays of the sun, and the degree of
discoloration that takes place in a definite time is then care-
fully noted and compared with a fixed scale. The results of
such tests are, however, not trustworthy, as no account is
taken of the varying wind force, a most important factor in
making a correct estimate. Besides, nitric acid, peroxide of
hydrogen, and other agents occasionally present in the atmos-
phere, may exert a similar action upon the iodide of potassium,
and be thus partly or wholly responsible for the production of
the iodide of starch colour. Mr. Baxendell gave some inter-
esting lectures in 1881 upon the results of his tests for ozone,
extending over nine years. They were made at the Observa-
tory in Hesketh Park, where he had the advantage of com-
paring the wind force and direction at the same time. His
tables show that the amount of ozone in the Southport air is
large, and also that it has increased since the sanitary condition
of the town has been improved.

Southport having two water lines, at a great distance apart,
the climate of each has its own distinctive quality ; that at
high-water mark having all the characters of the stronger and
more stimulating one at low-water, but in a more modified and
milder form. Beyond this inner line, and more in the line
of the streets of the town, the sea breeze is found still more
softened, the atmosphere is buoyant and remarkably free
from impurity and humidity. Invalids being able to avail
themselves of the varied qualities of these distinct climates



32 A HANDdCK : FO&amp; SOUTHPORT.

according to their changing condition, is of great practical
importance in the treatment of disease. Nor should the
patient himself neglect to study and observe these differences^
-which, though apparently trifling, are capable of helping or
retarding the progress of his case. An injudicious walk on the
Promenade in cold weather has often undone the work of
weeks ; whilst on the other hand, from the want of suitable
guidance, the period of convalescence has been needlessly
prolonged from an undue fear of exposure to a bracing
atmosphere.

The character of the soil and of the surrounding country
adds greatly to the sanitary value of Southport. The soil,,
consisting chiefly of sand, retains no moisture or rain upon its
surface, a heavy fall of rain leaving no trace after a very short
tttne. The fall, indeed, is slight in comparison with that of
the adjacent country, which, being more hilly, attracts the
rain clouds more readily. The absence, in its immediate
vicinity, of any considerable body of fresh water, is another
climatic advantage, very few places having the same extent of
country free from running or stagnant water. The facility
thus afforded for taking exercise is of the utmost importance
to invalids. In localities situated upon the clay, a heavy
shower, for even a short time, involves the suspension of out-
door exercise for a day or two, in consequence of wet roads
and atmospheric evaporation. Under such circumstances,
which of course are of frequent occurrence, delicate people
are either compelled to encounter the risks attendant upon
wet feet and breathing a damp air, or are precluded from the
muscular exercise upon which depends the healthy condition
of all the animal functions.



INFLUENCE OF THE CLIMATE UPON THE NATIVES. 33

The atmosphere of Southport is remarkably free from
malarious influences ; epidemics rarely occur, and when they
do they are seldom malignant. It exerts upon visitors a
sedative and composing influence.

It is proper to remark here that notwithstanding the truth
of the above statement as to the dryness of the air, it is not so
excessive as to be irritating to the skin or mucous surfaces.
Such a condition would be nearly as injurious as the opposite
extreme of excessive humidity. Even during the prevalence
of the east and north-east winds those most unpopular of
the subjects of Boreas the irritative effect is not greater than
is found in other localities ; much less indeed than upon the
east coast of England, whilst the prevailing westerly winds
come softened by the vast expanse of the ocean.

Besides the consideration of meteorological data and vital
statistics, there is a mode of determining the curative
influence of climate of not less importance, and which has
been too much overlooked ; that is the effect of any given
climate upon the native popujation. By observing the
peculiar nature of the climate, and its influence upon the
stationary inhabitants, assistance is given to discriminate also
in the choice of cases of disease likely to be benefited by
being sent to such a locality. If in any climate, it is found
that the agency is decidedly of a relaxing kind, and that it
proximately acts by modifying the tone of organs, d priori,
it would be inferred that such a climate is unsuitable to that
kind of diseased action depending upon general want of
tone, and a low state of functional energy. But, again, if
in any climate acute inflammatory affections for instance, of
the mucous membranes of the air passages are a common
D



34 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

disease with the natives, it would not seem to be a wise or
logical proceeding on the part of a physician to send to such
a climate a person who was likely to be affected by these very
maladies. Now, if these principles are applied to the case of
Southport, everything advanced in favour of its climate will
meet with the fullest confirmation. That the climate is at
once bracing and sedative, may be gathered from the physical
and moral history of the population. If we take as a type of
these, the fishermen, we find them broad and fleshy in their
frames, phlegmatic in temperament, slow in their movements,
and (though this must be attributed to something better even
than a good climate) remarkably decorous and staid in their
conduct. Amongst the natives, we also find many cases of
extreme longevity.

Here may be quoted the picture of an imaginary climate
for the consumptive, as drawn by the eminent physician,
Dr. W. B. Richardson, leaving such readers as are acquainted
with Southport to -judge how far it meets the case.

"I shall recommend no particular place as a resort for
consumptives, for I wish not to enter into disputation on this
point. But there is a formula for an hypothetical consump-
tive Atlantis. It should be near the sea-coast, and sheltered
from northerly winds ; the soil should be dry ; the drinking
water pure ; the mean temperature about 60, with a range
of not more than ten or fifteen degrees on either side. It is
not easy to fix any degree of humidity ; but extremes of
dryness or of moisture are alike injurious. A town where
the residences are isolated and scattered about, and where
drainage and cleanliness are attended to, is much preferable
to one where the houses are closely packed, however small
its population may be."




CHAPTER III.



See the wretch, that long has toss'd

On the thorny bed of pain,
At length repair his vigour lost,
And breathe and walk again.
The meanest floweret of the vale,
The simplest note that swells the gale,
The common sun, the air, the skies,
To him are opening paradise.



GRAY.



EFFECTS OF THE CLIMATE UPON DISEASE.

GENERAL CLAIMS OF SOUTHPORT AS A SANATORIUM.
SUGGESTIONS FOR INVALIDS.

^WN offering some advice to those who have left home in
pursuit of health, it is necessary to dwell somewhat at
large upon the importance of maintaining a hopeful state of
mind. Though it is said,

" Hope springs eternal in the human breast,"
it is not easy to cherish and retain that feeling under circum-



36 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

stances of declining strength, of long continued or oft returning
pain, and isolation from all the habits and excitements of
accustomed duties. The nervous depression which chronic
illness naturally induces, often leads an invalid to take a
more gloomy view of his condition than the facts will justify.
Of course there are cases where a reasonable hope of
recovery can no longer be entertained ; and in all cases of
protracted illness it is the duty of a Christian to prepare for
the most solemn issue, that it may be also the most welcome
and most blessed. But there are special reasons, derived
from the inherent powers of the system, and amply confirmed
by experience, which afford sufficient ground for a chastened
hope, even in circumstances of undoubted gravity. The
chief illustrations of this are found in connection with one
of the most formidable complaints which afflict humanity
Consumption. Pathological facts show that recovery from
consumption may take place, and there is conclusive evidence
that tubercle does occasionally become absorbed.

These evidences of the fact of recovery in consumption,
are found in cases where death has occurred from other
diseases ; but we have equally valid testimony during the life
of some who have been its subjects. There are many who
have presented all the rational signs or symptoms of con-
sumptive disease, and every year adds to the number. Many
have recovered from the first stage, and, doubtless, more
such cases would be recorded if the nature of the complaint
were better appreciated by the public, and earlier attention
paid to declining health, previous to the appearance of special
chest symptoms. A large number of instances of the arrest of
this disease have been made known.



CONSUMPTION BENEFIT OF CHANGE. 37

It must not be supposed that successful attempts of nature
to check the progress of this formidable complaint are of
rare occurrence. As an instance of the life-protracting influ-
ence of modern therapeutic agents, it may be mentioned that
Dr. J. B. Williams than whom no man is better qualified to
speak on the point asserts that the average duration of con-
sumption, formerly estimated at two years, may, under improved
treatment, be fixed at four years. If these things be so, and
we are entitled to entertain a reasonable share of hope, even
in the case of so formidable a disease as consumption, with
how much greater propriety may this be done in most other
complaints ? Advanced life, in connection with disease,
affords less ground for hope ; but in early and middle life, we
do well to have faith in the reparative powers of Nature,
assisted by the resources of art, especially when the system has
not been undermined by a previous career of debilitating
excesses.

A change of residence from a humid atmosphere to a mild
dry one promotes the equable distribution of the circulating
fluids over the whole system, increases the activity of the
capillaries of the surface, and in the same proportion
diminishes the congestion of internal organs. The continued
action of a bland atmosphere upon the delicate surfaces of
the respiratory tubes, lessens irritation and assists in the more
efficient production of those changes of the blood so essential
to health. These are sufficient reasons to account for the
importance of change as a means of recovery in various
forms of illness. The hope engendered by a new movement
taken towards recovery ; the cessation of business cares and
anxieties, novel scenery, new associations, and the other



38 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

incidents attendant upon a change of residence, all have a
powerful effect upon the weakened frame. And when the
locality chosen is appropriate to the particular ailment under
which the patient actually labours, or with which he is
threatened, and especially when the measure has been taken
in an early stage of the complaint, the result is often of the
most valuable kind, and justifies all that has been said by
those who place change of air among the foremost of our
remedial agents.

The maladies which change of climate is most likely to
help to alleviate are chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema,
strumous diseases, consumption, chronic rheumatism, chronic
dyspepsia, ulceration of the fauces, clergyman's sore throat,
some forms of paralysis, and nervous depression after long
illness; and to these complaints the climate of Southport
is especially adapted. The advantages of a prolonged
residence on this part of the coast, in connection with the
more immediate treatment of symptoms, are such as arise
from its marine position, and from the constant operation of
its peculiar local climate.

The most direct and certain remedy for many chronic
sufferers, is the habitual breathing of an air containing a
maximum amount of oxygen. The proportion of the con-
stituents of atmospheric air remain nearly the same on the
highest mountain as in the deepest vale, the principal dif-
ference being the amount of carbonic acid mixed with it in
different localities.

Owing to the pressure of the superincumbent atmosphere,
air increases in density the nearer we approach the level of
the sea, and it is evident that we inhale at every breath a



DISEASES OF THE CHEST. 39

greater amount of air, and, consequently, a greater amount of
oxygen, than at a few hundred feet higher. One great secret,
therefore, of the cure of chronic cases at the sea-side, is the
being able, without extra exertion or effort, to receive into the
lungs an additional amount of oxygen. The effect of this is
to rouse and sustain the nervous system, and to expedite and
perfect the aeration of the blood in the lungs, by means of
the more rapid combustion of carbon, thus creating a greater
demand for nourishment, as shown by the vigorous appetite
which so generally follows a removal to the sea-side.

As might be expected from what has been already stated,
the climate of Southport is peculiarly adapted to the
prevention or relief of consumption. In the earlier stages,
particularly, before tubercles have actually formed, the effects
are often most surprising. The prolonged residence here of
young persons threatened with this fearful malady, has in
numerous instances perfectly re-established their health; or
in the case of those who possess an hereditary tendency to
the disease, has postponed the accession of fatal illness.
When the lung has been more or less affected by tubercular
deposit, the favourable conditions found in this climate have
often, with very little medical interference, arrested the
progress of the mischief ; and, by giving every advantage to
the great restorer, Nature, have induced a marked diminution
of cough and expectoration, the gaining of flesh, and the
return of bodily and mental strength.

The same results follow in many cases of chronic bronchitis,
attended by excessive secretion and exalted sensibility of the
pulmonary mucous membrane. The relief in these cases,
brought about by a change from a cold and moist to a mild



40 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

.and dry climate, especially when aided by a judicious
use of some of the preparations of iron, is, perhaps, more
marked, because often more rapid than in any other morbid
condition. It may be stated, in general terms, that the
same external circumstances that prove advantageous in
consumption, are of equal value in this complaint

Decidedly beneficial results are witnessed also, in emphy-
sema of the lungs ; the tonic and sedative effects of the
atmosphere exert a favourable influence upon the air passages,
reducing the secretion, improving the breathing, restoring
sleep, and, these ends attained, the general health gradually
and surely improves.

In internal congestions, pulmonary in particular, in heart
diseases, asthma, and indeed whenever there is imperfect
circulation of the blood, or difficulty of breathing, the extreme
purity of the Southport air is found to add greatly to the
comfort of the invalid, and where the disease is of short
standing, and circumstances are favourable, residence in this
locality is highly conducive to a cure. In the aged, in whom
there is reason to believe that structural change has already
taken place, disease has apparently stood still for years, and
a degree of comfort has been experienced to which the
patient has long been a stranger while living on a clay soil, or
in the neighbourhood of copious vegetation. Elderly people
suffering from asthma generally find the air of Southport
suitable for them, and many have made the place their per-
manent residence for this reason ; it is not uncommon to hear
them say that they cannot breathe so well anywhere else.

In chronic rheumatism, and general, or partial paralysis,
the recovery is frequently very remarkable. That it should



CUTANEOUS AFFECTIONS SCROFULA. 41

be so in the former case will be understood, when we
remember the dryness of the atmosphere, and the injurious
effects of damp upon sufferers from rheumatism. The relief
of paralysis is probably due, not only to the improvement of
the general health, but to the reduced pressure upon the
nervous centres, arising from a light and pure atmosphere.

The importance of so pure an atmosphere, possessing such
physical peculiarities, in diseases of a more general nature, is
sufficiently obvious. The unwholesome conditions to which
the dwellers in pent-up cities, and unhealthy districts, are
habitually exposed, lead to the production of a low tone of
the general health, and proclivity to disease, rendering them
very susceptible to prevailing epidemic influence. The com-
parative freedom from epidemics hitherto enjoyed by the
inhabitants of Southport, affords the best illustration of the
converse of this truth.

The climate of this place, in conjunction with sea-water
bathing, has a peculiarly beneficial effect in certain forms of
cutaneous affections, which are extremely distressing to the
patient, and are often among the least satisfactory cases with
which the physician has to deal. Among these may be
mentioned acne, psoriasis, lepra, and troublesome chronic
eczema. The capillary vessels partake of the improved tone
communicated to the system at large, while the sub-acute
inflammation of the skin is at once soothed and subdued
by the application of the sea-water.

In the large variety of diseases comprised under the
general term of scrofula, a lengthened residence by the sea-
side is acknowledged to be by far the most important means
of cure. The number of young children with feeble, ricketty



42 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

frames, ulcerating glandular enlargements, and pallid coun-
tenances, is lamentably large. The local complaints under
which they suffer, are only the symptoms of constitutional
degeneration, which requires the long-continued employment
of constitutional measures for removal or improvement.
A marine atmosphere, sea-bathing, warm clothing, nourishing
diet, and other hygienic measures are the essential remedies.
The special advantages which Southport offers in these cases,
over other sea-side resorts, are the dryness of its atmosphere,
and its walks, the safety of its sea-bathing, and the unfailing
occupation which children find in digging in the sand.

It might be supposed that the advantages of a sea-side
residence, as well as the other special local advantages offered
by Southport, would be of little importance in affections of the
digestive organs. Such a supposition, however, would be erro-
neous. Many forms of dyspepsia are greatly relieved by change
from a raw cold climate to a warmer locality, in conjunction
with the utmost attention to diet, and regular exercise, either
on horseback or on foot. In those cases of dyspepsia par-
ticularly, where the mucous membrane of the stomach is
irritable, the improvement is very marked. The same may
be said of similar states of the intestinal membrane, in chronic
diarrhoea. It would be impossible to particularise the
affections of the liver and other organs which have been
benefited by this climate, or which, at all events, have seemed
to owe their cure to a long continuance of its influence.

The forms of dyspepsia which seem to derive most benefit
from the climate of Southport, are those which present in
addition to the usual local symptoms an enfeebled and
languid condition of all the functions, a pale countenance, the



DYSPEPSIA THROAT DISEASES, ETC. 43

body emaciated, the extremities cold, the skin harsh and dry,
the intellectual faculties impaired, and the muscular force
diminished, so that mental and bodily exertion are equally
difficult. These symptoms, which are continually presenting
themselves, seldom fail of relief, if the sufferer will pay a
moderate attention to diet, exercise, clothing, and to those
general sanitary rules which have been a thousand times
repeated, and need no further reiteration.

A few words of caution are necessary, with particular
reference to those who suffer from affections of the throat and
chest. Although, as already shown, there are few days in
which an invalid cannot contrive to get walking exercise at
Southport, it must be mentioned that the changes of tempera-
ture during the same day are frequently considerable. It is
needful, therefore, carefully to avoid going out either too early
or too late in the day. During certain portions of the winter,
not more than two or three hours intervene between the
chills of morning and of evening, and this interval should
be chosen for taking out-door exercise. It is also desirable,
indeed absolutely necessary, in more serious cases, that the
patient should keep his rooms at an equable temperature,
say of about 60, and this should be done both by day and
by night. The great and sudden change from a warm sitting-
room to a cold bed-room, is continually frustrating the best
contrived attempts to bring about a cure.

Few things are of more importance in the management of
chronic disease than that a rational and well-considered plan
of treatment should be pursued with perseverance, and for a
sufficiently lengthened period. And yet the anxieties of the
invalid frequently lead him to err on this point. Not reflect-



44 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

ing that his present condition has been the result of a long
continued divergence from the standard of health, in some one
or more of the functions or organs, before there resulted what
forms his actual disease ; he forgets, or does not understand,
that the healing powers of Nature, however encouraged and
aided by Art, when they have really begun to remedy the evil,
can only return to the healthy condition at a similar pace.
He lays himself open, consequently, to every promising offer
of a royal road to recovery. Systems surround him on every
side promising the speedy fulfilment of his most ardent
wishes, their claims endorsed by this and that enthusiastic
friend. Comparisons are made between his case and others,
based upon the slightest resemblances, and without even an
attempt to ascertain how far those resemblances are real or
only apparent

The mingling of truth with falsehood which exists in
medical heresies, is the real source of their success. A system
of pure error could not exist for a day. But when a portion
of truth is recognised in an otherwise false system, it conceals
its real nature as a whole, owing to the difficulty of discrimi-
nating in matters so alien to an invalid's ordinary pursuits.
But it must be admitted that the present state of medical
heresies is to some extent a legacy from the former system
of medical practice, and which, possibly, has still its adherents.
It is only fair to say that the present state of things cannot
be altogether accounted for by the weakness and credulity
of the public; something must be put down to the mystery
and excessive medication of former times. The public were
greatly to blame for the mystery, since they persisted in
attributing a power to the medical man beyond all reason;



FASHIONABLE SYSTEMS OF TREATMENT. 45

they were to blame also for an undue use of medicine,
since they supposed that in medicine alone consisted his
power to do them good ; and if one practitioner declined to
prescribe, they went to another. But still the profession were
consenting parties. There was a want of confidence in the
force of truth, when urged with simple earnestness. Had
the profession been sufficiently alive to the danger of
reaction in the public mind ; had they calculated upon the
growing intelligence of society ; had they sacrificed their
immediate interests to the permanent welfare of the pro-
fession, they would have prevented the present discreditable
state of things. We are not now speaking of vulgar quackery :
that must always exist while the masses are ignorant and unre-
flecting, and thus in danger of becoming the prey of designing
men. We allude to those fashionable systems which are
followed by so many otherwise thoughtful and intelligent men
and women, who are not to be led astray by mere credulity,
but require some one guiding principle, of which they must be
persuaded. This has been with many the conviction that the
former practice of over-drugging with medicine was wrong.
Satisfied of this fact, they have dwelt upon the discovered truth
so long as to" have little thought to expend upon the founda-
tions of the system they have adopted. They know themselves
to be right on one point of the enquiry, and they too lightly
assume the correctness of the rest. Tired of so much physic,
they fix upon water, a remedial agent of good repute, and erect
a temple of health in which she is the exclusive goddess. As
hydropaths, they can, at least theoretically, get rid of the drugs
they so much detest Or, if unprepared absolutely and osten-
sibly, to " throw physic to the dogs," they tamper with their



46 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

reason so far as to substitute a semblance for a reality, and,
having minutely subdivided the "dummy," swallow it with
the greatest possible gravity. Prove to them, if they will
listen, which they will seldom consent to do, that their
fundamental principle is a falsehood ; remind them that for
the production of every positive effect there is required an
exactly adequate cause; show them that their great conclusive
arguments, their reputed cures, are but prime examples of the
logic of post hoc, ergo propter hoc, and that the same syllogism
would equally establish all the competing systems of quackery
that now exist, or have ever existed ; do all this, and more,
yet they fall back upon their first strong persuasion, and
behind that entrenchment stand till events prove to them the
fallacy into which a partial truth has led them.

There is one point, not bearing exclusively upon the con-
dition of the actual invalid, but of more general interest, to
which allusion may be made, that is the subject of prophylactic
medicine, or the department which has reference to the pre-
vention of disease. That this department should have received
so little attention is indeed surprising. It is a popular saying
that " prevention is better than cure," but patients and physi-
cians have alike been content to leave the matter in its
proverbial form, so far as any systematic carrying out of the
principle is concerned. Very scanty notices of this subject are
to be found, and those are widely dispersed, in medical
writings. It is so much the custom virtually to limit the duty
of the physician to the cure of disease that this noble sphere
for the exercise of his skill and ingenuity is practically
ignored. And yet it is probable that, in a large proportion of
those who die of chronic disease, the seeds of such disease have



VALUE OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES. 47

been implanted by the time they have attained their fortieth
year. Would it not be wiser to make the first rudimentary
appearance of anything in the shape of local or general
derangement into a casus belli, the ground of a regular attack,
rather than to wait till offensive hostilities appear in the form
of painful symptoms ? An unwonted sensation, or a marked
change of function, amounting in neither case to positive
inconvenience or distress, may, nevertheless, be significant of
approaching ill, since we know that here also, " coming events
cast their shadows before." It is reasonable to suppose that
suitable antidotal means might often be devised, based upon
the physiological changes going on, to prevent those structural
alterations which are sure to follow abnormal action longcon-
tinued. This, however, can only be called prophylactic in an
accommodated sense ; but we would go further, and urge the
necessity of a true prophylaxis. The transmission of hereditary
tendencies to disease is of constant occurrence ; individual
peculiarities are often attended by a proclivity towards certain
forms of physical derangement ; a misguided early training
may have warped the frame in an evil direction ; certain
employments or modes of life lead, without fail, to injurious
and well-known results. All these, and many others that
might be mentioned, are instances in which a careful system
of preventive measures, not taken up and applied inter-
mittingly, but dovetailed, so to speak, into the economy of life,
would seem to be the dictate of true wisdom. People are
so much in the habit of thinking that men must die of disease,
that a healthful old age is looked upon as remarkable,
something for the attainment of which no special effort can be
made. No legitimate object of human desire can fail of at



48 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

least partial accomplishment where proper means are properly
brought to bear upon it ; and yet few would be found to
contend either that a healthy longevity is not such a legitimate
object, or that it is not generally left to the merest hap-hazard.
No better instance can be given of what a due attention to
prophylactic means can accomplish than the case so well
described by Dr. Watson, in his admirable Lectures on the
Principles and Practice of Physic : " The late Dr. Gregory, ot
Edinburgh, used always to mention in his lectures the case of
Dr. Adam Ferguson, the celebrated historian, as affording one
of the strongest illustrations he ever met with of the benefit
that may be derived from timely attention to the avoidance
of those circumstances which tend to produce plethora and
apoplexy. It is, perhaps, the most striking case of the kind on
record. Dr. Ferguson experienced several attacks of temporary
blindness some time before he had a stroke of palsy, and he did
not take these hints so readily as he should have done. He
observed that, while he was delivering a lecture to his class,
the papers before him would disappear vanish from his sight,
and appear again in a few seconds. He was a man of full
habit, at one time corpulent and very ruddy ; and though by
no means intemperate, he lived fully. I say he did not attend
to these admonitions, and at length, in the sixtieth year of his
age, he suffered a decided shock of paralysis. He recovered,
however, and from that period, under the advice of his friend,
Dr. Black, became a strict Pythagorean in his diet, eating
nothing but vegetables, and drinking only water or milk. He
got rid of every paralytic symptom, became even robust and
muscular for a man of his time of life, and died in full posses-
sion of his mental faculties at the advanced age of ninety -three,



DANGER OF INTELLECTUAL EXCESS. 49

upwards of thirty years after his first attack." Sir Walter
Scott describes him as having been, " long after his eightieth
year, one of the most striking old men it was possible to look
at. His firm step and ruddy cheek contrasted agreeably and
unexpectedly with his silver locks ; and the dress he wore,
much resembling that of the Flemish peasant, gave an air of
peculiarity to his whole figure. In his conversation, the
mixture of original thinking with high moral feeling and
extensive learning, his love of country, contempt of luxury,
and especially the strong subjection of his passions and feelings
to the dominion of his reason, made him, perhaps, the most
striking example of the Stoic philosopher which could be seen
in modern days."

But immoral indulgence of the passions and appetites, and the
more obvious infractions of the physical laws, with the neglect
of wise precautionary measures, are not the only points upon
which it is needful to take warning. The intellectual and
emotional nature of man is subject to laws quite as stringent
as those which regulate his bodily functions. The injurious
influence of mental excess is not less positive than that of
physical, though not so obvious. It may be difficult to persuade
the busy man on 'Change that the growing dyspeptic symptoms
which trouble him are the direct result of the state of turmoil
to which his brain has been exposed for months and years
together ; and yet the fact is certain. The student of law or
divinity who strains his faculties to the utmost, without
allowing them the repose necessary to recruit them, is not
only sinning against his own body, but is adopting the
best plan to thwart his own cherished objects. The popular
minister, whose whole soul is in his work, and who is com-
E



50 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

pelled to keep his intellectual powers on full stretch to meet
the requirements of his position, while his life is passed
in a succession of nervous excitements, exposed to alter-
nations of heated rooms and cold night air, is undoubtedly
doing a great work, but he does it at a great cost. He
will hardly live to build up the Church by his matured
wisdom, or exhibit the passive virtues of the aged Christian.
The list of highly gifted ministers of various Churches
who have been lost to mankind when in the full vigour
of their intellectual and moral strength, by a systematic
neglect of the most ordinary sanitary rules, is sad to con-
template. The subject is one of great delicacy, and it is only
necessary to suggest that the moral government of God being
perfectly harmonious in all its parts, the fulfilment of a duty
in one direction never necessitates opposition to the Divine
intention in another.

Intellectual labour, pursued in the quiet of the study, if
too long continued, and not sufficiently alternated with out-
door exercise, is fertile of ill effects. The maladies thus
induced are extremely varied, and not seldom are attributed
to any cause but the right one. They may take the form of
a direct injury to the over-worked organ, the brain, and may-
proceed onward along the parallel lines which lead respectively
to insanity or paralysis. But more generally they will assume
one of the protean forms of dyspepsia, and lead to impaired
nutrition or structural change. Sydenham considered that
one of the most severe fits of gout he ever experienced, arose
from great mental labour in composing his treatise on that
disease ; and the student of literary history will call to mind
many instances where the completion of some intellectual



OLD AGE. 51

masterpiece has been speedily followed by the death of the
master. The late gifted Hugh Miller is one of the many
examples of this fact. It is to be lamented, that those who
" intermeddle with all knowledge," and who are the appointed
instructors of mankind, should so often neglect that knowledge
with which their own mental and physical comfort is closely
connected, and the acquisition of which would multiply their
capabilities of usefulness to the race.

If prophylactic measures have an important bearing upon
the subject of the prolongation of life, not less important is
the proper treatment of advancing age. Although an individual
may escape destruction from causes that are accidental and ex-
traneous, he nevertheless bears about him natural and internal
causes of decay, inevitable in their progress, and leading to one
certain result. With the germs of life are intermixed the
seeds of death ; and, however vigorous the growth of the
bodily frame, however energetic the endowments of its maturity,
we know that its days are numbered. To mark the gradual
succession of the phenomena which attend these changes is
deeply interesting. In youth, all the powers of the system
are in excess of its demands, and the body increases in bulk.
In course of time, the processes of reparation and decay
approach nearer to an equality, and at length are exactly
balanced. By a wonderful system of adjustments the balance
is kept perfect, often for many years, until, at last, old age
steals on by slow and imperceptible degrees. The relative
proportions of the fluids and solids are altered, the solid tissues

become condensed, muscular substance appears almost
changed into tendon, fibrous structures either lose their flexi-
bility and become too rigid for use, or are changed into bone.



52 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

The smaller arteries are obliterated, and the heart undergoes
structural change ; functions are feebly performed, the chemical
condition of both solids and fluids becomes altered, the skin
grows dark and corrugated ; and, as the various signs of decay
increase, the tottering step, the bent form, and the palsied
movement, we perceive that the individual has entered upon
that period, when, in the sublime language of Scripture, " The
keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall
bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few,
and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the
doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the
grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird,
and all the daughters of music shall be brought low ; also when
they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in
the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grass-
hopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail ; because man
goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets :
or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken,
or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken
at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it
was ; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."

When and how this descent towards the tomb shall take
place, is in the hands of Him who measures out our days, and
appoints our outgoings and incomings. Human science is
impotent in presence of the general evidences of decay. But
where the stress of disease is so localised as to threaten
destruction before these marks of decay have become general,
she can sometimes relieve that stress ; she can suggest the
compensations required by altered circumstances ; she can
endeavour to remove the obstinacy which persists in retaining



"PREVENTION is BETTER THAN CURE." 53

habits no longer applicable or safe ; she can erect barriers
against anticipated evils ; she can soothe the irritability of
weakness, and assuage the violence of pain. At all events,
her ministers can never be more legitimately employed than in
the struggle to prolong human life ; and their efforts will be
more or less effective, in proportion to the attention they may
give, not only to actual disease, as it affects the different
periods of life, but also to its first incipient manifestations.
And it is to this dawning stage of illness, before the evil has
attained any considerable power, that the attention of those
whom it concerns should be invited. Practical effect should
be given to the maxim " Prevention is better than cure."





CHAPTER IV.



This is the purest exercise of health,
The kind refresher of the summer heats ;

Even from the body's purity, the mind
Receives a secret sympathetic aid.

THOMSON.



ON SEA-BATHING.

,WHE importance of bathing as a hygienic and therapeutic
" agent has been recognised by all nations, at all periods
of history ; its practice existed as well amongst nations
basking under the heat of a tropical sun, as amongst the
hardy inhabitants of the unthawed regions of the north. By
the former it was employed as a religious observance or mode
of luxury, by the latter with a view to health, or to counteract
the effects of intense cold.

The histories of Greece and Rome furnish abundant
evidence of the extent to which bathing was practised by
these nations. So fascinating to them was the luxury of the



ADVANTAGES OF SEA-BATHING. 55

bath that it was customary to employ it at their festive enter-
tainments, and it was considered essential to the eclat of
public rejoicings. Establishments for this purpose were con-
structed, vicing with each other in magnitude and splendour,
as may be seen from the ruins which still excite the wonder
and admiration of the traveller.

The importance of bathing cannot be overrated if we
consider that the skin upon which it operates performs the
several functions of absorption, secretion, and excretion,
and that upon its surface the bloodvessels and nerves
terminate. It has also a wide range of sympathies, in which
are included the alimentary canal and air passages, and it
co-operates also with those great emunctories of the circu-
lating system, the lungs, the liver, and kidneys, aiding them
in the elimination of noxious matters. Hence, the absolute
necessity that there should be no impediment to the perform-
ance of its functions.

Sea-bathing has many advantages over ordinary bathing.
The sea may be considered practically as a medicated bath,
containing, besides well-known saline constituents, iodine and
bromine in minute proportions, which latter exert a peculiar
action upon the glandular and absorbent system. The sea is
also the habitation of innumerable organic beings, who live
and die there ; it therefore becomes impregnated with subtle
and volatile animal particles, which extraordinarily increase
the stimulating powers of sea water. We conclude, therefore,
that open sea-bathing, where it can be borne by the invalid,
is preferable, as in home or in-door bathing, although all the
elements of sea water may be present, there is still the absence
of a saline atmosphere, of the shock of the waves, the agitation



56 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

of the water, and the electric and magnetic currents which are
evolved, and exert a stimulating effect upon the system. It
will be well to enlarge a little on these topics.

Sea-bathing on the British coasts (for its action is very
different in the tropical waters of a warm climate) owes its
efficiency to the combined influences of cold, of the saline
particles, which enter into the composition of sea- water, and of
the shock produced by the impulsion of the waves. In order
to understand its effects we must endeavour to form a just
estimate of the power of each one of these agents separately.
The first impression produced by the cool temperature of the
sea, which even in summer rarely exceeds 67, is powerfully
to stimulate the numerous sensitive nerves of the skin. As all
our organs are under the influence and direction of the
nerves, every part of the body must therefore be excited and
stimulated by the sea-bath ; as when a bell is struck, the
vibration extends over every part of the metal. Sea-bathing
goes far beyond the mere local action on the skin, its
immediate effect being a general stimulation of the whole
nervous system. The sudden application of cold to the
surface is followed by a shrinking of the skin and contraction
of the tissues. As the result of this, the capacity of the
bloodvessels is diminished, and a portion of their contents
suddenly thrown upon the internal organs. Hence follows
the participation by the nervous system in this sudden con-
gestion, causing a more energetic action of the heart, and
consequent rush back to the surface. This is the state termed
reaction the first and final purpose of every form of cold
bathing. Reaction is known by the redness of surface, the
glow and thrill of comfort and warmth, which follow the bath.



EFFECTS OF SEA-BATHING. 57

By it the internal organs are relieved, respiration is lightened,
the heart is made to beat calmly and freely, the mind feels
clear, the tone of the muscular system is increased, the
appetite is sharpened, and the whole organism feels in-
vigorated.

The stimulating effects of the saline constitwnts in sea-
water form the second agent acting remedially. These,
which constitute about one fifty-fifth part of its weight, produce
a powerful stimulant effect upon the skin, and determine a
more copious flow of blood to that organ, assisting the primary
reaction, and shortening and diminishing its depressing effect.
Owing to these qualities of sea-water, one may bathe in the
sea at a lower temperature than in fresh water. Reaction,
even in robust constitutions, is much longer in making its
appearance after bathing in rivers ; but in the sea, even on a
calm day, and to a weakened constitution, it is almost
instantaneous, and much more powerful. It has been
supposed by some that the absorption by the skin of a
portion of the saline ingredients may tend to increase these
effects.

To illustrate the influence of the third element in a sea
bath, viz., the shock produced by the impulsion of the waves,
we need only refer to the effects of a douche bath to form an
adequate idea of the difference experienced between bathing
in a calm and in an agitated sea. The shock of the waves
in a rough sea is, in fact, an extensive douche bath, which, by
striking a great part of the body at once, makes all the more
powerful impression upon the economy.

The general result of sea-bathing, both on the healthy and
invalid subject, is to stimulate nutrition and improve the



58 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

functions of every organ, increasing the vitality of the blood
and improving the various secretions of the body. The action
of the skin is augmented, the liver pours out a greater quantity
of bile, and a more active respiration consumes a greater quan-
tity of carbon. In consequence of this increased activity, the
system gradually purifies itself of a mass of worn-out particles,
which were tolerated so long as the body was in a languid state,
but which, under the stimulus of increased energy, it casts off
as an oppressive load. Thus we see the strengthening process
giving rise to an alterative action in the diseased frame ;
swollen and indurated glands, scrofulous tumours, cutaneous
eruptions, and other morbid deposits, are re-absorbed, and
thrown out by the system.

There are certain conditions which require to be attended
to, with regard to the differences of strength, constitution,
and temperament, in individual cases. The first caution
required is not to continue the immersion too long. Even in
vigorous subjects, prolonged immersion is very apt to be
followed by injurious effects, the danger being greater in
proportion to the coldness of the bath. After the first shock
on entering the water, a feeling of warmth and a genial glow
is perceived ; if the bather quits the water before this stage
passes away, the whole surface of the body will partake of
the sensation ; if immersion be prolonged farther than this,
the blood is driven to the internal organs, the nervous energy
is depressed, and reaction being prevented, injurious conse-
quences are liable to ensue.

One of the first of these is weakness of nervous energy, with
irregularity of muscular contraction. No doubt most of the
accidents that occur in bathing, and are generally referred to



NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS. 59

a supposed seizure of cramp, arise from this cause, viz , the
enfeebling effect of undue cold upon vital action. This is
perceived in the difficulty of fastening the dress when the
hands are chilled. Hence persons of a spare and slender habit
of body, even though they be good swimmers, should be
cautious of venturing into deep water, especially at an early
period of the season, when the water at the surface is no true
indication of its temperature beneath. Even when the results
of too long an immersion are not so directly injurious, the
system suffers from other evidences of defective reaction, such
as a sense of chilliness, which continues throughout the day.
Though cold never injures the body when acting as a stimulant,
yet, in delicate and convalescent persons, the sensations of the
bather must be specially regarded in relation to its mode,
duration, and degree. The time occupied in bathing in cold
water by invalids, though varying according to individual
cases, should not, as a general rule, exceed a few minutes, say
from two to ten. Before entering the water, a smart walk
should be taken along the shore, so as to produce a comfortable
glow, and assist the reaction. Persons in moderate health
may remain in the water a longer time, in this respect being
governed by their own experience ; but they must not omit
the use of active exercise, both during and after the bath.

When the bather is suffering from nervous exhaustion from
bodily fatigue, when the skin is cold and covered with moisture,
or where there has been violent perspiration from the effects of
medicine or exercise, the effect is sometimes to overpower the
system rather than to rouse it to reaction. Care must also be
taken not to allow too long a time to elapse in the preparation
for the bath, and particularly not to hesitate too long before



60 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

plunging into the water. It is in this cold stage that there
may be danger, for the excitement has already passed away,
and the system cannot resist the depressing influence of the
cold. If the surface of the skin be dry, and the heat somewhat
above the natural standard, little is to be feared from immersion
into a lower temperature.

The next important question is the proper lime for bathing.
In delicate subjects, injury is frequently caused by cold bathing
at a time when the vital powers are too languid to admit of the
necessary reaction, before a meal, or after any great fatigue,
for example. The rule for the invalid should be, not to bathe
either just before or just after taking food, nor after too long a
walk. A bath early in the morning, before breakfast, exerts a
more powerful effect than one taken at a later hour of the day,
and requires proportionate energy and strength in the bather.
As a general rule, both bathing and exercise, on an empty
stomach, will be found unsuited to the invalid, and the best
time will be the period between breakfast and dinner, taking
care to avoid the other evil of bathing on a full stomach, which
is dangerous to persons of full habits, or advanced in years,
exposing them to the risk of congestion of the brain or even
apoplexy. Two hours after breakfast and three hours after
dinner should elapse before bathing is ventured upon.

Too frequent bathing is to be avoided. Bathing, like all
other stimulants, depends principally upon its occasional use
for its legitimate effects. The evils resulting from too frequent
bathing are nearly equal to those resulting from too long
immersion. The practice of bathing every day is not to be
recommended. For persons of a delicate constitution and
reduced habits of body, a bath every third or fourth day is



RULES FOR BATHING. 6 1

sufficient ; after a short period it may be tried every other day.

If the system be very weak and reduced, it is advisable to
take a few preparatory warm sea-water baths, having the
temperature daily reduced, so as to pave the way for bathing
in the open sea ; or a system of preliminary partial sponging
with cold sea-water may be adopted, increasing the surface
wetted daily, and commencing with the chest and back. As
the good results of sea-bathing depend very materially upon
securing the proper amount of reaction, where this is not
attainable in the ordinary way, means should be used to bring
it about ; for this purpose the flesh-brush, or horse-hair gloves,
may be used, both before and after the bath, applying friction
more particularly over the stomach, chest, and back. No
doubt the best mode of using the bath is that of quick
immersion. As cold bathing has a constant tendency to propel
the blood towards the head, it ought to be a rule to wet that
part as soon as possible ; by due attention to this circumstance
there is reason to believe that violent headaches might often
be prevented.

There are many reasons why aged people should bathe with
great caution. The tendency to disease of the brain increases
as age advances, and it is very important that sudden and
violent excitement be avoided ; the strictest moderation should
be maintained in every kind of mental and physical effort. In
youth and manhood the waste resulting from the exercise of
mind and body is soon repaired ; but after the maturer years
of life are passed, a point is reached when what is lost is lost
for ever any attempts to force either mind or body only
leads to exhaustion. The warm bath is much more likely to
be productive of good results in persons so situated, especially



62 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

when the system is reduced from disease or over-exertion.

As a general rule, it may be said that wherever organic
disease or change of structure exists, sea-bathing is injurious ;
debility, either nervous or muscular, being the type of those
diseases in which it proves beneficial. As a practice, the most
delicate as well as the most robust may be so trained as to
enjoy and receive benefit from it; but there are some constitu-
tions, more than others, which are liable to feel its ill effects.
Such are those who are plethoric and of a bilious temperament,
whose natural habit of body is to make blood rapidly. Where
the venous and arterial systems are in a constant state of
tension, sea-bathing would be found too stimulating a remedy,
tending to produce a momentary congestion of blood in some
parts of the body, thus producing unequal distribution, and a
strain or pressure on certain organs. Of course the above
remark applies more particularly to constitutions weakened by
disease. Sea-bathing is no doubt enjoyed as much by persons
of a full habit and bilious temperament as by others, and as
safely, when properly trained to it.

Although the sea-bath is allowed to be useful in local con-
gestion arising from debility and loss of vitality in an organ,
yet even in these cases care and attention are required to
prevent the weakened organs from becoming permanently
injured by the quickened but unequal distribution of blood to
the part. Individuals with a feeble action of the heart, or
subject to spitting of blood, or in whom a state of active
inflammation is present, should be particularly careful to use
the bath with moderation, and to take advice before venturing
on it.

As preparatory to, or instead of, bathing in the open sea, the



WARM SEA-WATER BATHING. 63

warm sea-water bath is universally applicable. By its means
invalids may gradually prepare themselves for the more stimu-
lating and invigorating influences of the cold bath, who might
not otherwise have been able to withstand the shock. Thus em-
ployed, it is better to diminish the temperature of the bath
five or six degrees each time, trying the effect of applying cold
to the back while immersed in the bath. Persons whose nerves
are very irritable and cannot easily bear the shock of the first
dip in cold water, and cannot bear the loss of animal heat,
should not try the experiment, nor need they relinquish the
good to be obtained by bathing. In the graduated scale of
the temperate, tepid, and warm bath, a very little attention
will enable them to hit the right medium, and they will thus
possess an excellent substitute for the open sea.

Tepid and warm sea-water bathing has many uses. It acts
as a sedative, promoting diaphoresis and determining from
internal organs. It is advantageous also in nervous affections,
rheumatism, gout, in certain cutaneous diseases, and in
hepatic dyspepsia.




CHAPTER V.



How wond'rous is this scene ! where all is formed
With number, weight, and measure ! all designed
For some great end ! where not alone the plant
Of stately growth, the herb of glorious hue,
Or foodful substance ; not the labouring steed,
The herd and flocks that feed us, not the mine
That yields us stores for elegance and use ;
The sea that loads our tables, and conveys
The wanderer man from clime to clime ;
The rolling spheres that from on high shed down
Their kindly influence : not these alone
Which strike e'en eyes incurious ; but each moss,
Each shell, each crawling insect holds a rank
Important in the plan of Him who framed
This scale of beings ; holds a rank which lost
Would break the chain, and leave behind a gap
Which nature's self would rue.

STILLINGFLEET.



NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHPORT
AND ITS ENVIRONS.

MJ^HE Natural History of Southport, surrounded as it is
~*^ with sheer sand, extending inland for some miles, would
appear to offer little variety in its objects, yet it possesses a
Fauna by no means contemptible. Of Quadrupeds there
are none but the ordinary little creatures familiar to every-
one ; of Birds, an extensive variety ; of Reptiles, none of the
family of snakes, but an abundance of other kinds ; of



THE FLORA. 65

Fishes, the variety is not great ; of Insects, the number is
considerable, including many that are esteemed rare. The
list of Mollusks is a slender one, and the Shells found on
these shores make no very great pretensions to diversity.
Commercially regarded, the shore is in some respects
immensely rich. So vast is the yield of cockles, that tons
are frequently sent off at a time ; and of shrimps the almost
daily capture is enormous. Among the sandhills, at varying
distances inland, there are shells of which we find no living
representatives upon the shore, obviously deposited at some
distant period, when the sea extended over a large tract of
country now of considerable elevation.

In Botany, the plants common to uncultivated ground and
marshy places near the sea-coast occur in profusion. Of
Ferns there are but few ; Mosses are numerous, and include
several kinds which have hitherto been found only in the
neighbourhood of Southport. Of other Cryptogamic plants
there are plenty, so that at all seasons it is possible to procure
botanical subjects of one kind or another.

THE SOUTHPORT FLORA.

Although destitute of the romantic scenery which usually
implies corresponding variety of botanical habitat ; although
entirely wanting in deep and shady forest, limestone cliffs,
waterfalls, and running streams ; Southport is undeniably
rich in curious and interesting wild-flowers. Of late years,
it must be acknowledged, the great amount of draining
carried on in the suburbs of the town with a view to adapt-
ation of the land for building purposes, the construction
of new. roads, and the conversion of much of the originally
F



66 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

wild surface into lawn, park, and garden, has tended to
diminish the primitive abundance of the indigenous wild-
flowers; and in many localities, once noted for their plenty,
the flora of half-a-century ago has entirely disappeared.
It is difficult, however, for man to eradicate any plant that has
once been well established in a given district. Not a single
species can be supposed to be wholly lost from the Southport
flora. Undisturbed localities still exist, a little further off it
may be, but to be found by searching for; and very curious is
it to observe how often, in the most highly cultivated spots,
the aborigines re-appear, the seeds having been buried in the
earth at depths too deep for them to vegetate, and biding
their time until the spade of the gardener brings them near
enough to the surface to be excited by the sunshine and
the rain.

The peculiar physical geography of Southport gives the
flora a distinctly two-fold character. First, there is the sand-
hills section, including the maritime plants which grow within
actual reach of the tide, and to which may be added the very
interesting group of semi-palustral plants observable in the
" slacks " among the sandhills the depressed and often low-
lying hollows which become perfectly dry only in the middle
of the hottest summers. Secondly, there is the purely meadow,
pasture, and inland wayside section, to which may be added
the vegetation of the ponds and ditches, and that of the
local piece of reclaimed moorland called " The Moss. " The
aggregate amounts, it would appear, to about 300 different
species, or about a fifth of the entire number of flowering
plants accounted indigenous to Great Britain.

Of native trees and shrubs the number is, of necessity, very



THE FLORA. 67

small. Few, perhaps, can prefer the slightest claim to be
considered truly wild, except the hawthorns and sallows in the
inland hedgerows. Many, however, of the most admired and
interesting ligneous plants of the country have been intro-
duced, and these, in gardens, plantations, and other cultivated
land, as a rule, thrive admirably, and give that very agreeable
sense of leafiness which in sheltered situations is augmenting
every day. Without reckoning the crowd of exotics now giving
such excellent promise in the Hesketh Park and in the Church-
town Botanic Gardens, the variety and the capital complexion
of the purely British kinds which have been brought together
in those two admirable enclosures, show that the climate of
Southport is congenial to an exceedingly high per centage.
The only native tree which the Southport air and soil seem
not to agree with is the yew.

The Southport sandhills form, without question, one of the
most remarkable features of Lancashire. Continued south-
wards almost to Liverpool, the surface occupied by the whole
has been calculated at not less than twenty-two square miles.
The history of the original formation is a matter also into
which the mind cannot but enquire with great interest. In
Mr. Leo Grindon's "Lancashire" (1882), p. 54, it is stated
that in the opinion of the distinguished geologist, Mr. T.
Melland Reade, they have taken certainly not less than 2,500
years to acquire their present dimensions probably a much
longer time. "Some of the mounds, however, are palpably
quite recent, interstratifications of cinders and matter thrown
up from wrecks being found near the base. A strong westerly
wind brings up the sand vehemently, and very curious then
becomes the spectacle of its travel, which is like thin waves of



68 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

transparent smoke over the flat, wet shore. The wind alter-
nately heaps up the sand and disperses it, except where a
firm hold has been obtained by the star-grass, which, running
beneath the surface, binds and holds all together. A very
beautiful decoration of the smooth surface of the declivities is
constantly produced by the wind whirling the stalks half way
round, and sometimes quite so when there is room for free play.
Elegant circles and semi-circles are then grooved in the
sloping sand, smaller ones often inside, as perfect as if drawn
with compasses. Another curious result of the steady blowing
of the sea-breeze is that on the level of the shore there are
innumerable little cones of sand, originating in shells, or
fragments of shells, which arrest the drifting particles, and are,
in truth, rudiments of sandhills such as form the great
rampart a little further in." The passage we quote illustrates
exactly how in all probability they began. Some small object
standing literally "in the teeth of the wind" would arrest the
particles of drifting sand, and just as flowing water accumulates
behind a barrier, in the course of centuries the tiny mound
would swell into a hill, and valleys and ravines would follow
as a matter of course.

The " star-grass " above-mentioned is one of the two
specially characteristic plants of the sandhills, the other being
the little salix which covers many portions with grey-leaved
scrub. No sandy shore is devoid of it, but here it grows in
patches so dense as often to resemble fields of corn, a like-
ness sustained by the flower-heads, which may be compared
to ears of wheat. Many of the Southport people call it
" maram," a word altered probably from the Danish
" marhaulm," literally " sea-straw." That the Scandinavian



THE FLORA. 69

voyagers and colonists of a thousand years ago left many
traces of their visitings upon the coasts of Lancashire, has
often been pointed out by antiquaries, and the presence of
this old word would seem to supply another illustration of the
ancient Danish presence. Botanically, this useful grass is
the Ammophila arundinacea. The underground stems run
to a length of many yards. Extending itself in this manner,
advantage is taken of the centrifugal tendency of the pknt to
strengthen the sandhills artificially ; portions of stem bein<?
pegged down wherever it is desired either to promote
accumulation of the sandy particles, or to prevent wasting
away.

The little grey salix, the foliage of which often shines with
silvery lustre, is botanically, as the name imports, in essential
characters, a willow. Very pretty, in early summer, are the
innumerable catkins ; and a few weeks later, when the ripe
white cottony seed is discharged, most curious is the spectacle,
the quantity being so vast as often to be gathered up by the
eddying wind in what, but for the season, might be taken for
snow-drifts. Several different varieties have been distin-
guished, but there are no absolute and permanent differential
marks. It is quite enough to speak of the plant shortly and
simply as Salix repens, the sandhills willow.

Upon the roots, or half-buried stems and branches, there
occurs here and there, beyond Birkdale, and thenceforwards
to Ainsdale, that extremely curious parasitic plant, the " yellow
Birds-nest " Monotropa Hypopitys. Like most other parasitic
plants, it is entirely destitute of green leaves. Everything,
from the ground upwards, is yellow. The stems, five or six
inches high, are primrose-coloured ; the nodding crest of



70 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

flowers is primrose -coloured ; and as if enamoured of consis-
tency, the odour of these reminds one of cowslips.

Where the sand is not covered by maram or salix, and is
fairly consolidated, we may often see the hound's-tongue,
Cynoglossum officinale. The stems, which attain the height of
about two feet, bear abundance of little purplish claret-coloured
flowers. When gone, they are succeeded by great prickly
seeds, growing in fours, and that catch hold of one's clothing
below the knees, and like burs, refuse to let go.

In company with the hound's-tongue, there is plenty also
of the Carline-thistle, Carlina vulgaris, prickly, like all the
others of its race, but totally different in the colour of the
flowers, which are yellowish and glossy, and remarkably
sensitive to changes of the sky.

Not far from these will also be found two species of the
very singular plants called "spurge," the Euphorbia Parallels,
and the Euphorbia Portlandica. The first-named, the great
sea-spurge, is two feet high, well-clothed with narrow leaves,
the insignificant flowers greenish-yellow ; the stem, very tough,
filled with sticky milky juice, which owes its qualities to the
presence of caoutchouc, or " India-rubber," too small in
quantity, however, to be worth the trouble of extracting. The
other species, the Portland spurge, is dwarf and bushy. The
little roundish leaves assume in October most beautiful shades
of amber and crimson. The juice, as in the Paralias, is milky
and sticky.

Dotted about, still where the sandy slopes are quite open,
there is a fair sprinkling also of Eryngo, Eryngium maritimum,
the Touch-me-not of the sandhills. Every portion of the
plant presents a chevaux-de-frise of strong and very pungent



THE FLORA. 71

prickles ; unfortunate for those bent on gathering bouquets,
since the flowers, produced in egg-shaped heads, are of the
loveliest azure.

The Bugloss, Lycopsis arvensis, again attracts attention in
the beauty of its blue. Here, however, it is of the deepest
Italian, and the flowers are no larger than those of the forget-
me-not. Every part of this curious plant is rough and harsh
with hairs strong enough to penetrate the skin.

Very welcome is the contrast supplied in the beautiful
golden Chlora, Chlora perfoliata ; and in its near ally, and
frequent companion, the rose-coloured Erytkrcea. These
two plants are esteemed in domestic medicine as tonics.
In days gone by it was quite a common thing to see operatives
from the manufacturing districts who had been awhile at the
" Strangers' Charity," busy collecting armfuls of each, to be
carefully taken home, and there preserved for use. The
Chlora is at once distinguished from everything else upon
the sandhills, by the smooth-edged leaves being coupled in
such a way as for every pair to seem but one leaf, the stem
passing through, and a handsome terminal cluster of star-
shaped flowers of the purest and clearest golden yellow. The
Erythroea, commonly called " Sanctuary," a rustic corruption
of "centaury," has narrow leaves, also in pairs, but quite
free, and the star-shaped flowers, again in terminal clusters,
are pink. This very pretty plant has two well-marked varieties,
for the possession of which the Southport sandhills were, with
botanists, formerly celebrated. The pulchella is probably still
there ; the latifolia very doubtfully.

Where large broad plateaux, moist and permanently green,
are found among the sandhills, though some of the above-



72 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

named plants are not excluded, others of quite new character
and singularly charming are found in plenty. Foremost
among these are the Parnassia and the Pyrola, both of the
purest white, and in delicacy unexcelled by any garden flower.
The blossoms of the Parnassia (P. palustris) are shaped like
those of the common buttercup, and borne upon the tips of
slender stalks varying from three to six inches in height. They
often grow in companies of ten to twenty or more, all rising
from the same root, which may easily be dug up for convey-
ance home, where, if got young, and carefully placed in a
flower-pot and kept well watered, the beautiful little thing may
be retained as a parlour ornament for many weeks. There are
localities among the sandhills beyond Birkdale where, in
favourable seasons, so vast is the quantity of the Parnassia
that the whiteness of the ground may be compared to that
given by daisies to the sward.

The Pyrola (P. rotundifolia) has been well styled the lily-
of-the-valley of the sandhills. This plant also grows in great
profusion, so that handfuls are gathered by visitors without
any seeming abatement. The leaves are roundish, and nearly
all close upon the surface of the ground. The flower-stems
are erect, four or five inches in height, and bear at the summit
half-a-dozen very pretty white corollas, the odour evolved
from which is so powerful that it can be perceived as one
walks along. The botanists find a technical difference
between the Birkdale plant and the rotundifolia of other
parts of England. The Birkdale form they distinguish as the
variety bractescens or maritima, and excepting upon the sand-
hills at Lytham, a few miles to the north of Southport upon
the opposite side of the estuary of the Ribble, it is under-



THE FLORA. 73

stood to be entirely confined to this neighbourhood.

Mingling with these two lovely wild-flowers there may be
found, in autumn, plenty of the purple gentian, Gentiana
campestris, or perhaps Amarella ; still, more probably, both
species, the differences being very slight. In spots where the
soil is still more decidedly wet during many months of the
year there is rivalry, in regard to abundance, on the part of
that very curious orchideous plant, the marsh helleborine,
Epipactis palustris. Though not so showy as many of its
race wild in England, the Epipactis is formed and coloured in
a remarkably pretty manner, and in itself quite rewards a
journey to the Birkdale sandhills, where it blooms towards
the end of July. An almost constant associate of this pretty
orchid is one of the genuine orchises, the O. latifolia, or purple
marsh orchis ; the flowers borne in a densely contracted
though still hyacinthine, cluster. A third orchideous plant,
met with upon the inland side of the sandhills, where there is
a fair permanent supply of moisture, is the Tway-blade (Listera
ovata), more curious than either of the preceding, the stem
bearing only two large oval leaves whence the name and at
the upper part a score or two of little green blossoms so
ridiculously like the human figure that the Listera is often
mistaken for the genuine Green-man orchis ( ' Aceras anthro-
pophora), but this one occurs only in the south-eastern
counties.

In parts of the sandhills range a trifle more distant, but still
within the compass of an agreeable walk, there are tracts such
as are congenial to semi-amphibious plants. Here may be
gathered the beautiful marsh red-rattle, Pedicularis palustris ;
the silver-tassels, prettiest of the cotton-sedges, Eriophorum



74 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

polystachyon ; the white brookweed, Samolus Valerandi ; the

Viola palustris, and the Blysntus compressus.
More or less generally diffused over the sandhills, the
observant eye will catch sight also of the following
plants :

Seaside Catstail-grass ( Phleum arenarium).

Spring Hair-grass (Aira prczcox).

Seaside Fescue-grass (Festuca uniglumis).

Seaside Wheat-grass (Triticum junceum), a large form, it
would appear (changed also in complexion by the con-
ditions of its place of growth), of the common couch-
grass (Triticum repens) ; and in that case supplying a
beautiful example of the versatility of Nature, especially
when with such instruments in hand as are supplied by
the margin of the sea.

Sweet Yellow Galium, or " Yellow Bedstraw " (Galium
verum), a very delicate and elegant little plant, the dark-
green leaves as slender as needles, about an inch in
length, and spreading from the stem in little circles of
rays ; the minute flowers in loose light tufts, golden
yellow, conspicuous from their abundance, and honey-
scented The Sweet Yellow Galium is the original
"Maiden-hair," the name implying a fancied resemblance
to the unsnooded locks of girls in the times when light-
hued hair was very specially admired, and given by the
poets to their heroines, as in Chaucer :

Her yellow hair was broidered in a tresse.

Buck's-horn Plantain (Plantago Coronopus).
Bog Pimpernel (Anagallis tenella).



THE FLORA. 75

Seaside Convolvulus ( Calystegia Soldanella). A very elegant
trailing convolvulus, with pale rosy flowers.

Bluebell ( Campanula rotundifolia). The true " Bluebell of
Scotland," often miscalled the "harebell," which latter
name belongs rightfully to the sylvan hyacinth, Scilla
nutans ; the inheritance dating from the time of Shak-
spere, who never confuses the flowers of different seasons,
and associates the scilla with the primrose

Thou shall not lack

The flower that's like thy face, pale primrose, nor
The azur'd harebell, like thy veins.

Wild Parsnip ( ' Pastinaca sativa). Easily recognised by its
coarse and untidy habit, large leaves, and terminal
umbels of yellow flowers.

Evening Primrose (CEnothera biennis). An American plant,
in reality, but which becoming accidentally dispersed,
through the medium of the abundant seeds, in waste and
little-travelled ground, has long since become perfectly
naturalized, and is to be met with more or less almost all
the way to Liverpool.

Sea-side Catchfly (Silene maritima). A maritime form of the
common bladder-campion (Silene inflata) of inland
districts, told at once by its slender trailing stems, small
sea-green leaves growing in pairs, and very handsome
round snow-white flowers the size of a shilling.

English Catchfly (Silene Anglica).

Evening Star Catchfly (Silene noctiflora). Near Ainsdale.

Golden Stone-crop (Sedum acre). Though for want of walls and
cliffs upon which it can take its favourite form of the
epaulette, this beautiful little plant cannot be expected



7 6 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

to be seen at Southport in perfection ; the growth upon
the ground is free and cheerful, and the brilliancy of the
individual flowers is in no degree inferior.

Knotted Spurrey (Spergula nodosd). Plentiful, and when the
sunshine opens the sensitive milk-white flowers, a very
pleasing little gem.

Agrimony (Agrimonia Eupatoriuni). The yellow flowers,
scented like apricots, borne in a long and erect spire,
which never has an immediately adjacent neighbour.

Sandhills Rose {Rosa spinosissima^ or pimpinellifolia). The
most thorny of its beautiful genus; the usual height
about twenty inches ; the large flowers creamy white.

The Dewberry (Rubus ccesius). In many places among the
sandhills, especially where fenced as private property,
this very interesting species of bramble attains per-
fection. Trailing upon the ground, the long branches
reduce one's pace to the slowest. In late summer they
are loaded with the handsome fruit, at once dis-
tinguished from blackberries by the great size and
the fewness of the component drupeolre, which are
covered, moreover, with a delicate glaucous bloom,
instead of being jetty and shining.

Wild Thyme (Thymus Serpylluni). Like the Golden Stone-
crop, this elegant little plant is unable to present the
most beautiful forms it is capable of taking for want of
broken rock. The hue and the odour, however, are
such as always near the sea.

Yellow Bartsia (Bartsia viscosa). Occurs in damp localities
upon the inland side of the sandhills, commencing
with the neighbourhood of Birkdale.



THE FLORA. 77

Teesdalia (Teesdalia nudicaulis). In many places, after quit-
ting the town southwards.

Spring Draba (Draba vernd). Upon dry and grassy slopes,
similar to those haunted by the Teesdalia.

Flix-weed (Sisymbrium Sophia). At Birkdale, among the
sandhills, this plant occurs sometimes in incredible pro-
fusion. Distinguished at once from all our other native
Cruciferse by the minuteness of the yellow flowers, and
the very light and minutely dissected leaves.

Common Stork's-bill (Erodium cicutarium). Abundant upon
grassy slopes.

Large Crimson Cranes-bill (Geranium sanguineum). Occasion-
ally in similar situations.

Milk-wort (Poly gala vulgaris). Common, where defended by
short turf, and in all its curious diversities of colour
violet-purple, lavender-blue, pink, and creamy-white.

Rest-harrow (Ononis aruensis). In cloudy weather scarcely
noticeable, but when the sun shines warm and bright,
very beautiful in the abundance of its large rosy-pink
flowers, fashioned like those of the sweet-pea. Occurs
both with spines and without.

Lady's Fingers (Anthyllis Vulneraria). Another very striking
leguminous plant, the heads of lemon-yellow flowers,
which bear a good deal of resemblance to clover,
invariably two together, one slightly above the other, and
the calyces covered with dense white down.

Bird's-foot (Ornithopus perpusillus}. The most dainty of the
indigenous species of the same order, the little pink-
veined flowers requiring a magnifier to be appreciated.
Occurs upon grassy slopes, where somewhat dry.



78 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Autumnal Hawkbit (Apargia autumnalis). In similar situa-
tions.

Sand-hills Carex (Carex arenaria). Everywhere, in profusion,
spreading underground.

Narrow-leaved Hawk-weed {Hieracium iiinbellatuni). For-
merly very plentiful upon the sandhills to the north of
Southport, and doubtless still holding its old seat in quiet
recesses.

Sea-side Thistle (Cardttus tenuiflorus). Upon the sandhills,
both north and south, but scarce, the seeds seeming to
be a favourite kind with frugivorous birds.

Milk-thistle (Carduus Marianus}. Occasionally. In respect
of foliage, the most beautiful of the English thistles,
every leaf being laced and veined with white, whence
the name and the mediaeval dedication.

Common Cud-weed (Filago Germanica). Upon grassy slopes,
where somewhat dry. Rather scarce.

Blue Flea-bane (Erigeron acris}. In similar habitats, and of
the same degree of infrequency.

Heath Groundsel (Senecio sylvaticus). Often shelters itself
upon the inland side of a bed of mat-grass. A very
interesting plant, in figure like the common garden
groundsel, but strongly aromatic, and the exterior of the
capitules wholly green.

Golden rod (Solidago Virg-aurea). Occasionally in dry and
grassy places, where not exposed to the direct sea-breeze.

At the foot of the sandhills, upon the seaward side, where
touched at periods, more or less distant, by the salt water, or
by the spray of high tides ; and upon the broad flats which
are covered frequently, grow many other plants of singular



THE FLORA. 79

interest. Some of these never occur except in habitats such

as, for convenience sake, may be called saline. A few of

them, strange to say, do quite as well in calcareous inland

fields. To the first class may be referred the following some

of them frequent, others, at Southport, very scarce :

Glass-wort (Salsola Kali}.

Sea-side Poa (Poa maritima).

Procumbent Poa (Poa procumbens).

Rottbollia (Rottbollia incurvata).

Sea-side Plantain (Plantago maritima).

Sea Milk-wort (Glaux maritima).

Sea-side Goose-foot (Suceda maritima).

Sea-lavender (Statice Limonium).

Sea-side Arrow-grass (Triglochin maritimum).

Sea-side Sand-wort (Honckneya peploides).

Yellow-horned Poppy (Glaucium luteum).

Purple Sea-rocket (Cakile maritima). A beautiful plant, the
flowers resembling those of the garden stock, and often
to be found, when the season is mild, in the depth of
winter.

Sea-side Wormwood (Artemisia maritima).

Sea-side Starwort (Aster Tripolium). A very charming
autumnal flower ; the blossoms, yellow, with lilac rays,
resembling those of the Michaelmas daisy, or "Farewell-
summer" of the gardens, and produced abundantly upon
the flats, where often wetted.

Salicornia (Salicornia herbacea). Often supposed to be, and
collected for sale under the name of " samphire." Dis-
tinguished at once by the total want of leaves, the
salicornia consisting of green, cylindrical, fleshy pencils,
joined, as it were, end to end.



80 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

The plants found upon the Southport shore, which also
occur in inland habitats, are preeminently the

Sea-side Pink, or Thrift (Armerta maritima).

Scurvy-grass (Cochlearia Danica), and the

Strawberry Trefoil (Trifolium fragtferum}, that pretty species
which converts the heads of bloom during the maturation
of the seed into the similitude of raspberries.

THE INLAND PLANTS.

The inland portion of the Southport flora consists, in the
main, of plants such as are commonly met with all over
England, in fields and by waysides those, in a word,
which constitute the ordinary vegetation of the country,
where a distinct character is not given by the predominance
of limestone. Plants requiring or fond of calcareous soil
are here not to be expected. In compensation there occur
many which are identified more particularly with the New
red-sandstone formations, and which, in course of ages, have
no doubt moved westwards from the great red-sandstone
districts a few miles further to the east. To enumerate these
very common and universally diffused plants is not necessary.
The list would be little more than a catalogue of the ordinary
components of turf, and of the accustomed weeds of culti-
vated land, and of shaded banks and rural hedgerows, though
many of the latter are quite as well entitled to the appellation
of wild-flowers as the rarest and most eagerly sought of the
botanical treasures and curiosities. Many of these compara-
tively common plants are not, after all, to be expected to occur
near Southport in abundance. A walk of two or three miles
into the country is needful for the finding of a considerable!



THE FLORA. 8 1

number. The direction likely to prove most rewarding is
that one which would be taken by anyone bent on learning
the country about Crossens and Churchtown, and beyond, up
to the borders of the Ribble.

The most interesting of the inland plants found where

the ground is dry a class quite distinct from the

aquatics and the amphibia are as follow :
Germander Speedwell ( Veronica Chamcedrys).
Medicinal Tea Speedwell ( Veronica officinalis).
Sweet-scented Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratuni).
Meadow Fox-tail Grass (Alopecurus pratensis}.
Meadow Cat's-tail Grass (Phleum pratense).
Brown Bent-grass (Agrostis vulgaris).
Meadow Soft-grass (Holcus lancttus}.
Silver Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum avenaceuni).
Golden Oat-grass (Trisetum flavescens).
Smooth Meadow-grass (Poa pratensis).
Rough Meadow-grass (Poa trivialis).
Quaking-grass (Briza media}.
Rough Cock's-foot Grass (Dactylis glomeratd).
Crested Dog's-tail Grass (Cynosunis cristatus}.
Meadow Fescue-grass (Festuca pratensis).
Soft Bromc-grass (Bromus mollis).
Ray-grass (Lolium perenne).
Meadow Burnet (Satiguisorba officinalis).
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris}.
Viper's Bugloss (Echiuin vulgare). The sight of a mass of

this plant one summer at Birkdale filled everybody with

astonishment.

Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis).
G



82 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Primrose (Primula vulgar is}.

Cowslip {Primula veris).

Black Nightshade (Solatium nigrum).

White Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia septum).

Sheep's Scabious (Jasione montana).

Woodbine (Lonicera Periclymenuni).

Dog's Violet ( Viola canind).

Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor).

Wild Carrot (Daucus Carota].

Lilac Hedge-parsley (Torilis Anthriscus)

Pig-nut (Bunium flexuosum).

Slender Hedge-parsley (Anthriscus vulgaris).

Bladder Campion (Silene inflata).

Stellaria (Stellaria Holosted).

Wood-sorrel (Oxalis Acetosella).

Corn-cockle (Githago segetum).

Red Campion (Lychnis dioicd).

Wood Strawberry (Fragaria vescd).

Silver-weed (Potentilla Anserina).

Cinque-foil (Potentilla reptans).

Corn-poppy (Papaver dubium).

Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa).

Yellow Toad-flax (Linaria vulgaris).

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea).

Lady-smock ( Cardamine pratensis).

Yellow Rocket (Barbarea rulgaris).

Herb- Robert (Geranium Robertianum).

Musk Mallow (Malva moschatd).

Fumitory (Fumaria offidnalis).

Furze (Ulex europceus].



THE FLORA. 83

Broom (Sarothamnus Scoparius}.
Bitter Vetch (Orobus tuber osus],
Yellow Field-pea (Lathyrus pratensis).
Purple-tufted Vetch ( Vitia Cracca).
Narrow-leaved Crimson Vetch ( Vicia angustifolia).
Melilot (Melilotus offidnalis}.
Zigzag Clover Trifolium medium).

Meadow Lotus Lotus corniculatus]. Very beautifully deve-
loped ; also upon the sandhills.
Common St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatuni).
Pretty St. John's Wort {Hypericum pulchrum).
Yellow Goat's-beard (Tragopogon pratensis).
Mouse-ear Hawkweed (Hieracium PiloscUci}.
Golden-rod (Solidago Virgaurea).
Flea-bane (Pulicaria dysenterica).
Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemutn vulgare).
Corn-marigold (Chrysanthemum segetum}.
Sneeze-wort (Achillea Ptarmica).
Milfoil (Achillea Millefoliuni).
Common Centaury (Centaurea nigra).
Wild Hop (Humulus Lupulus\
Tamus (Tamus communis).

The level land which stretches east and southwards from
Southport is in many parts intersected by little watercourses,
the flora of which presents features quite novel, and often of
.great attractiveness. The most interesting constituents are
not, perhaps, those which possess the special charm of beauty
of blossom, except in some few instances. There are plenty,
however, that are gay enough for the bouquet, as will be seen
from the enumeration, which includes also the principal
marsh plants.



4 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Mare's-tail (Hippuris vulgaris). This very curious plant
occurs in ditches near Blowick, and in various other
places; also in the little pools retained in gardens.
Those who are interested in productions so singular
should be careful not to overlook the submerged shoots,
developed in their perfection about October, when the
leaves are several inches in length.

Marsh Speedwell ( Veronica scutellatd).

Water Speedwell ( Veronica Anagallis].

Brooklime ( Veronica Becabungd).

Bladderwort (Utricularia minor).

Ivy-leaved Duckweed (Lemna trisulca).

Great Duckweed (Lemna polyrhiza}.

Great Lilac Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis).

Yellow Water- flag, or Fleur-de-lis (Iris Pseud-acorus).

Ribbon-grass (Digraphis arundinacea}.

Tufted Hair-grass (Aira ccespitosa).

Floating Sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans}.

Great English Reed (Phragmites communis).

White Marsh Galium (Galium palustre)

Pondweed (Potamogetoti). Several species occur, but they
wait discrimination.

Poets' Forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris).

Hottonia (Hottonia palustris). One of the most beautiful
of our native aquatics, the slender flower stems rising
to a height of about nine inches above the surface
of the water, with many whorls of flowers resembling lilac
primroses.

Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliatd). A worthy companion of
the preceding, and its near rival in loveliness, as may be



THE FLORA. 85

judged from one of its names, "the hyacinth of the

marshes." Distinguished at once by the white beards

upon the purple-tinged white petals.
Marsh Violet ( Viola palustris).
Wild Celery (Apium graveolens}.
Angelica (Angelica sylvestris).
Slender Water Dropwort (CEnanthe fistulosa). A very singular

and elegant plant, composed in every part of slender

green tubes.

Common Water Dropwort ((Enanthe crocata).
Common Marshwort (Sium nodifloruni).
Fine-leaved Marshwort (Sium angustifolium).
Common Water-Plantain (Alisma Plantago}.
Small Water-Plantain (Alisma ranunculoides).
Amphibious Persicaria (Polygonum amphibiuni).
Flowering-rush (Butomus umbellatus).
Ragged Robin (Lychnis Flos-cuculi).
Purple Lythrum (Lythmim Salicaria).
Meadow-sweet (Spircea Ulmarid}.
Water Septfoil (Comarum palustre).
White Water-lily (Nymphcea alba}.
Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar lutea).
Water Snowcups (Ranunculus aquatilis).
Marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris}.
Common Water-mint (Mentha hirsuta). Occurs also among

the sandhills.

Water-cress (Nasturtium officinale).
Bur-marigold (Bidens cernua).
Butterbur (Petasites vulgaris).
Reed-mace (Typha latifolid).



86 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Common Bur-reed (Sparganium ramosuni).

Sedges (Carex). The species found wild about Southport

wait discrimination.
Common Horn-wort (Ceratophylluni).
Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum}.
Cinnamon-rush (Acorus Calamus],
Frog-bit (Hydrocharis Morsus-ranoe).

FERNS AND FERN-ALLIES.

The neighbourhood of Southport, it hardly needs the
saying, is not one which can be expected to be favourable to
an abundance of native ferns. Ferns are plants which in most
cases love moist and shady woods, or calcareous cliffs, or, as
happens with the sub-maritime species, rocks like those of North
Devon. Habitats such as these are not compatible with the
sandy flats of the sea-margin of Lancashire, though at a few
miles distance inland, it is not difficult to discover groves
where the larger kinds of ferns, at least, have a congenial abode.
The beautiful, not to say romantic dell, or ravine, at
Gathurst, called Dean-wood, teems with the graceful forms
of the shield-ferns, in several kinds. The deep cuttings
upon the borders of the moss, especially towards Halsall
and Scarisbrick, likewise afford a plentiful display ; while
towards Crossens, and thereabouts, the hedgebanks also con-
tribute. The following are the species which have been
observed :

Common Polypody (Polypodium vulgare).
Common Shield-fern (Lastrea- Filix-mas).
Broad-leaved Sylvan Shield-fern (Lastrea dilatatd). The
most plentiful of the South and West Lancashire ferns.



THE FLORA. 87

Lady-fern (Asplenium Filix-famina).
Common Brake (Pteris Aquilina).
Northern Hard-fern (Blechnum boreale)..
Osmunda (Osmunda regalis).
Moonwort (Botrychbm Lunaria).
Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum).

EQUISETACE.E.

Three or four species of the very curious genus Equisetum
occur about Southport, especially at and beyond Birkdale
and Ainsdale, where, in the slacks among the sandhills, there
is great plenty, in particular, of the Equisetum palustre. The
very pretty little variegatum likewise occurs here. In cultivated
land, and in gardens as a troublesome weed, the arvense is
also well known; and in ponds may be found, at intervals, the
densely-crowded and reed-like limosum.

LVCOPODIACE^E.

One only of this remarkable order belongs to the South-
port flora, the very elegant little Lycopodium selaginoides, which
is met with occasionally upon the sandhills. The habitats of
the other British species are such as to render their existence
at Southport impossible.



To the bryologist, as said above, Southport has many
attractions, though limited, as regards locality, to the sand-
hills. So much remains still to be done in the examination of
our local mosses, that no more than a very partial list could at
present be given. We consider it better, accordingly, to wait



88 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

until some painstaking student shall supply a catalogue that
will be at least approximately complete.

The same may be said as regards the local Algs, Lichens,
Fungi, and the other families of the purely cellular crypto-
gamia. Southport is still in expectancy that her scientific,
men will devote a portion of their time to these most beauti-
ful of the minor forms of vegetable life. A rich harvest
awaits their researches. Everyone who possesses a good
microscope may help in the good work.





CHAPTER VI.



Ten thousand warblers cheer the day, and one

The live-long night ; not these alone, whose notes

Nice-fingered art must emulate in vain,

But cawing Rooks, and Kites that swim sublime

In still repeated circles screaming loud :

The Jay, the Pie, and e'en the boding Owl

That hails the rising moon, have charms for me.

COWPER.



THE SOUTHPORT BIRDS.

MTHE interest of the Southport Ornithology equals that of
* its Botany. That many of the most celebrated of our
native British birds are never seen or heard in the neighbour-
hood, is no doubt true. Those which belong to us, it is
equally true, are the ordinary ones of our sea-girt island.
To anyone who really cares for birds, this makes no difference.
Their being ancient Britons in no degree diminishes the
interest attaching to the observation of their habits, manners,
and customs ; nor, if they be of the minstrel class, does it
render their song less inviting and reanimating. Should the
nightingale some day pay us a visit, the fact would be a very



90 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

interesting one to record in the newspaper ; meanwhile, it is
incomparably better that we have the permanent and sub-
stantial reality of the presence of representatives of the best
of the genuine old " county families " the throstle, the little
dunnock, and the skylark. On a summer's morning, where
shall we look for sensations more delightful than are excited
by the little creature that " at heaven's gate sings ?"

A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there,

Which, seek through the world, you'll not meet with elsewhere.

Many very interesting birds come as visitors also, in spring
and summer the swallow, the whitethroat, the yellow wag-
tail, the wheatear ; and, best of all because fitted by nature
to give pleasure to the largest number of people the cuckoo,
sweet magnet of the heart, as in May we tread the rising grass,
or wander amid the airy solitudes of the sandhills, which provide
epjoyment for all seasons, and in no way more bountifully
than through the medium of the birds. In winter, again,
there is an influx of visitors by no means inconsiderable,
these consisting chiefly of curious and uncommon shore-
birds, the variety of which belonging to the northern coast of
Lancashire, gives it very special attractions to the ornitho-
logist. Exposed to wind and sea-tempest, the shore, in
winter, often furnishes other very interesting specimens the
bodies of maritime birds that have succumbed to distress of
weather, and are tossed up like so much wreckage. The
puffin, the razor-bill, and the stormy petrel, in particular, are
thus made known to observers intent on such things.
Curious sea-birds also get captured sometimes by fishermen,
when far out upon the water, not uncommonly by entangle-
ment in their nets ; and these, when of eatable kinds being



THE BIRDS. 91

chiefly young birds get exposed for sale in the market.

The number of distinct species of birds known to exist in
the world is not less than eleven thousand, and many more
probably exist in remote corners, of which little has yet been
learned. In Great Britain, there exist about two hundred,
either established denizens, or regular visitors ; and about a
hundred and sixty more have been known to come for awhile,
and at longer or shorter intervals, from other countries some,
as rare emigrants, others, it would seem, by misadventure.
Birds, in their aerial voyages, often wander inconceivably far
from home; so that, in all countries, solitary examples of
different kinds are met with in turn, and this, once for all, or
nearly so the same spot being never revisited. In 1807, a
pratincole came to Ormskirk, where it was shot, as a reward
for its love of adventure, the stuffed remains going to
Knowsley, and thence to the Liverpool Museum. A red
phalarope came to Birkdale in 1832. Since about that time,
the ring-ousel and the arctic gull have also come to Southport,
once each.

In surveying the ornithology of any given district, it
becomes important accordingly to distinguish the birds of the
year into three separate classes, Permanent Residents (in
Britain) ; the Regular Visitors from other countries, summer
or winter ; and the Casuals, or vagrants. Of the first class,
Southport appears to have about sixty ; regularly immigrating
birds have been reckoned to the number of about twenty ; and
of Casuals, chiefly shore and web-footed birds, the list runs
to about fifty. Many of the kinds of birds, however, which
no further back than twenty-five years ago, were plentiful in the
neighbourhood of Southport, have shared the fate of the



92 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

plants once so abundant, which now are scarce. Much waste
and marshy land has been drained, and adapted to the
requirements of a constantly increasing population ; and
the birds, finding their breeding places destroyed, and their
feeding localities impoverished, have wisely betaken them-
selves elsewhere. There has also been much deliberate
destruction with the gun a form of persecution very often
unnecessary and cruel. Farmers and gamekeepers are now
happily becoming alive to the fact that birds such as kestrels
and owls are not only harmless, but useful ; their food
consisting chiefly of mice and other ground vermin. Where-
ever hawks have been ruthlessly shot down, to the almost
total extermination of their kind, agriculturists have sustained
heavy loss. So with the reckless slaughter of the smaller
descriptions of birds. The havoc made in orchards and
gardens, and upon farm land, is sometimes undeniably-
vexatious. But it is balanced by the enormous consumption
of insects, grubs and caterpillars. Look, also, at those
heaps of broken and excavated snail-shells upon the sand-
hills, the picked bones of their repast, left by the thrushes
and the blackbirds ; both of which, we may remember again, if
disposed to be very cross with them, about the nibbling of 4 the
cherries, are liable to be themselves eaten by their own
pursuers, and very often do get eaten. No policy is more
short-sighted than the persistent destruction of birds. It is
the opprobrium of the present day, and if not changed, will
induce results that, when too late, will be deplored. Severe
winters, not so much through the intensity of the cold, as the
diminution of the natural food supply, keep all in order,
taking the average of years, in regard to excessive increase.



THE BIRDS. 93

The establishment of what will before long become fine
arboretums the Hesketh Park, and the Churchtown Botanic
Gardens will do much for our local feathered friends.
There, at least, they will be safe; a good effort of one kind
undesignedly promoting advantages of another and not less
desirable order. The maritime birds, fortunately, are not
exposed to the same kind of interference as those living on
land. The pearly-bosomed sea-gulls have it all their own
way ; and, here, it may be mentioned that one of the most
interesting spectacles to be witnessed in Southport, is the
daily feeding of these pretty, though harsh-voiced, birds at
the end of the Pier. That, while the land-birds are foremost
among nature's sanitary police, in regard to insects, c., the
sea-gulls are the ocean-scavengers, hardly needs the saying.
The practice at Southport is to feed the gulls with the refuse
of the market fish. Every day at noon, except upon Sundays,
it is thrown upon the water, piece after piece, from the lower
portion of the stage. The gulls are already assembled they
know it is twelve o'clock ; as an example of memory in birds,
a better and more interesting proof cannot be found as
regularly as the hour comes, if the day be bright, flocks of
them may be distinguished sailing up from a league distance,
and for ten or fifteen minutes, the clamour, and then the
activity, is an event never to be forgotten.

For the enjoyment to the full, of the song of the skylark,
it is best, perhaps, to go to Crossens, and beyond ; where the
fields and the heavens, at times, are quite saturated with the
simple music. A capital collection of specimens of the
Southport birds, formed by Mr. George Davis, is contained in
the Museum of the Churchtown Gardens.



94 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

The following list of the Southport birds includes all the
names mentioned in the original edition of this little volume.
They were inserted, almost wholly, upon the authority of
two excellent practical men, the late Mr. Graves, and the late
Mr. Tyrer. The frequency of the occurrence, at the present
day, of various species, will, no doubt, be found less by new
observers than it was twenty years ago. It shows, in any
case, that the time was when Southport could lay claim to
knowledge of no fewer than a hundred and thirty representa-
tives of the ornithological department of nature ; and, though
they may now be rare, what kinds of birds may reasonably be
expected to show themselves.

In this new catalogue, the names are re-arranged into two
out of the three great classes above indicated, viz., Birds
permanently residing in Britain, and Visitors, coming regularly
from foreign countries. The Southport " Casuals " (all
accounted British) are marked with an *

To facilitate the studies of persons interested in ornitho-
logy, reference is made after every name, to the coloured
drawing in Rev. F. O. Morris's " British Birds/' six volumes,
8vo, the first dated 1863. The numbers of the plates, as
here given, presume them to be consecutive from plate i in
vol. i, to plate 358 in vol. 6.

BIRDS PERMANENTLY RESIDING IN BRITAIN.

The Kestrel (Falco Tinnunculus). Morris, vol. i, pi. 17.
Abundant upon the sandhills, where it may be readily
distinguished, when upon the wing, by hovering over its prey.

* The Merlin (Falco ^Esalon).^Q\. i, pi. 16.

The Sparrow-hawk (Acdpiter fringil/arius). Vol. i, pi. 19.



THE BIRDS. 95

Occasionally upon the sandhills, where it feeds, like the
kestrel, upon small birds and young rabbits.

The Short-eared Owl (Strix brachyotus). Vol. i, pi. 23.
Inland, upon the moss, and thereabouts. An autumnal and
winter bird, seen upon dark days, hunting the ground in search
of mice, shrews, and small birds.

The Brown or Screech Owl (Strix aluco). Vol. i, pi. 28.
Occasionally among the sandhills.

The Barn or White Owl (Strix flammea). Vol. i, pi. 29.
Often to be seen on fine moonlight nights, hunting like the
short-eared owl.

The Song Thrush (Turdus musicus). Vol. 3, pi. 127.

The Missel Thrush, Storm Thrush or Rain-bird (Turdus
i'iscivorus). Vol. 3, pi. 124. Acquired its name from its
habit of singing during storms. Feeds upon ivy berries,
snails, slugs, &amp;c.

The Blackbird (Turdus merula). Vol. 3, pi. 131. Occa-
sionally in the valleys among the sandhills. Fond of
plantations and orchards.

The Hedge Sparrow or Dunnock (Accentor modularis).
Vol. 3, pi. 135.

The Robin (Sylvia rubecula). Vol. 3, pi. 136.

* The Stonechat (Sylvia rubicola). Vol. 3, pL 140. Occa-
sionally about Birkdale and Ainsdale, frequenting the tops of
furze and other bushes.

The Great Titmouse or Tomtit (Par us major). VoL i,
pi. 36.

The Blue Titmouse (Parus cxruleus). VoL i, pi. 39.

The Marsh Titmouse (Parus palustris}. Vol. i, pL 40.
Haunts the willow and poplar trees.



g6 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

The Long-tailed Titmouse (Par us caudatus). Vol. i, pi. 41.

The Water Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, or Dish-washer (Mota-
cilla Yarrellii).Vo\. 2, pi. 80.

The Grey Wagtail (Motacilla sulphured}. Vol. 2, pi. 82.
Generally in small flocks, and without shyness.

The Meadow Pipit or Titling (Ant/ius pratensis}.
Vol. 2, pi. 86. Fond of grassy spots among the sandhills.
Also in meadows.

The Skylark or Lavrock (Alaiida arzvnsts). Vol. 2, pi. 93.

The Common Bunting (Emberiza miliaria). Vol. 2, pi. 97.
The Black -headed Bunting (Emberiza Schotniculus).
Vol. 2, pi. 98.

The Yellow Ammer, or Yellow Bunting {Emberiza citrine/la}
Vol. 2, pi. 98.

The Chaffinch or Spink ( Fringilla Calebs). \ T o\. 2, pi. 102.

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus}. Vol. 2, pi. 105.

The Greenfinch (Coccothraustcs chloris). Vol. 2, pi. 106.

The Common or Brown Linnet (Fringilla cannabind).

Vol. 2, pi. IIO.

The Less Redpole (Linaria minor). Vol. 2, pi. in.
The Starling or Shepster (Stnrnus vulgaris*). Vol. 3,

pi. 121.

The Hooded Crow (Conns comix). Vol. i, pi. 53.
The Rook ( Corvus frugilegus). Vol. i. pi. 54.

* The Jackdaw (Corvus monedula). Vol. i, pi. 55.
Occasionally seen about Halsall and Scarisbrick, in company
with rooks and gulls ; and about Formby, associating with
gulls and terns.

* The Magpie (Pica caudata}. Vol. i, pi. 56.

The Common Wren (Sylvia Troglodytes). -Vol. 3, pi. 160.



THE BIRDS. 97

The Peewit or Lapwing ( Vanellus cristatus). Vol. 4, pi. 192.

The Ring- Dove, Cushat, or Wood-Pigeon ( Columba palum-
bus). Vol. 3, pL 164. Occasionally in considerable numbers
in ploughed fields about Scarisbrick and Halsall, consorting
with rooks, jackdaws, gulls, and other birds ; during winter
often seen in turnip-fields.

The Common Partridge (Perdrix cinerea). Vol. 3, pi. 174.

* The Greater Butcher Bird (Lanius excubitor). Vol. i,
pi. 33. Occurs upon the sandhills, apparently searching for
lizards, which, when obtained, it transfixes upon thorns, and
tears to pieces. A very fierce bird, in spring the terror of all
its smaller neighbours, and pursuing any one of them that
may approach its place of resort.

The Smaller Butcher Bird or Red-backed Shrike (Lanius
collurio}. Vol. i, pi. 34. Like the preceding, this bird
impales its prey upon thorns, using the spines of dead
thistles, when it captures insects.

* The Hoopoe (Upupa epops).Vo\. i, pi. 49. Once at
Birkdale.

* The Rose-Ouzel (Pastor roseus). Vol. 2, pi. 120.
"Near Ormskirk."

* The Snow Bunting (Plectophanes nivalis). Vol. 2, pi. 95.
Occasionally, in very severe weather, upon farm-land, and
among the reeds in the slacks between Ainsdale and Formby.

* The Goldfinch (Fringilla carduelis). Vol. 2, pi. 108.
Has been seen upon the Birkdale sandhills, feeding on the
seeds of the Carline thistle.

The Golden-crested Wren (Regulus eristatus). Vol. 3,.
pi. 162. Towards Church town.

The Swift (Hirundo apus). Vol. 2, pi. 73.
H



98 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

The Heron (Ardea cinered). Vol. 4, pi. 197. "The
larches and birches at Scarisbrick Hall contain about two
dozen of the nests." Manchester Guardian, December 28,
1881.

The Bittern (Botaurus stellaris). Vol. 4, pi. 204. More
frequently heard than seen, the sound produced by this bird
resembling a heavy note upon a drum.

The Curlew (Numenius arquata). Vol. 4, pi. 211.
Frequent upon the shore, especially near the Ribble and the
Alt. In autumn, often met with in stubble-fields, searching
for snails, worms, slugs, and scattered grain.

The Whimbrel (Numenius phceopus). Vol. 4, pi. 212.

The Redshank (Scolopax calidris}. Vol. 4, pi. 214.

The Godwit (Scolopax lapponica). Vol. 4, pi. 222.

The Dunlin or Sea-lark (Tringa alpina). Vol. 4, pi. 240.

The Little Stint (Tringa minuta). VoL 4, pi. 236.

The Knot (Tringa canutus}. Vol. 4, pL 232.

The Turnstone (Tringa interpres). Vol. 4, pi. 193.

The Ruff (Tringa pugnax). VoL 4, pi. 224.

The Grey Plover (Tringa squatarold). Vol. 4, pi. 191. In
the winter not uncommon.

The Golden Plover ( Charadrius pluvialis). VoL 4, pi. 186.
Occurs in the slacks about Ainsdale, summer and winter.

The Ring Plover (Charadrius Hiaticula). Vol. 4, pi. 188.
Upon the sandhills at Birkdale and Ainsdale.

The Sanderling (Calidris arenaria). Vol. 4, pi. 194.

* The Curlew-billed Sandpiper (Scolopax pygmoea). Vol. 4,
pi. 231. Occasionally in the autumn.

* The Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus). Vol. 5, pi. 246.
The Oyster Catcher (Hcematopus ostralegus). Vol. 4,

pi. 195. Upon the shore during the winter.



THE BIRDS. 99

* The Coot (Fulica afro). Vol. 5, pi. 248.

:;c The Common Gallinule or Water Hen (Gallinula
Mot-opus}. Vol. 5, pi. 247.

The Spotted Water Hen (Gallimila Porzana). Vol. 5,
pi. 243.

* The Crested Grebe (Colymbus cristatus). Vol. 5, pi. 294.
Formby.

* The Eared Grebe (Colymbus auritus). Vol. 5, pi. 297.

* The Little Grebe or Dabchick (Colymbus Hebridicus).
Vol. 5, pi. 298. Crossens.

* The Avocet (Recurvirostra Avocettd). Vol. 4, pi. 220.

* The Little Auk ( Uria minor). Vol. 6, pi. 306.

The Foolish Guillemot (Uria Trick). Vol. 6, pi. 302.
Occasionally seen at sea, in flocks of four or six. They dive so
rapidly that to obtain specimens is difficult. Sometimes found
entangled in fishing nets.

* The Common Cormorant (Pdicanus Carlo). Vol. 6,
pi. 310. Has been seen at Formby.

The Gannet or Solan Goose (Sula Bassana). Vol. 6,
pi. 312. Frequently seen off the coast in winter.

* The Pochard or Red-headed Widgeon (Anas ferind).
Vol. 5, pi. 282.

* The Shieldrake or Sheldrake (Anas Tadornd). Vol. 5,
pi. 266. Has been known to breed in the Ainsdale
sandhills.

* The Shoveller Duck (Anas clypeata).

The Wild Duck or Mallard (Anas Boschas). Vol. 5, pi. 270.

The Widgeon (Anas Penelope). Vol. 5, pi. 273.

The Teal (Anas crecca). Vol. 5, pi. 272.

The Wild or Grey Goose (Anas anser). Vol. 5, pi. 251.



100 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

The Greater Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus}. Vol. 6,

Pi- 337-
The Less Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus}.Vo\. 6,

Pi- 336.

The Herring Gull (Larus argentatus). Vol. 6, pi. 338.

The Common Gull or Sea-mew (Larus canus). Vol. 6,
pi. 334. Often resorts, as the other gulls sometimes do, to
fields and ploughed land, in search of food.

The Kittiwake (Larus Rissa). Vol. 6, pi. 340.

The Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus).Vo\. 6,
pi. 331. Both on the shore and inland, very numerous.

* The Arctic Gull (Larus parasiticus).

The Roseate Tern (Sterna Dougallii).Vo\. 6, pi. 315.
Often seen among the sandhills at Ainsdale and Formby,
where it breeds.

The Common Tern or Sea Swallow (Sterna Himndd).
Vol. 6, pi. 316. With the preceding.

* The Black Tern (Sterna nigra). Vol. 6, pi. 323. With
the preceding.

* The Little Tern (Sterna minuta). Vol. 6, pi. 322.
Occasionally in the same localities.

PERIODICAL VISITORS TO BRITAIN FROM OTHER COUNTRIES,
IN SPRING AND SUMMER.

The Wheat-ear (Sylvia (Enantke). Vol. 3, pi. 142.
Among the sandhills in March and April, and again in Sep-
tember and October. This bird is apt to turn over the refuse
left by the tide, in search of food.

The Sedge Warbler or Reed Wren (Sylvia Saliearia).
Vol. 3, pi. 145-



THE BIRDS. 10 1

The Black-cap Warbler (Sylvia atricapilla). Vol. 3, pi. 150.
The Common White-throat (Sylvia cinerea}. Vol. 3,

Pi- i53-

The Whinchat (Sylvia rubetrd). Vol. 3, pi. 141. Abundant
in the meadows.

The Willow Warbler or Yellow Willow Wren (Sylvia
Trochilus}, Vol. 3, pi. 156.

The Chiff-chaff or Less Petty-chaps (Sylvia rufa}.
Vol. 3, pi. 158.

The Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava\ Vol. 2, pi. 84.

The Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). Vol. 2, pi. 71.

The Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Vol. 2, pi. 76.

The Sand Martin (Hirundo riparid). Vol 2, pi. 79.

The House Martin (Hirundo urbica}. Vol. 2, pi. 78.

The Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus). Vol. 4, pi. 187.

The Spotted Fly-catcher (Muscicapa grisold). Vol. i,
pi. 44.

The Common Sandpiper (Tringa Hypoleucos). Vol. 4,
pi. 217.

The Corncrake or Landrail ( Crex pratensis}. Vol. 5, pi. 242

* The Quail (Perdrix coturnix). Vol. 3, pi. 178.

* The Red Phalarope (Phalaropus hyperboreus), Vol. 5,
pi. 250.

* The Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus). Vol. 5,
pi. 249.

IN AUTUMN AND WINTER.

The Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris). Vol. 3, pi. 125.
The Redwing (Turdus iliacus). Vol. 3, pi. 126.
The Common Snipe (Scolopax gallinago). Vol. 4, pi. 227.
The Jacksnipe or Judcock (Scolopax gallinula). Vol. 4,
pi. 228.



102 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

The Woodcock (Scolopax rusticold). Vol. 4, pi. 225.
The Scoter or Black Douker (Anas nigra). Vol. 5, pi. 279.
Often at sea.

The Golden-eyed Duck (Anas dangula). Vol. 5, pi. 288.

* The Scaup Duck (Anas marita). Vol. 5, pi. 254.

* The Tufted Duck (Anas fuligula). Vol. 5, pi. 285.
The Pintail Duck (Anas acuta}.Vo\. 5, pi. 269.

* The Wild Swan (Anas cygnus). Vol. 5, pi. 261. In very
severe weather.

The Barnacle Goose (Anas Bernida). Vol. 5, pi. 255.
The Brent Goose (Anas J3renta).Vo\. 5, pi. 256.
The Goosander (Mergus Merganser}. Vol. 5, pi. 293.

* The Red-breasted Goosander (Mergus serrator}.
Vol. 5, pi. 292.

The Smew (Mergus albellus). Vol. 5, pi. 290.

* The Northern Diver (Colymbus glacialis}.Vo\. 6,
pL 299.

The Red -throated Diver (Colymbus septentrionalis).
Vol. 6, pL 301. Not uncommon off the coast, and occa-
sionally taken in nets.

* The Sandwich Tern (Stetna Boysii). Vol. 6, pi. 314.



CHAPTER VII.



It was the blush of morn, earth's choral hour,

And the green grass was veil'd with gossamer,

Silken as faery tunics seen in dreams,

And set with dew-pearls, fairer far than ours !

What loom can emulate the spider's craft,

Or weave, as they have woven thus, all time ?

We call them loathsome, cruel who can look

Upon the jewell'd Diadema, thron'd

Within her complex armature of toils,

And fail to wonder ? Who hath arm'd this race

With all the lithesome serpent's fatal craft ?

Set them by glebe and woodland, pool and cave,

The ancient, peerless hunters of the world ?

B. CARRINGTON.



ARACHNIDA AND CRUSTACEA OF
SOUTHPORT.

HE entire credit of the list of local spiders here given is
due to the Rev. O. Pickard-Cambridge, one of the
greatest of the British authorities upon the subject.

The following remarks by Mr. Cambridge are valuable, as
being explanatory of the principles on which the list has
been compiled : " I do not pretend to say that this is a



104 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

perfect list, for on one side of Southport lies a vast tract of fen

or moss land, which I have hardly ever had time to search at
all ; but the ground I have searched, principally the sandhills
along the coast, has been ransacked pretty thoroughly ; and,
therefore, as the area is so much the more confined, the list is
perhaps of so much the greater value. The relative abundance
of species in any locality is also, I think, of importance ; but
the words we commonly use to denote abundance or the
contrary are generally so vague, and used or understood by
different naturalists in so different a sense, that I will just in
a few words try to explain the value of the general terms
' rare,' ' common,' etc., appended to the names in the list, as I
myself use and understand them.

" The term very common is used to denote that the species

. may be taken, in its season, in the locality in question, as we

should say in popular language, 'in any numbers,' that is,

that a hundred or so might be captured during an afternoon

of four or five hours, and this without any special search for it.

" Common denotes that, in popular language, ' a great
many' might be taken in the above time, that is, to the number
of, say, forty or fifty, and this with but slight special search.

" Frequent denotes that a score or so might be taken, in the
same time, with ordinary careful search.

"Not rare denotes that a close search will generally procure
what we call ' a few,' that is, from five to ten or a dozen.

" Occasional denotes that during the time stated, and with
careful search, two or three may be captured.

" Rare would show that a specimen would be likely to be
obtained as we should say only ' once now and then,' that is,
about once out of several afternoons' very careful search.



THE ARACHNIDA. 105

" Very rare would denote that one or two specimens in the
run of a season would be all that a careful search and open-
eye for it would obtain."

To assist those who may be disposed to collect in this
branch of Natural History, it may be well to state the mode
of preserving Spiders. Specimens should be put up in small
glass tubes filled with spirits of wine, or what is better still,
in small bottles having a slight constriction or neck near the
mouth, so that the cork can be compressed and the rapid
evaporation of the spirit be prevented.

In the following list it will be seen that of the two tribes
of the order Araneidea known to inhabit Great Britain,
one only is represented ; of the families making up this tribe
nine out of ten are represented (the tenth, however, contains
but one British genus and one British species); out of
twenty-eight genera composing the families eighteen are
represented; and lastly, out of two hundred and seventy
species contained in the twenty-eight genera, eighty are
represented.



FAMILY LYCOSID^E.

GENUS LYCOSA.

Agretyca. Frequent; among grass and herbage on banks and

sides of ditches, etc.

Campestris. Not rare ; in same places as the last
Andrenivora. Very rare ; on sandhills.
Nivalis. Common ; on sandhills.
Rapax. Frequent ; in company with Agretyca.
Pieta. Not rare ; on sandhills.



106 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Saccata. Frequent ; on moss land, etc., among grass.
Obscura. Occasional ; in company with the last.
Exigua. Very common ; almost everywhere.
Cambrica. Not rare ; among grass in the slacks, but yet

very local.
Piralica. Frequent ; in same localities as Cambrica.



FAMILY SALTICID^E.

GENUS SALTICUS.

Scenicus. Not rare; on walls, posts, and palings in sunshine.
Sparsus. Rare ; on trees, among grass, stems, and on walls.
Floricola. Very rare ; at grass roots on north sandhills.
Frontalis. Frequent ; at roots of grass and rubbish, on bank

sides.

Cupreus. Very rare ; in company with Frontalis.
Blackwallii. Very rare ; a single adult female of this large

handsome species was captured on a gate close to the

shore on the south side of the town, by the Rev. Hamlet

Clarke, in September, 1855.



FAMILY THOMISIDvE.

GENUS THOMISUS.

Cristatus. Occasional ; on the ground and at grass roots.
Audax. Very rare ; on the ground and at grass roots.

GENUS PHILODROMUS.

Ccespiticola. Frequent ; on dwarf willows on sandhills.
Oblongus. Common; at roots and on stems of star-grass, etc.



THE ARACHNIDA. 107

FAMILY DRASSID^E.

GENUS DRASSUS.

Pumilus. Rare ; on bare sandhills and at roots of grass.
Clavator. Very rare ; under ledges of sandhills and under

stones.

Cupreus. Frequent ; at roots of grass and moss.
Nitens. Not rare; among rubbish on dry bank sides, etc.,

the adult males running on roads, etc., in spring.

GENUS CLUBIONA.

Holosericea. Occasional ; in angles of summer-houses and in

curled leaves, etc.
Amarantha. Frequent ; at roots of star-grass and in curled

leaves.
Epimelas. Rare ; in curled leaves and holes in posts, etc.

GENUS ARGYRONETA.

Aquatica. In dykes, among water-weed and rubbish.



FAMILY CINIFLONID^E.

GENUS CINIFLO.

Atrox, Not rare ; under ledges of sandhills overgrown with

dwarf willow.
Similis. In outhouses, etc., not rare ; very closely allied

to Atrox. This is one of our common house spiders.

GENUS ERGATIS.

Benigna. Very rare ; at tips of shoots of plants, etc., in a

web, and running on paths in spring.
Latens. Rare ; running on ground in spring.



108 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

FAMILY AGELENID^:.

GENUS AGELENA.

Labyrinthica. Very common ; sitting in a tube in the centre
of a wide-spread net : all over the willow-grown sandhills.

Brunnea. Not rare ; at roots of star-grass and weeds, etc.

Civilis. Frequent ; in outhouses and old buildings. This
and Ciniflo similis are our two common house spiders.

FAMILY THERIDIID^E.

GENUS THERIDION.

Lineatum. Common ; almost everywhere.

Quadripunctatum. Rare ; in summer-houses and unused
rooms.

Nervosum. Not rare ; on bushes, etc., in a web.

Pictum. Not rare ; on hollies and in greenhouses.

Varians. Frequent ; in company with the two last.

Carolinum. Common, though local ; in many spots among
dwarf willows and herbage on the sandhills.

Fallens. Rare ; upon Scotch firs on the moss, at Kirkby.

Variegatum. Occasional ; among grass and weeds on dry
bank sides, near Churchtown, with its beautiful and pear-
shaped nest.

Filipes. Rare ; beneath sea-weed on shore.



FAMILY LINYPHIID^E.

GENUS LINYPHIA.

Montana. Frequent ; on Scotch firs, etc.

Marginata. Frequent; in hedges and in angles of outhouses.



THE ARACHNID A. 1 09

Pratensis. Frequent ; on low plants in woods, etc.
Fuliginea. Rare ; among star-grass, etc., on sandhills.
Minuta. Not rare; among star-grass, etc., on sandhills, and

in porches and unused rooms, etc.
Alticeps. Frequent ; among star-grass, etc., on sandhills.
Tennis. Common ; among star-grass, etc., on sandhills.
Terricola. Common ; among star-grass, etc., on sandhills :

very closely allied to tenuis.

Anthradna. Rare ; among star-grass, etc., on sandhills.
Pulla. Rare ; among star-grass, etc., on sandhills.
Erica>a. Frequent ; among star-grass, etc., on sandhills.
Tenella. Very rare ; among star-grass, etc., on sandhills.

GENUS NERIENE.

Bicolor. Frequent ; at roots of star-grass on sandhills.
Gracilis. Occasional ; running on walks, rails, and pavements.
Cornuta. Occasional; among grass, etc., on sandhills.
Apicata. Very rare ; among grass, etc., on sandhills.
Longipalpis. Common ; among grass, under sea-weed, and

on pavements.

Fusca. Rare ; under sea-weed in autumn.
Agrestis. Rare ; under sea-weed in autumn.
Vigilax. Very rare ; among grass on sandhills.
Trilineata. Common ; among grass on sandhills.
Variegata. Frequent ; among grass on sandhills.

GENUS WALCKENAERA.

Aggeris. Common ; at bottom of rubbish and grass on dry

bank sides, near Churchtown.

Monoceros. Very rare ; among grass and moss on sandhills.
Fastigata. Very rare ; among grass and moss on sandhills.



110 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

GENUS PACHYGNATHA.

Clerckii. Frequent; under the ha-ha wall, Formby Parsonage.
Degeerii. Frequent ; among grass in sandhills, and on roads,
etc., in spring.



FAMILY EPEIRID^E.

GENUS EPERA.

Quadrata. Frequent ; on bushes, etc.
Apoclisa. Common ; on herbage, etc., at edges of dykes.
Solers. Very rare ; among dwarf willows on sandhills.
Similis. Common ; in balconies, windows, and greenhouses.
Calophylla. Occasional ; on bushes and dwarf willows, etc.
Cucurbitina. Rare ; on bushes and dwarf willows, etc.
Inclinata. Very common ; everywhere.
Diadema, Very common ; everywhere.

GENUS TETRAGNATHA.

Extensa. Frequent; among herbage in damp places and
over water, etc., stretched at full length in its web.



THE CRUSTACEA. Ill

THE name Crustacea is derived from Crusta, a crust or hard
shell. The animals, which are annulose or articulated, with
jointed legs, possess a double or complete circulatory system,
and respire by means of bronchise, or gills. The external shell,
like that of insects, is composed of a dense horny substance
called chitine, often strengthened, as in the crab and lobster,
by the deposition of carbonate of lime.

The body, being jointed, possesses considerable freedom of
motion. The typical number of rings is twenty-one, but these
are often soldered together, as we may observe in the crab, so
that their relations are obscured. The animal has the power
of casting the shell at intervals, and renewing it as the increased

growth of the body requires. Otherwise, from the unyielding
nature of the carapace, it could not grow.

SPECIES OCCURRING AT SOUTHPORT.

Long-legged Spider Crab (Stenorhynchus Phalangtum). This
curious species is sometimes found on the sands near low
water mark ; all the specimens we have found have been
weakly and damaged, though living.

Slender Spider Crab (Stenorhynchus lenuirostris). Bears con-
siderable resemblance to the preceding, but is more
slender in its parts, and has little pubescence on the legs.
Less abundant than the former.

Scorpion Spider Crab (Inachus Dorsettensis). In this species
the rostrum is much shorter than in the two preceding,
and the hue is much duller.

Hyas araneus. A specimen was once found near where the
Whitworth guns were placed. When the legs were
extended it covered a space of four inches and a half



112 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

by three in width. The colours were not obscured,

though it had various shells and zoophytes adhering to

it.
Harbour Crab (Carrinus Mcenas). This is the most

abundant kind found on the shore ; sometimes eaten by

the poor ; though small, the flavour is good.
Portrtmnus variegatus. The shell of this species may be

found on the sands, but we have not seen it in the living

state.
Velvet Swimming Crab (Portumnus puber). Rare ; only one

specimen, and that in an exhausted state, has been

found to my knowledge.
Cleansing Swimming Crab (Portumnus Depurator). Common ;

very active, and swims with great rapidity, burying

itself in the sand as the water recedes.
Common Pea Crab (PinnotJieres Pisum}. Resides in shells,

oysters, scallops, cockles, &amp;c. The sexes vary much in

appearance, and have, until lately, been considered as

distinct species ; the female is the P. varians of authors.
Angular Crab (Gonoplax angulatd). This rare species was

found by Mr. Graves beyond the end of the Pier.

The colours were brighter than in most other kinds.
Masked Crab (Corystes Cassivelaunus). A common species,

and may be found at most seasons. In the female the

front legs are less than half the length of those of the

male.
Common Hermit Crab (Pagurus Bernhardus). The most

abundant species on our shore, generally inhabiting the

shell of the common whelk ; when left dry it contrives

to turn the mouth of the shell downwards. It is very



THE CRUSTACEA. 113

pugnacious ; we are unacquainted with its enemies, but
have met with great numbers with the abdomen and all
the posterior parts eaten away.

Pagurus ulidianus ? We name this species with some doubt,
having met with numerous specimens inhabiting the
shells of Natica monilifera, which have a strong
resemblance to the figure of this species in Bell's
" British Crustacea."

Norway Lobster (Nephrops Norvegicus}. This beautiful
species is given on the authority of Mr. James Glover.

Common Shrimp {Crangon vulgaris).

Common Prawn {Pandalus annulicornis). Occasionally taken
by the shrimpers, but not common, and much smaller
than on the south coasts.

Minute Porcelain Crab Porcellana longicornis}. This minute
species is often found on the sponge-like base of the
Lobster's-horn Coralline ; it is obtained from the size of
mustard seed to a quarter of an inch in diameter, and
varies in colour from a dull pale red to a brilliant scarlet,
intermixed with golden yellow.

Mysis Chamceleon. A specimen was found in 1861.

Pychnogonium littorale. A suctorial crustacean. J. G.





CHAPTER VIII.



I care not, Fortune, what you me deny ;

You cannot rob me of free nature's grace ;

You cannot shut the windows of the sky

Through which Aurora shows her brightening face ;

You cannot bar my constant feet to trace

The lonely shore at dewy morn and eve.

Let health my nerves and finer fibres brace,

And I their toys to the great children leave ;

Of nature, feeling, virtue, nought can me bereave.

THOMSON.



MOLLUSCA OF SOUTHPORT.

HE Mollusca are destitute of internal skeleton, and have
soft bodies, often protected by an external shell, as in
the banded snail of our sandhills (Helix nemoralis}, and the
common cockle. The shell cannot be regarded as essential;
for of two species closely allied in structure, e.g., the snail
and slug, it is often present in one, and absent or very
imperfectly developed in the other.

The Mollusca are further distinguished from the other
great sections of the invertebrate division of the Animal
Kingdom, the Articulata and Radiata, by the want of sym-



THE MOLLUSCA. 115

metry in the two halves of the body, and the absence of joints
or articulations, and lateral locomotive appendages.

The majority of our Shells are divided into two classes
Bivalves and Univalves. The Bivalve is a shell in two parts,
a right and left valve, connected by a hinge. The Univalve
is a conical or spiral shell, often closed by an operculum,
which is a plate attached to the foot of the animal, corres-
ponding in shape to the mouth of the shell. " The Mollusca,
though nearly all sedentary in their habits, are in their
earlier stages swimming animals, being provided with cilia
which enable them to move freely about. Aided by these
and the ocean currents, they are dispersed, sometimes to
immense distances, until they meet with conditions suitable
to their growth. It is a remarkable fact that the Bivalves, at
this period of their lives, have eyes, to aid them in their
movements." Thus there is a natural means by which their
over accumulation in any particular part is prevented. After
a few days of this free and sportive life, they begin to settle
down to the conditions and localities each is destined to
occupy. The limpet attaches itself to the rock, between high
and low water mark ; the cockle, the mya, and the razor-fish
bury themselves in the sand and mud ; the Teredines attack
and burrow into the sides of ships or the hardest wood, and
by their silent and ceaseless operations undermine some of
the most important works of man ; the Pholas excavates itself
a home in the rocks and cliffs, by what means science has
failed to discover ; the mussel forms itself a byssus or cable,
by which it is attached to rocks and timber, and one species
spins itself a silken nest. Some tribes retain the power of
moving about ; the Pecten and the Pinna take flying leaps



Il6 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

through the water by rapidly opening and closing their valves,
the large river mussel pushes itself along with its foot, and the
cockle jumps along the sand. The Univalves are provided
with a large muscular foot, by which they crawl along the
bottom of the sea, or upon aquatic plants and sea-weeds.
They have a head, eyes, a mouth armed with jaws, and a
tongue, called a lingual ribbon, which is covered with a
variable number of minute siliceous teeth. They feed upon
confervas, sea-weeds, and zoophytes ; many of them are carni-
vorous, attacking each other, and also the quiet bivalves. With
their file-like tongue they rasp a small hole through the shell,
and then devour the helpless inmate ; this will explain to the
shell-gatherer why so many of the shells he picks up on the
shore have little round holes drilled through them. The
Bivalves live upon the animalcula and microscopic vegetable
matter in the surrounding water; it is carried into the digestive
cavities of the animal by currents caused by the action of their
ciliary apparatus.

A stranger coming to Southport from one of the inland
counties for the purpose of collecting shells, would probably
be very much disappointed on his first visit to the shore, as
there are certainly very few shells to be found in the imme-
diate vicinity of the town. The best collecting ground is from
Birkdale to Formby, at high-water mark, and on the banks
near low-water at high-water mark during the period of the
highest tides, especially after heavy west or south-west gales,
and near low- water on the slopes of banks during low tides.
It is also well to examine the shore at extreme low-water
during the times of the highest tides of the year, as at those
parts which are not often left uncovered by the water, Mya



THE MOLLUSCA. 117

truncata is occasionally found, with its long and curious
syphonal tube, alive and perfect. Several minute species may
be found by collecting the broken shell and sand from the
ripple marks and the slopes of banks, and examining a small
quantity at a time in a shallow dish of water, at home.
Dredging, unless at a very considerable distance out, is un-
productive; scarcely anything can be obtained but species
which may be commonly found on the shore.

A collector may make a very pleasant excursion by taking
the train to Formby, crossing the sandhills to the shore, about
a mile distant, and walking back to Southport, in all from
eight to nine miles. A great many shells and other marine
curiosities may be found during the walk, and it avoids an
otherwise fatiguing return journey.

The Mollusca which have been found on this coast up to
the present time, number 146 species. Of these 104 are marine,
7 of them being naked Mollusca (3 Nudibranchs and 4
Sepiadae); and 42 are land and fresh water shells. The
latter not being migratory to any extent, or not so subject to
causes of removal, are, of course, actually native, or indige-
nous to the district. Of the marine species, judging from a
lengthened period of observation, 43 may be considered
common, or native to the immediate coast ; 35 are occasional
visitors, living, say within a radius of fifty or sixty miles ; and

26 species occur so rarely, live at probably such a distance,
and require such conditions, as to oblige us to consider them
quite foreign to our shore. These 146 species have been
found in a space of seven or eight miles along the shore, and
extending about two miles inland. In so small a space, and
considering how barren non-observers might suppose the



Il8 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

district to be, the collection may be considered a very fair
proportion of the whole British Conchology, which comprises
about 600 species.



MARINE SHELLS (BIVALVES).

ACEPHALA LAMELLIBRANCHIATA.

PHOLADIDjE.

Pholas crispata. Rare; small living specimens have been
found in pieces of rotten wood washed up by the tides,
and large single valves occasionally. The nearest habitat
for this species is Hilbre Island, at the mouth of the
Dee, where fine living specimens may be found burrow-
ing in the red sandstone rock at extreme low water.

Pholas Candida. Occasionally washed up alive, during very
heavy gales ; single valves common at all times.

GASTROCH/ENID/E.

Saxicava rugosa. Very rare ; has been found burrowing in
pieces of the zoophyte Alcyonium digitahtm, and also
attached to Modiola Modiolus when brought up from
deep water by the fishermen.
MYAD/E.

Mya truncata. Not uncommon. Fine specimens may some-
times be taken at extreme low water, during high spring
tides.

Mya arenaria. Single valves are not uncommon ; perfect
shells very rare.

CORBULID/E.

Corbula nucleus (the little basket). Occasionally found at
high water mark, and on slopes of banks nearer low
water. One valve is larger than the other ; the smaller



THE MOLLUSCA. 119

one has the appearance of being pressed into the larger,
a feature by which the species may be instantly
recognised.

ANATINID^E.

Thraria phaseolina. One of our most beautiful shells ; rather

abundant after high tides, and very fine.
Thracia convexa. Very rare, and single valves only.

SOLENID^E.

Solen marginatus (Sword Shell). Rare, and generally single
valves ; the shell is from four to six inches long, three-
quarters of an inch broad, with a groove indented at the
hinder margin.

Solen Siliqua (Razor Shell). Good perfect shells have been
found, but rarely ; single valves occasionally. This
species sometimes attains a great size, nine or ten
inches long, and an inch and a half broad. In many
parts of the kingdom it is used as an article of food, and
considered very delicate eating ; it lives buried in the
sand at low water, from one to two feet deep. The
creatures are caught by pushing crooked wires down the
hole and hauling them up, or a little salt is dropped
down the hole, which rather incommodes the animal.
It rises up to see what is the matter, and is seized ; but
if thrown upon the sand will very quickly work its
way down again with its powerful muscular foot.

Solen Ensis (the Scymitar). Very abundant and fine. Three
to four inches long, and curved like a bow.

Solen Ensis (Var. magna). Double the size of the preceding,
and very rare.



120 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Solen pelluridus. Found attached to bunches of coralline ;
rather scarce; from an inch and a half to two inches long,
and a quarter broad ; the hinge margin straight, the
outer margin bowed. A novice would perhaps mistake
the young Ceratisolen Legumen for this species; the
difference is easily known by the position of the hinge ;
in all the Solens it is near one end ; in C. legumen it is
in the centre of the hinge margin.

Solen coarcticus. Solen candidus. Single valves of these two
latter species, fine and in good condition, have been found.

SOLECURTIDJE.

Ceratisolen Legumen (the Peas Pod). This one has a long flat
shell, as the name denotes ; it lives buried in the sand at
extreme low water ; rather common.

TELLINID^E.

Psammobia ferroensis (Sunset Shell). A flat elongated oval
shell, rounded at one end, and squarish at the other end,
and prettily rayed with pink from the hinge to the front
margin. Common as a British species, but rare at South-
port. Sometimes found perfect, attached to bunches of
corallines.

Tellina tenuis. Common. A very pretty species, the shell
variously coloured, rose, pink, yellow, white, etc. ; flat or
compressed, rounded in front, attenuated behind, about
one inch long and five-eighths wide.

Tellina fabula. Abundant ; one valve of this species is smooth,
the other, upon close examination, will be found to be
marked with very fine concentric lines, which cause it to
be slightly iridescent. They are mostly about three



THE MOLLUSCA. 121

quarters of an inch long, and half an inch wide, very
much compressed, rounded in front, attenuated behind,
much more so than Tellina tennis, and nearly white.

Tellina donacina. An elegant oval shell, radiant with the
colours of the setting sun ; single valves only have been
found.

Tellina solidula, one of our commonest shells, varying in colour
through all the shades from crimson to yellow. Roundish
and solid, from one quarter to three quarters of an inch
in diameter.

Syndosmia alba. A pretty oval, shining, rather pellucid, white
shell, moderately plentiful.

Scrobicularia piperata. Not uncommon ; found in the greatest
numbers opposite the Promenade, especially after a heavy
sea, when it is washed up from the mud in which it
burrows. Very flat, round, white, and varies in size from
half an inch to an inch and a half in diameter.

DONACID^E.

Donax anatinus (Wedge Shell). Common about low-water
mark, and often very fine. Although one of our com-
monest shells it is not the least handsome, being a light
olive colour outside, and frequently a brilliant clouded
violet within.

MACTRID^E.

Mactra subtruncata. Rather common, and generally small.

White, solid, and somewhat triangular in shape.
Mactra elliptica. I have found one good perfect specimen only

of this shell.



122 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Mactra stultorum. Very common and fine. Sometimes at
low-water, lying in groups of hundreds together, within
spaces of a few yards. The gulls break immense numbers
to get at the animals.

Mactra solida. A few single valves have been found.

Lutraria elliptica. Single valves are occasionally met with :
perfect shells very rarely. It is a large, oblong, rather
flat shell, gaping or open at the extremities.

Tapes pullastra. Artemis liruta. A few single valves of the
two latter species have been found. Species that are so
rarely picked up, and then only in single valves, are, as a
rule, found attached to corallines.

VENERID^E.

Venus striatula. Common. Triangular. Looking at the shell
edgeways, it is heart-shaped, has highly raised concentric
lines, and is sometimes handsomely marked with rich
brown rays.

Venus ovata. Very rare. Similar in shape to a cockle, but
small and white, and the sculpture much finer.

Ludnopsis undata. Moderately common. A roundish shell,
white, slightly tinged with rust colour ; varies from a
quarter to three quarters of an inch in length and
breadth.

CYPRINID;E.

Cyprina Islandica. Perfect shells of this fine species are
rarely to be met with ; single valves not uncommon.

CARDIAD.E.

Cardium echinatum. A large species of the Cockle tribe, with
thick radiating ribs, bristling with tuberculous spines.



THE MOLLUSCA. 123

Single valves are common ; perfect double specimens
may sometimes be met with after high tides.

Cardium edule (Common Cockle). A very common shellfish
about Southport at all times. In 1858, a cockle-bed
or " scour," as it is locally termed, was discovered about
five miles north-east of the town, where the cockles were
so numerous as to be literally shovelled up with spades ;
the yield for several months was from ten to fifteen tons
a-week. It is scarcely possible to realize the prodigious
numbers taken from the bank, as a ton contains about
80,000 individual cockles.

Cardium Norvegicum. A small delicate-looking shell ; single
valves found upon corallines.

LUCINID^E.

Lucina leucoma. Extremely rare ; one or two single valves
only found.

KELLIAD^E.

Montacuta ferruginosa. Very rare, and single valves. A
small white, oval, semi-transparent shell, about three-
sixteenths of an inch long, generally stained with rust-
colour. This and the following species are found by
collecting and washing the sand and broken shell from
the ripple-marks and slopes of banks.

Montacuta bidentata. Moderately common A minute white,
oval, almost transparent shell; about one-eighth of an
inch long.



Mytilus edulis (Common Mussel). Common. Sometimes in
great numbers attached to pieces of wood or sea-weed.



I 24 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Modiola modiolus (Horse Mussel). Sometimes brought up by

the fishermen, and frequently very large, from five to six

inches in length.
Modiola tulipa. This is a pretty translucent radiated shell.

Good living examples have been found at low water,

opposite Birkdale.
Crenella discors. Rare. Has been found at low water,

burrowing in A. digitatum.



Nucula nucleus. Not common. Generally single valves
attached to bunches of coralline. A small dull olive-
coloured shell, the inside pearly white, and about twenty
minute teeth on the margin at one side of the hinge, and
ten at the other side.

Leda caudata. Several specimens have been found on the
Birkdale shore.

OSTREAD/E.

Pecten maximus (the Great Scallop). Great numbers of this,
our largest British bivalve, are brought up by the
fishermen.

Pecten opercularis (the Common Scallop, or Fan Shell). Not
uncommon, but generally small ; a handsome species,
varying much in colour, being sometimes yellow, orange,
crimson, brown, purple, white, or mottled.

Pecten varius. Not commonly found, but on one occasion
ten or a dozen were picked up.

Ostrea edulis (the Oyster). Not common on the shore ;
occasionally brought up by the fishermen.



THE MOLLUSCA. 125

Anomia ephippium. Occasionally found upon Modiola modiolus.
This curious mollusk is attached to shells, rocks, and
stones by a muscle projected through an orifice in the
lower valve, near the hinge ; it is a lustrous, pearly shell,
and adapts itself to the shape of the body to which it is
attached.

Anomia patellaformis. Anomia aculeata. Like the ephippium,
these two latter have been found on Modiola modiolus.



UNIVALVES.
GASTEROPODA NUDIBRA NCHIA TA .

EOLIDID^E.
CEolis coronata.
(Eolis papillosa.

DOR1DID.&amp;.

Doris Johnstoni.

The Nudibranchiata are the naked mollusks or sea-slugs.
They are curious, and some of them beautiful animals. We
owe their presence to the construction of the Pier, as they
are found on its timbers and on the stones heaped round
their foundations.

GASTEROPODA PR OSOBRA NCHIA TA .
PATELLID^E.

Patella vulgata (Common Limpet). Rare, and when found

very much worn.
Patella athletica. Like the above, very rare.

DENTALIAD^E.

Dentalium entalis (Tooth Shell). Some years ago this was a
common shell, but now is only occasionally found, and



126 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

generally attached to corallines. Fine specimens are
about an inch and a half long, tubular, tapering to the
posterior end, and slightly curved ; perfectly white.

Dentalium Tarentinum. The same remarks apply to this
species as to D. entalis, with the exception of the specific
differences. It is a thicker and straighter shell, the
posterior end marked with very fine raised lines, length-
wise, so fine as to require the aid of a microscope to
discover them ; they are the principal characteristic mark
of the species.

Pileopsis Hungaricus. Shaped like the conventional cap of
Liberty. Many years ago, when tides were deep on the
foreshore, this was sometimes found, but is now ex-
tremely rare. Alterations in channels and sandbanks
influence the occurrence of shells.

FISSURELLID^E.

Emarginula reticulata. Rare. Found at high-water mark,
and amongst corallines. In shape like a cap of Liberty,
with a slit in the front margin.

TROCHIADjE.

Trochus zizyphinus (Top Shell). Moderately common. A
cone-shaped shell, granulated in narrow spiral bands.

LITTORINID^.

Littorina littorea (Periwinkle). One of the most abundant
shells on rocky coasts. Formerly uncommon at Southport,
but since the construction of the Pier may be found in
abundance.

Littorina rudis. Rare. A smaller and lighter coloured shell
than the last.



THE MOLLUSCA. 127

Littorina littoralis. Good fresh specimens have been found.

Rissoa vitrea. Rare. Minute, shining white. Found by col-
lecting and washing sand, as previously stated.

Rissoa ulvcK. Very common. In walking along the shore we
frequently see patches of what the stranger would suppose
to be black sand ; if a portion of it be taken up it will be
found to be a mass of these small shells.

Rissoa castanca. Rather rare. Found amongst R. ulvcz, and
similar in shape and colour, but very much larger. I
named this shell what I believed it to be ; Jeffries has
examined it, and says it is an unrecognised variety oiulvce.

TURRITELLID^E.

Turritella communis (the Common Cockspur). Very common

on most parts of the shore.
Ccecum glabrum. A minute shell found in the fine shell debris

and sand which I have taken home to dry in order to

search for Foraminifera.

CERITHIADyE.

Apporhais pes-pelecani (the Bird's-foot Shell). A handsome
and not uncommon species. The lip is extended out in
such a way as to resemble a bird's webbed foot, from
which its specific name is derived.

Cerithium reticulatum. A rather worn specimen found when
searching for Foraminifera

SCALARIAD/E.

Scalaria Turtonis (Wentle-trap, or Double Cockspur). Not
uncommon. A handsome shell, turreted in shape, the
whorls round and distinct, and crossed lengthwise with
rather flat, pale brown, moderately close ribs.



128 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Scalaria communis (Common Wentle-trap). Moderately-
common. Same shape as the preceding, but the whorls
more distinct, and the ribs thicker and more prominent.

PYRAMIDELLID^E.

Aclis supranitida. Rare. A pretty but very small shell, from
one-tenth to three-tenths of an inch long, conical or
turreted in shape. Good specimens are ornamented with
raised spiral lines or ridges. It is considered rather rare
as a British species. Found by collecting and washing
the sand as previously stated.

Aclis ascaris. Also one of the rare minute species, and found
with the above.

Eulima polita. Very rare. Lanceolate or tapering in shape,
being about five-eighths of an inch long and one-eighth
broad at the base ; colour, a shining porcelain white.

Eulima subulata. Not uncommon. Very narrow, finely
tapering, light brown, with spiral bands of a darker shade.

Chemnitzia elegantissima. Very rare. A minute, white, spiral
shell, with elevated oblique ribs on the whorls. Some-
times found along with A. supranitida.

Chemnitzia rufa. Found with the above.

Odostonna interstincta. Rare. Found with the above. A
minute species, requiring the aid of the microscope for
identification. It is perfectly white, with longitudinal ribs
upon the whorls.

Odostomia indistincta. Odostomia rissoides var. dubia. These,
like previous minute species, are rare, not only on the
Southport shore, but generally ; they are found when
searching for Foraminifera, most of them being difficult



THE MOLLUSCA. 129

to identify with certainty. Were named for me by our
great authority, Mr. Jeffries.

NATICID.*.

Natica monilifera. Common. A handsome shell, being glob-
ular in shape, highly polished, and ornamented with a
spiral band of brown spots.

Natica nitida. Not common. Similar to N. monilifera, but
smaller, about a quarter of an inch in diameter, and not
quite so globular, the spiral a little more produced.

MURICIDjE.

Murex erinaceus (Sting Winkle). Not uncommon, though
generally rather small.

Nassa incrassata (Dog Whelk). Rare, though common as a
British species. In shape it is similar to the common
whelk, about half an inch long, with thick longitudinal
ribs.

Purpura lapillus. Not common. Being naturally an inhabit-
ant of rocky localities, the specimens are often much worn
when they arrive upon the Southport shore. It is fusiform
in shape, very solid, and about an inch long. The animal
secretes a milky fluid, which in former times was used in
the production of a rich purple dye.

Buccinum undatum (Common Whelk). Moderately plentiful ;
very fine specimens may sometimes be found after storms.
This is a common shell all round the British coasts. In
many parts it is taken in great numbers, and used for
bait ; and quantities are sent to the London markets,
where they are boiled and eaten.

FUSHS Islandicus. Very rare : generally weather-worn.



130 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Fusus antiquus. Common after heavy gales, in company with
the whelks, from which it may be known by the canal
being more elongated, and the shell generally smoother
and more tapering. The fishermen sometimes bring up
splendid specimens from deep water, measuring six to
seven inches long, and perfectly white.

Trophon muricatus. Very uncommon. I have only found one
good specimen.

CONID.*.

Mangelia gracilis. Very rare ; one or two specimens have
been found near low water.



Cypraa Europoea (Cowrie). Not common. It is about the
size and shape of a coffee berry, with raised lines or ribs
across ; a pale flesh colour.



GASTEROPODA O PISTHOBRANCHIATA.

The Mollusks of this order may be termed sea-slugs, since
the shell, when it exists, is usually small and thin, and wholly
or partially concealed by the animal.



Cylichna cylindracea (the Paper Roll). So named from its
shape. Rare on the Southport coast. About half an inch
long, and three-sixteenths of an inch wide ; white and
shining.

Cylichna obtusa. Similar to the above, but half the length.
A few years ago this shell was plentiful close to the town;



THE MOLLUSCA. 131

it is now more abundant four or five miles to the west, at
high-water mark.

Tornatella fasciata. Very abundant. Not unlike a shuttle in
shape, but broader in proportion, and beautifully coloured
with bands of pink and white.

Scaphander lignarius. Many years ago this was not an un-
common shell on our shore ; it is now extremely rare.

Philine aperia. Common. An extremely thin, white, trans-
lucent shell, without spire, and a wide open mouth.



CEPHALOPODA DIBRANCHIA TA.

SEPIADjE.

Sepia officinalis (the Common Cuttle-fish). The internal shell
of this mollusk is occasionally washed up in considerable
numbers during heavy gales in the winter. It is six to
eight inches long, three inches in width, oval, and ex-
tremely light in proportion to the bulk. The class Cepha-
lopoda ranks the highest in the mollusca, as in the
complexity of its organisation it approaches most nearly
to the vertebrated animals. It is named from the loco-
motive organs being arranged round the head ; when in
the water, or crawling amongst rocks or on the strand, the
animal has the appearance of being head downwards.
The Sepiadae have eight short lanceolate, and two long
tentacular arms. The large and prominent eyes are
situated underneath the arms, one on each side ; above,
in the centre of the circle of arms, is a strong horny beak.
The arms and tentacula, besides being organs of loco-
motion, serve to catch and hold their prey ; and, as they



132 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

are covered with small suckers, they are enabled to
maintain so tenacious a hold that any unfortunate crab
or fish with which they come in contact is left without
escape. Whilst possessing such powers of offence, they
are gifted with most singular means of defence. Like
the chameleon, they have the power of changing their
colour to delude their foes ; they also possess a bag, from
which, when pursued, they eject a quantity of inky fluid,
which envelopes them in a black cloud, and covers their
escape. The contents of the ink-bag supply the brown
pigment called sepia, used by artists.

Sepia biserialis. A single specimen of the internal shell or
bone of this rare species has been found on the Southport
shore. It is much smaller than S. officinalis, lanceolate
in shape, the point curved a little outwards, and the base
slightly inwards.

Sepiola Atlantica. A much smaller animal than the common
Cuttle. I have seen only one good specimen found on
the shore.

Voligo vulgaris. A fine specimen has been taken at the end
of the Pier.



LAND AND FRESH-WATER SHELLS.

ACEPHALA LAMELLTBRANCHIATA.

CYCLADIDyE.

Cydas rivicola (River Cycle or Fresh-water" Cockle). Found
in many of the streams and ditches about Southport, but
small ; in the canal at Burscough Bridge, abundant
and fine. In shape this shell is similar to a young
cockle, but more compressed ; finely striated, greenish



THE MOLLUSCA. 133

brown in colour, with a narrow yellow band round the
margin.

Cyclas cornea (Horny Cycle). In almost any ditch. A round
and dumpy shell, generally dark brown, varying in size
from one-eighth to half an inch in diameter.

Cyclas calyculata (Capped Cycle). Found sparingly in a
stream by the first bridge beyond Churchtown, along the
road to Martin Mere. A very transparent shell, about a
quarter of an inch long ; the umbones the parts above
the hinge very prominent.

Pisidium amnicum (River Pera). Not uncommon in ditches
on the Moss, and on the Martin Mere road, beyond
Churchtown, but very small, rarely measuring more than
one-eighth of an inch long; common and very fine in the
canal at Burscough Bridge. In shape obliquely oval,
with minute raised ribs.

UNIONID.<E.

Anodonta cygnea (Swan Fresh-water Mussel). Common in
many of the streams and ditches on the Moss, varying
from two to four inches in length, oval in shape, olive or
brown outside, bright pearly within. One of the largest
and handsomest of the British shells.

GASTEROPODA PR OSOBRA NCHIA TA.

PALUDINID^E.

Paludina Listen (Marsh Shell, or River Snail). Not uncommon
in many of the ditches on the Moss. At the approach of
winter it buries itself deep in the mud, and makes its
appearance again with the warm days of April. A very



134 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

handsome shell, transparent horn colour, with three dark
brown spiral bands. Fine specimens are an inch and a
half high, and an inch and a quarter wide at the base,
with five or six very convex volutions. When the animal
is retracted it is closed by an operculum, a sort of trap
door, which should always be fitted in the shell when the
animal is taken out. It is both useful and ornamental in
an aquarium, the animal being beautifully sprinkled with
golden spots, and feeding mostly on the confervse growing
upon the sides of the glass.

Bithinia tentaculata (Tentacled Bithinia). Common in most
of the ditches upon the Moss ; about a quarter of an
inch wide at the base and half an inch high, with five
rather flat volutions of dark brown or yellowish horn
colour, the aperture closed by an operculum.

Valvata piscinalis (Stream Valve-shell). Shell globular, with
an elevated obtuse spire, the volutions well rounded and
distinct; the aperture closed by a valve or lid. Common
in the large drains upon the Moss.

Valvata cristata (Crested Valve-shell). Not uncommon in the
same situations as the preceding, but very different
in appearance, being not more than an eighth of an
inch in diameter ; discoid, flat above, and concave or
umbilicate beneath.

GASTEROPODA PULMONIFERA.



Arion empiricorum (Black Arion). Common in the fields after
rain and in damp weather ; as moisture is an absolute
necessary of the creature's existence, it is rarely seen in
very dry weather. This is the common jet black snail ;



THE MOLLUSCA. 135

it varies in colour according to locality. It is found in
woods, of many colours white, yellow, orange, and
reddish brown. It is essentially a vegetable feeder, but
will sometimes regale itself with a dead worm. It has no
distinct shell.

Limax agrestis (Milky Slug). A small dark, or reddish grey,
and voracious vegetable feeder ; common in fields, upon
hedge-banks, and in gardens. The shell is a small
squarish oval, white, calcareous plate, slightly convex
above, situated underneath the skin of the shield, a little
behind the head. The animal, when extended, measures
from an inch to an inch and a half in length, and when
irritated pours out a white milky fluid from the pores all
over its body.

Limax dnereus. Not so common as the preceding; found
amongst grass in damp situations, under logs of wood,
about outhouses and gardens. It is a large, dark grey
slug, sometimes nearly black, measuring from three to
five or six inches long, and proportionately bulky; the
back and tail coarsely wrinkled, and the mucus colourless.
The shell is internal, from a quarter to half an inch long,
half that width, slightly convex, rather pearly white, and
sometimes tinged 1 with pink.

HELICID/E.

Vitrinapellurida (Transparent Glass-bubble). Small, extremely
thin and transparent, very highly polished, and of a pale
watery green colour. Not uncommon amongst moss and
under stones upon the Birkdale sandhills.

Zonites alliarius (Garlic Snail). Found under stones upon the
sandhills, but rather rare. About a quarter of an inch in



136 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

diameter ; the upper side slightly convex, very bright,
shining, rather transparent, yellowish horn colour. This
species is easily recognised, as when the animal is irri-
tated by touching it emits a strong odour of garlic.
Zonites nitidulus (Dull Snail). Small and very rare. Has been
found amongst moss on the hills at the end of " Peter's
slack."
Zonites nitidus. One of our rarest shells ; has been found in

Birkdale.

Zonites purus (Delicate Snail). Very rare ; amongst moss on
the Birkdale sandhills. Small, about one-sixth of an inch
in diameter, depressed, transparent, yellowish white, rather
shining, and slightly wrinkled.

Helix nemoralis (Girdled Snail). One of our commonest shells,
being found everywhere upon the sandhills; at the
same time it is the most beautiful. Very variable in the
colour and markings, being sometimes white, yellow, pink,
reddish, or brown, or marked with five or fewer rich
chocolate bands.

Helix caperata (Black-tipped Snail). Common in Birkdale,
particularly on the sandhills between the two roads at
the entrance to the Park.

Helix hispida (Bristly Snail). Sparingly found in the hedges
of the fields near the Rectory, also in Birkdale. It is
about a quarter of an inch in diameter, five or six whorls,
slightly convex, horn coloured, and covered with very
fine short bristles.

Helix pulcJiella (White Snail). Not uncommon upon the sand-
hills ; generally and usually among moss. A beautiful
little shell, less than one-eighth of an inch in diameter ;



THE MOLLUSCA. 13^,

a pure opaque white, and sometimes brownish, rather flat
above, a small umbilicus beneath, the mouth reflexed,
and a little thickened round the margin.

Helix pulchella (var. costata). Found with the preceding.
The same size and shape, of a pale brown tint, and orna-
mented with raised radiating ribs visible only under a
magnifying lens.

Helix rotundata (Radiated Snail). Very rare ; among grass
and under stones upon the sandhills. Nearly a quarter
of an inch in diameter, the under side almost flat ; grey,
with dark brown spots.

Helix pygmcea (Pigmy Snail). Very rare ; found in damp
situations, under pieces of wood or stones. Very minute,
convex on both sides ; shining, brown, semi-transparent

Pupa muscorum (Margined Chrysalis-shell). Moderately
common; among moss and low plants upon the sandhills.
As the name denotes, the pupae are shaped like a chrys-
alis. This species is about one-eighth of an inch high ;
shining, dark brown, the margin a little reflected, with a
thick white band round the outside, and a single minute
tooth in the centre of the aperture on the body whorl.

Pupa edentula (Toothless Whorl-shell). Rather scarce. Found
in the same situations as the preceding; about the same
size and colour, but without tooth ; the edge of the
aperture or lip simple, without margin or rib.

Clausilia laminata. A dead specimen found in Birkdale ; it
must have been introduced, probably with plants or shrubs
received from a distance.

Zua lubrica (Common Varnished Shell). Not uncommon in
the sandhills and fields behind the Rectory, but oftener



138 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

dead and eroded than living. The shell is about a quar-
ter of an inch high, cylindrical oblong, reddish brown,
very bright and glossy.

Sucdnea putris (Common Amber-shell). Rather abundant in
a small watercourse on the Birkdale sandhills, half a mile
beyond the church, and under the bridge by the boundary
stone, on the Scarisbrick-road.



Physa fontinalis (Stream Bubble-shell). Rather plentiful in
the " river Nile," and in the streams on the Moss. The
mouth of this shell opens to the left hand, by which
characteristic it is easily recognised; it is very thin, trans-
parent, brown, and highly polished.

Physa hypnorum (Slender Bubble-shell). In the same locali-
ties as the above, but not quite so frequently. It has the
same characteristics, with the exception of being longer
and narrower in proportion.

Planorbis albus (White Coil-shell). Moderately common in
the stream by the first bridge on the Martin Mere road ;
dark coloured, finely striated, concave underneath, slightly
so above ; the outside coil rapidly enlarging.

Planorbis vortex (Whorl Coil-shell). Common in many ditches
and stagnant pools ; a thin light-brown shell, with six or
seven volutions, about three-eighths of an inch in dia-
meter, flat above, and slightly concave beneath.

Planorbis spirorbis (Rolled Coil-shell). Found with P. vortex,
but not so commonly. Light brown, slightly concave
on both sides, with six volutions.

Planorbis nautileus. A good specimen found in a ditch in
Birkdale.



THE MOLLUSCA. 139

Planorbis contortus (Twisted Coil-shell). In many ditches on
the Moss. The whorls are very closely coiled and very
narrow, the upper surface rather flat, the underneath
deeply concave.

Limnceus pereger (Puddle Mud-shell). In every ditch, pond,
and stream, where it may be commonly found crawling
about the bottom.

Limnceus stagnalis (Lake Mud-shell). Fine specimens may be
found in ditches in Birkdale Park, and in ditches on the
Scarisbrick-road and on the Moss. It is a handsome
shell, light brown, an inch and a half high, the body
whorl large and open, the spire of six or seven volutions
tapering to a fine point.

Limnceus glaber. Also found in Birkdale ditches, but very rare.

Limnceus truncatulus (Ditch Mud-shell). Not uncommon in
most ditches on the Moss, generally at the surface of the
water, close to the side. Shell dark brown, about a
quarter of an inch high.

Limnceus palustris (Marsh Mud-shell). Rather common in
ditches on the Moss, in Birkdale, and in the neighbour-
hood of Churchtown. Shell dark brown, about three-
quarters of an inch high, body whorl longer than broad,
the spire gradually tapering to a point

Ancylus fluviatulus (Common River Limpet). Very rare.
Found on stones in a stream on the Moss. The shell is
about a quarter of an inch in diameter and height, cone-
shaped, with the apex curved backwards and near one
end. Semi-transparent, light greenish horn colour; inside
blueish white, shining.




CHAPTER IX.



And here were coral bowers,

And grots of madrepores,
And banks of sponge, as soft and fair to eye

As e'er was mossy bed
Whereon the wood-nymphs lie
With languid limbs in summer's sultry hours.

SOUTHEY.



ZOOPHYTES OF SOUTHPORT.

fHE term Zoophyte is applied to all those productions
which, bearing a strong resemblance to vegetables in
form and some other particulars, are yet of an animal nature.
The arborescent forms are often called Corallines, a name
particularly appropriate, being a derivative of the word Coral.
They are intimately allied to the Corals by means of which
such gigantic changes are daily being effected. Islands
and continents are being raised from the deep abysses of
the ocean, to be hereafter clothed with vegetation and
probably made the seat of a busy population and these
mighty results are being brought about by the agency of minute



THE ZOOPHYTES. 141

creatures, scarcely perceptible to our unaided sight, but whose
operations, though slow, silent, and invisible, are yet certain
and increasing :

Unconscious, not unworthy, instruments,

By which a hand invisible was rearing

A new creation in the secret deep.

Omnipotence wrought in them, with them, by them ;

Hence, what Omnipotence alone could do,

Worms did. I saw the living pile ascend,

The mausoleum of its architects,

Still dying upwards as their labours closed ;

Slime the material, but the slime was turned

To adamant by their petrific touch ;

Frail were their frames, ephemeral their lives

Their masonry imperishable.

MONTGOMERY.

Amongst the many recent cultivators of this interesting
department of natural history, the name of the late Dr.
Johnston, of Berwick, stands pre-eminent ; his excellent work
on the British Zoophytes has done much to exalt the subject
and to diffuse a more general taste for its cultivation.

"Zoophytes," to adopt the language of Dr. Johnston, "pre-
sent to the physiologist the simplest independent structures
compatible with the existence of animal life, enabling him to
examine some of its phenomena in isolation, and free from the
obscurity which greater complexity of anatomy entails. The
means of their propagation and increase are the first of a series
of facts on which a theory of generation must arise; the
existence of vibratile cilia on the surface of the membrane,
which has since been shown to be so general and influential
among animals, was first discovered in their study, and in them
is first detected the traces of a circulation carried on inde-
pendently of a heart and vessels. The close adhesion of life



142 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

to a low organisation ; its marvellous capacity of redintegra-
tion ; the organic junction of hundreds and thousands of
individuals in one body, the possibility of which fiction has
scarcely ventured to paint in its vagaries, have all in this class
their most remarkable illustration."

Not much more than a century has elapsed since the true
nature of these productions was first discovered ; prior to that
period various opinions were entertained respecting them. By
one class of persons and these were by far the most numerous
they were regarded as undoubted subjects of the vegetable
kingdom, and were so arranged and classified in the various
systems of the most learned botanists of the day. Nor is this
to be wondered at when we consider the striking resemblance
which these objects bear to vegetables both in form and habits :
some of them being eminently arborescent in their mode of
growth, and fixed by a kind of root, either embedded in the
sand, or attached to rocks, stones, and other substances, in the
same manner as sea-weed, and consequently incapable of
locomotion, except during the brief period of their embryonic
life, a character formerly considered essential to the idea of
an animal, locomotion being common to all the animals then
known.

By a second set of observers, at the head of whom stood the
illustrious Linnaeus, all the horny and flexible zoophytes were
considered to hold a station intermediate between the animal
and vegetable kingdoms, partaking of the nature of both. The
Lithophyta, however, were placed by him in the animal
kingdom, on the supposition that lime was always an animal
product. " The animalcules of the Lithophyta, like the test-
aceous tribes," he said, "fabricate their own calcareous



THE ZOOPHYTES. 143

polypidom, forming the whole mass into tubes, each ending
on the surface in pores or cells, where alone the animal seems
to dwell ; but the polypes of the proper zoophyta, so far from
constructing their plant-like polypidoms, are, on the contrary,
the productions or efflorescences of it ; just as the flowers do
not make the herb or tree, but are the results of the vegetative
life proceeding to perfection." Polypes, according to this fancy,
bore the same relation to their polypidom that flowers do to
the trunks and branches of a tree both grew by vegetation ;
but while the one evolved from the extremities blossoms
which shrank not under external irritation and were therefore
properly flowers, the other put forth flowers which, because
they exhibited every sign of animality, were therefore with
reason considered animals. In a letter to Ellis he remarks,
alluding to the zoophytes, "they are, therefore, vegetables,
with flowers like small animals." In his " Diary," Linnaeus
further remarks that they are "vegetables with respect to their
stems, and animals with respect to their florescence."

Zoophytes were deemed by other naturalists to be of mineral
origin. This theory was particularly advocated by Henry
Baker. "The rocks in the sea on which these corals are
produced," he says, "are undoubtedly replete with mineral
salts, some whereof, near their surface, being dissolved by
the sea water, must consequently saturate with their saline
particles the water round them to a small distance, where,
blending with the stony matter with which the sea water
always abounds, little masses will be constituted here and
there and affixed to the rocks. Such adhering masses may
be termed roots, which roots, attracting the saline and stony
particles, according to certain laws in nature, may produce



144 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

branched or other figures, and increase gradually by an appo-
sition of particles becoming thicker near the bottom, where
the saline matter is more abounding, but tapering or diminish-
ing towards the extremities, where the mineral salts must be
fewer in proportion to their distance from the rock whence
they originally proceed; and the different proportions of
mineral saline particles of the stony or other matter wherewith
they are blended, and of marine salt, which must have a con-
siderable share in such formations, may occasion all the variety
we see. Nor does it seem more difficult to imagine that the
radiated, starry or cellular figures along the sides of these
corals, or at the extremities of their branches, may derive their
productions from salts incorporated with the stony matter, than
that the curious delineations and appearances of minute shrubs
and mosses on slates, stones, etc., are owing to the shootings
of salts intermixed with mineral particles ; and yet these are
generally allowed to be the result of mineral steams and
exhalations."

It is scarcely necessary to observe that all these theories,
however ingenious and interesting, are untenable ; the beauti-
ful and poetic hypothesis of Linnaeus is, however, the
nearest approximation to the truth. We learn from Dr.
Johnston's " Introduction to the British Zoophytes," on the
authority of M. de Blainville, that Ferrante Imperato, an apothe-
cary at Naples, was the first naturalist distinctly to announce,
as the result of his own observations, the animality of corals
and madrepores. He is said to have added to the de-
scription of the species which fell under his notice, illustrative
figures of considerable accuracy, although the "Historia
Naturale" was published so early as the year 1599.



THE ZOOPHYTES. 145

This discovery, however, had no result, since there is
evidence of its entire rejection and ultimate neglect by those
who studied nature. It is to John Ellis, a London merchant
in the middle of the last century, that we are indebted for
having placed the animality of zoophytes beyond all doubt or
controversy. " There was nothing unformed or mystical in
Ellis's opinion. Certain marine productions, which, under the
names of Lithophyta and Ceratophyta, had been arranged
among vegetables, and were still very generally believed to be
so, he maintained and proved, with a most satisfactory fulness
of evidence, to be entirely of an animal nature, the tenements
and products of animals similar in many respects to the naked
fresh-water polype. By examining them in a living state
through an ordinary microscope, he saw these polypes in the
denticles or cells of the Zoophyta ; he witnessed them display
their tentacula for the capture of their prey; their varied
actions and sensibility to external impressions and their mode
of propagation ; he saw, further, that these little creatures
were organically connected with the cells, and could not
remove from them, and that although each cell was appro-
priated to a single individual, yet was this united by a tender,
thready line to the fleshy part that occupies the middle of the
whole coralline, and in this manner connected with all the
individuals of that coralline. The conclusion was irresistible:
the presumed plant was the skin or covering of a sort of
miniature hydra, a conclusion which Ellis strengthened by
an examination of their covering separately, which he said
was as much an animal structure as the nails or horns of beasts,
or the shell of the tortoise; for it differs from sea-plants,
properly so called, such as the Algae, Fuci, etc., which afford



146 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

in distillation little or no traces of a volatile salt ; whereas
the
corallines afford a considerable quantity, and in burning yield
a smell somewhat resembling that of burnt horn and other
animal substances, which of itself is a proof that this class of
bodies, though it has the vegetable form, yet it is not entirely
of a vegetable nature."

It would be foreign to the nature of this work to enter into
the minute anatomy, development, or classification of the
various tribes of zoophytes. The subject has been investi-
gated with great industry and success by recent observers, and
for a summary of our present knowledge we would refer
students to Dr. Carpenter's work on the Microscope, Lands-
brough's "Popular History of British Zoophytes," and the
classical work of Dr. Johnston.

Spongia mammillaris (Nipple Sponge). We were much gratified
in obtaining this interesting species in a living state, left
on the sands after a very heavy gale of wind. It con-
tinued to eject water from the sifmmits of the projecting
parts for several days after it was found. It is the only
sponge we have been able to procure on this shore
retaining its vitality.

Hydractinia echinata. A very common and abundant species,
found coating a variety of old as well as living shells, on
which it is most abundant, such as Buccinum undatum,
(the Common Whelk), and the Natica monilifera. It has
been stated that most of the shells encrusted by this
polype are tenanted by the Hermit Crab ; we have
frequently found them so, but it does not hold good as a
general rule ; in several instances we have found this
species growing on Mya truncata.



THE ZOOPHYTES. 147

Coryne pusilla? On sea-weeds, old shells, and frequently on
other zoophytes. The species are all very small, and are
only accidentally to be met with.

Eudendrium rameum. Frequently thrown ashore after heavy
gales, adhering to old shells, stones, and occasionally on
the stems or roots of the larger kind of sea-weed.

Eudendrium ramosum. This and the last species are rarely
obtained with living polypes, except from deep water, in
five to twenty fathoms. It is often brought up in the
trawl nets.

Tabularia indivisa (Tabular Coralline). This curious species
inhabits deep water, and is commonly thrown ashore
attached to stones and shells ; we have frequently obtained
specimens with the living polypes on by following out the
receding tide. After strong winds it is to be met with
in great abundance on the shore. It is also obtained
by dredging in from five to twenty fathoms, with the
living polypes, and may be kept alive in the aquarium
for a considerable time, if well supplied with sea water.
It grows from three or four inches to a foot or more in
height. It is of a dull horn colour, and occurs mostly in
dense clusters. The polypes are of a bright red colour,
they are usually thrown off after a few days' continuance,
and are soon renewed. The fabric varies considerably
in general appearance, being in some instances quite
straight and entire, in others much curved and branched.
Tabularia Laryna. A very delicate species, and much clus-
tered ; of a lighter colour than the preceding, but
smaller and more transparent. Is found at times in
abundance, on the rejectamenta left by the receding tide.



148 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

The Laryna forms tufts from one to two or three inches
in height, and to obtain the polypes alive must be
procured from deep water.

Tabularia gracilis. A beautiful species, much resembling
T. indivisa, but more slender. The polypes are larger and
brighter coloured than in the latter. It usually attains
the height of three or four inches, growing on other
species of zoophytes, and is only to be obtained alive
from deep water. It is not abundant here, though, like
numerous other kinds, it is cast ashore during severe
weather.

Helicina hdicinum (Herring-bone Coralline). This beautiful
species is to be met with in very considerable abundance
at certain seasons, but is only found after rough weather ;
in May and September we have found it with the living
polypes, adhering to shells and stones. It is so much
like a diminutive dry tree that it is frequently passed as
a decaying vegetable. After stormy weather it may be
found in considerable quantities from Formby to Crossens.

Sertularia polyzonias. A very pretty and not uncommon
species, affording a beautiful microscopic object. Mostly
found on stones, shells, and sea-weed. It varies from
one to several inches in height, and is of a pale fawn
colour, with the vesicles of a clear colourless substance,
giving out prismatic reflections. We have found it lining
the inside of the Cardium aculeatum.

Sertularia rosacea (Lily or Pomegranate-flowered Coralline).
On shells, stones, corallines, and sea-weeds. A most
beautiful species, and found in tolerable abundance on
the receding of the tide. It is from one to two inches in



THE ZOOPHYTES. 149

height, extremely delicate and slender, and of a dusky
straw colour, sometimes with a rosy tint. It creeps along
the substance on which it grows, and is to be met with on
the sands from Formby to Crossens.

Sertularia abietina (Sea Fir). One of our more beautiful
zoophytes. It is very abundant ; parasitic on stones and
shells in deep water, and after high tides or stormy
weather is thrown in great quantities on the shore, but
rarely obtained with living polypes, except when dredged
up from deep water. Frequently quite encrusted with
serpulae and small mussels ; at times coated with various
species of Lepralia and Celepora.

Serlularia fallax. A small but very elegant species. Not
abundant, but to be found attached to oysters and
scallops, and left ashore by the retreating tide. A native
of deep water.

Sertularia tamariscina (Sea Tamarisk). Frequently found
after spring tides or rough stormy weather, attached to
shells and stones ; at times forming clusters eight or ten
inches in height. When recently left by the tide and with
polypes living, the general colour is bright amber, but soon
changes to a dull brown. An inhabitant of deep water,
and occasionally brought up in the dredge-net. We
sometimes see it exposed in the market, growing on
oysters.

Sertularia filicula (Fern Coralline). This common, but beau-
tiful species, is frequently found with its polypes alive,
growing on sea-weed, and, like the last species, is much
encrusted with Lepralia and Serpulae ; it will live for a
considerable time if well supplied with sea-water, and,



150 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

with the animals inhabiting the shells, supplies beautiful
microscopic objects.

Sertularia operculata (Sea Hair). A common and very elegant
species, growing in small dense tufts on shells and sea-
weed, and, being found in shallow water, more easily
obtained with living polypes than some other species.

Sertularia argentea (Squirrel's tail Coralline). Very common,
growing on oyster and other shells, and on the roots and
stems of the larger fuci. Some of the most beautiful
specimens obtained were parasitical on the shells of
Pholas Candida. From its dense mode of growth, and the
length and softness of its branches, it has acquired the
name of Squirrel's tail Coralline. After high tides or
stormy weather it is thrown ashore in large masses along
the entire coast. Rarely found with living polypes,
except when dredged up from deep water.

Sertularia cupressina (Sea Cypress). Occasionally found on
the shore after strong westerly winds ; an elegant species,
procurable by deep dredging.

Thuiaria Thuia (Bottle-brush Coralline). A very curious
species, frequently found on the recess of the tide, growing
on shells and stones. It varies much in size, from a few
inches to nearly a foot in length, and, except when
procured from deep water, is rarely found with living
polypes.

Thuiaria articulata (Sea Spleenwort, or Polypody). On shells
and stones, sometimes in considerable abundance; at
other times not a specimen is to be found on the shore
for many weeks together; it is to be obtained from deep
water, growing in clusters on the base of Antennularia.



THE ZOOPHYTES. 151

We have kept them alive for a considerable time.

Antennularia antennina (Lobster's Horn Coralline, or Sea
Beard). Parasitic on shells and stones in deep water,
forming dense clusters ; it is a beautiful species, and is
often dredged up from the scallop bank, off Southport.
We have obtained some specimens nearly eighteen inches
in length ; the colour when first obtained is bright, but it
soon changes to a dull horn colour. In the sponge-like
base of one of the larger specimens we obtained a number
of very minute crabs, some not exceeding hemp-seed in
size, and the largest about the third of an inch long, of a
brilliant red colour ; some of the females had bundles of
ova nearly as large as their bodies.

Antennularia ramosa (Branching Lobster's Horn Coralline).
This is nearly allied, if not a variety of the preceding.
Large specimens are procured from deep dredging in the
same localities as the last species.

Plumularia falcata (Sickle Coralline). A beautiful species,
abundant on the receding of the tide.

Plumularia cristata (Crested Coralline). Frequently thrown
ashore growing on the Halidrys siliquosa (the Podded
Sea-weed) in great profusion ; also on other kinds of fuci,
shells, and stones ; the vesicles form a beautiful micro-
scopic object, and are readily obtained. They may be
gathered in profusion in the months of March and April,
and again in the end of August and September ; often
parasitic on Plumularia falcata.

Plumularia setacea. Common on shells and other corallines,
and the coarser kinds of fuci, growing in loose tufts.
It is found in shallower water than some other kinds, and



152 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

is consequently more readily obtained with its living
inhabitants.

Plumularia pennatula, A very elegant and delicate species,
sparingly found on this shore ; probably often overlooked
from its diminutive size. Fine specimens are found
growing on Cardium aculeatum.

Plumularia myriophyllum (Pheasant's tail Coralline). This is
one of our most beautiful zoophytes when in perfection ;
the colour is nearly amber, with something of a metallic
lustre. It is not common, but we have repeatedly found
it at Southport.

Plumularia frutescens (Shrubby Coralline). This species we
have several times picked up on the shore ; it has a
considerable resemblance to small specimens of Haledutn
halecinum, but is darker coloured ; the most distinguishing
character is its varnished appearance. It attains the
height of four inches, but with us seldom exceeds two or
three; grows on shells and stones, but is but seldom
found, except after severe storms or very heavy spring-
tides.

Laomedia dichotoma (Sea-thread Coralline). Growing on
stems of fuci, sea-weeds, and on other zoophytes ; is of
very slender form, but extends a foot or more up the
stalks and over the shells on which it is located. Found
in large masses, along with its numerous congeners, after
strong winds or high tides.

Laomedia geniculata (Knotted Sea-thread Coralline). Much
resembling the last species, but generally more upright
in growth. Found on the stems of fuci, and, under
similar circumstances, with the other species.



THE ZOOPHYTES. 153

Laomedia gdatinosa. Has much resemblance to the other two
species, but is generally smaller and more diffuse in its
mode of growth ; found on shells and the stems of the
larger sea-weeds ; likewise on sticks that have laid long
in the water.

Campanularia volubilis (Small Climbing Coralline). A small
but interesting species, frequently growing on other coral-
lines, unoccupied crab and other shells. We have found
the shell of the Masked Crab (Corystes Cassivelaunus}
completely coated with this species.

Campanularia vertidllata (Horse-tail Coralline). Occasion-
ally thrown ashore, growing on shells ; likewise on the
Tubularia indivisa.

Alcyonium digitatum (Dead Man's Hands, or Toes; Cow's
Paps). Abundant on these shores at most seasons, grow-
ing in all kinds of strange and grotesque forms (rarely
two specimens alike) on shells, stones, etc. The usual tint
is a full cream colour, at times with a faint rosy hue.
The general aspect is retained when dried, only somewhat
shrunken. To obtain the polypes alive it is necessary to
procure it from deep water, where it is found incrusting
or attached to stones and shells ; we have not been able
to keep it alive beyond a few days.

Actinia Mesembryanthemum. From the nature of our shore
it would seem a very unlikely locality for any kind of
actinia, yet several species are occasionally to be found
in great plenty, and among them this one is frequently
numerous. It is usually found in little pools left by the
receding tide, where the sand but slightly covers either
clay or peaty soil ; we have kept it alive for a con-



154 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

siderable time, but it requires a frequent change of
water. It is about an inch and a half in diameter, but has
the power of depressing itself almost to flatness; the colour
varies considerably, from dull pale red to liver colour,
streaked and blotched with green and blue the latter
tint predominates. The tentacles are commonly of a
paler red than the body, interspersed with some quite
blue.

Actinia alba (White Sea Anemone?). Mr. Graves has found
specimens which he thinks may be this species, although
it is said to be confined to the rocky coasts of Cornwall.
The specimens varied from half to three-fourths of an
inch in diameter ; the colour was dirty white, with white
lines or continuous strings of white oblong spots ; the
tentacles were nearly colourless, with white patches, and
in some instances the pellucid tentacles seemed to contain
numerous rows of minute white bead-like spots. The alba
is not so sensitive to the touch as other species, and is
found from May to the end of August.

Actinia coriacea. Sometimes found in considerable numbers.
It buries itself in the mud and sand, but lives for some
time in clear water. The colours are full dull red, blotched
and marked with green and dark brown ; the tentacles
are white, olive, and red intermixed, and when expanded
in broad sunshine are truly beautiful, extending consider-
ably beyond the body on all sides, frequently measuring
two inches or more in diameter. When at rest the
tentacles are all drawn inside, and the exterior surface of
the animal so nearly resembles the mud and sand on
which it is fixed, that it may readily be overlooked.



THE ZOOPHYTES. 155

Actinia crassicornis. This is the largest of our native Actinias,
often attaining four or five inches in diameter.

Actinia Bellis. A beautiful but very diminutive species,
variable in appearance and colours. We have been so
fortunate as to obtain it once in this locality. The colour
is a compound of bright red, white, and ashy grey, with
a few yellow spots. Abundant on the Cornish coast, and
probably in other places, but, as it is mostly hidden from
view by sea-weed, it escapes general observation.

Actinia Dianthus. This beautiful species is very rarely found
on this coast ; we have only met with two or three, and
then in an injured state ; they were attached to stones,
much bruised, and scarcely evinced any signs of life ;
they were enabled to retract their external fringe, except
partially.

Tubulipora serpens (Small Purple Eschara). Found abundantly
on the shore, growing on various zoophytes ; in consider-
able quantities on Plumularia falcata, Sertularia abietina,
and numerous other species, as well as on shells thrown
ashore from deep water.

Crisia eburnea (Tufted Ivory Coralline). On sea-weeds and
other zoophytes, forming beautiful little tufts of a clear
white colour, frequently in strong contrast with the
substance on which it is parasitical.

Crisia denticulata. Larger than the preceding, from which
it is principally distinguished by the black joints, though
these are not always evident.

Gemellaria loriculata. An abundant species, found at all times
on the shore on the receding of the tide ; varies from three
to eight inches or more in height, growing in dense tufts.



156 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Cellepora pumicosa. Very common, growing on other corallines,
stones, and sea-weed ; it forms little patches on the stems
of Plumularia falcata, Sertularia abiettna, and various
other species, appearing like little pieces of white coral,
often slightly tinged with rose colour.

Lepralia. This genus, of which there are from forty to fifty
British species, is found on every shore, encrusting shells,
stones, zoophytes, and almost every substance thrown
ashore by the waves. The forms are very elegant, but
being in all cases microscopic, do not receive the general
attention the beauty of their appearance deserves.

Cellularia scruposa (Creeping Stony Coralline). Common on
shells, corallines, flustra, and the larger sea-weeds. A
small species, but interesting for the microscope.

Cellularia reptans (Creeping Coralline). Very common on the
same substances and in similar situations to the preceding.

Cellularia plumosa. A large species, often several inches in
height, much branched, and frequently found on our
shore on the recess of the tide.

Membranipora pilosa. Grows abundantly on other corallines;
we have it on Cellularia scruposa, Plumularia falcata,
Sertularia abietina, and various others.

Membranipora membranacea. Common ; often investing Flus-
tra foliacea.

Flustra foliacea (Broad-leaved Horn-wrack). This very com-
mon zoophyte is noticed by all visitors to the shore,
where it is mistaken for a kind of sea-weed. It is of a
pale sandy colour, differs considerably in the shape and
size of the fronds, and abounds in parasites of various
kinds, among which are several other species of Flustra.



THE ZOOPHYTES. 157

It inhabits deep water, and is but rarely obtained with
living polypes, except when dredged up, attached to
shells or stones.

Flustra truncata. Frequently mixed with the above species,
which, in general appearance, it much resembles, but is
narrower, and the tips of the fronds appear as if cut
straight off. Affects the same situations as the common
kind.

Flustra avicularis (Bird's-head Horn-wrack). An interesting
species, furnished with numerous appendages, closely
resembling the head and bill of a bird ; and commonly
found growing on the Flustra foliacea. The aid of a mi-
croscope is required to see the construction of the various
parts, which well repay a close examination. Not abund-
ant, but may frequently be met with on other flustra,
corallines, and shells, from deep water.

Flustra membranacea. Often found coating sea-weed, shells,
and other zoophytes. It forms a thin crust which, when
dry, readily crumbles to powder.

Salicornaria farciminoides (Bugle Coralline). After tempestu-
ous weather this beautiful species is to be found in
considerable abundance, mixed up in^the bundles of
zoophytes that are left by the retreating tide. It is one
of our most elegant corallines, and seems more local than
some kinds; it attains two or three inches in height,
and often occurs on oyster and scallop shells; is an
inhabitant of deep water, and is at times faintly tinted
with rose or purple colour.




CHAPTER X.



There's beauty all around our paths,

If but our watchful eyes
Can trace it 'midst familiar things,

And through their lowly guise.

HEMANS.



FORAMINIFERA OF SOUTHPORT.

HE Foraminifera are members of that class of animal life
termed Rhizopoda, or root-footed animals, so named
from the power they possess of putting out filaments for the
purpose of locomotion ; or, as it were, extemporising limbs
from any part of their body as occasion requires. Collec-
tively, the Rhizopoda form one of the three classes into which
the Protozoa, the lowest forms of life, are divided, the other
classes being the Porifera, the type of which is the common
sponge, and the Infusoria. There are two distinct orders in
the Rhizopoda, the fresh-water and the marine. The first is
well represented by the Amceba, common in fresh-water ponds,
and in describing which we describe the animals of the whole
class. The Amoeba is a minute jelly-like substance, without
any differentiation of parts ; a simple homogeneous mass,



THE FORAMINIFERA. 159

without apparent organisation, capable of changing into a
great variety of forms, laying hold of its food without mem-
bers, swallowing it without a mouth, digesting it without a
stomach, appropriating its nutritious material without absorbent
vessels, or a circulating system, moving from place to place
without muscles, feeling, if it has the power to do so, without
nerves, but in many instances forming shells of a symmetry
and complexity not surpassed by those of any testaceous ani-
mals. Although the Amceba has no stomach, digestive cavity,
or mouth, it is exceedingly voracious. Throwing out its fila-
ments or pseudopodia^ it gradually, with their aid, crawls along
the bottom of the pond, until it comes in contact with any
object suitable for food, such as a diatom or a particle of
vegetable matter, when the animal at once commences to
envelope the object with its own substance, whereby it be-
comes not exactly swallowed, but embedded. When all the
digestible matter has been absorbed, the residue is ejected,
indifferently from any part, wherever it happens to be nearest
to the exterior.

Several genera of the fresh-water Rhizopoda form a horny
case, in which there are openings for the protrusion of their
psendopodia. The genus Difflugia forms a transparent horny
case, and fixes upon the outside, particles of sand, and the
siliceous shells of Diatomacece. Although the animal is of
such excedingly low organisation, it exhibits a curious power
of choice, never by any chance selecting other than mineral
particles ; fixing them, probably when the case is in a certain
glutinous condition, with an appearance of order ; in some
displaying almost the symmetry of design, smaller grains
being selected and neatly fitted into the interstices of larger



160 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

particles. The sarcode is of such non-consistency that the
filaments in coming in contact with one another coalesce
when there are several points of contact, forming a rough net-
work, all being retracted into the substance of the animal at
its will.

The Foraminifera themselves are wholly marine. The
physiological characteristics of the animals are apparently the
same as in the fresh- water orders. Food is embedded and
digested, and progression is effected by the aid of pseudo-
podia. The generic differences consist in the animal forming
shells of many beautiful, curious, and varied forms. They are
found in abundance in all seas, the maximum of development
being in the torrid, the minimum in the frigid zone. They are
commonly found alive upon sea-weeds ; every dredging from
the bottom will bring them up. I have found Foraminifera in
great abundance upon the Southport shore amongst the fine
debris left at every tide mark. They are brought up, almost
unmixed with sand or mud, when sounding the lowest known
depths of the Atlantic, where, until very recently, it was sup-
posed animal life could not exist, on account of the pressure
of the mass of water. It is, however, a fact that they are found
in the greatest abundance at the lowest depths, but they are
then fewer in species or variety than in shallower waters.
Ehrenberg says that chalk is composed, in a great proportion,
of their shells, and that they are found to be the principal, or
a very large constituent of whole mountain ranges of rocks.
We thus see that one of the lowest forms of organic life of the
present day has been continued from vastly remote geological
ages, whilst in the higher and more developed forms of life we
have only analogical and modified resemblances.



THE FORAMINIFERA. l6l

In classifying the Foraminifera the first great distinction
which strikes the observer is their division into one-celled
{Monothalamia) and many-celled (Polythalamia). The ani-
mals, being all of one sarcode-like substance, exhibiting the
same habits of life, cannot as with the higher orders, such as
the Mollusca be taken into any, or for more than a very little
account for generic or specific distinction. The characters of
the shell are therefore looked to as a basis of classification, the

form and arrangement of the cells or chambers, the mode of
their connection, the presence or absence of large or small
openings, their markings, and the intimate structure of the
shell, are the principal points for consideration. The Forami-
nifera are thus arranged into families, genera, species, and
varieties. Our knowledge of them, it must be confessed, is
unsatisfactory and imperfect ; gradually, however, no doubt
they will be better understood, as they are now receiving a
considerable amount of attention from eminent naturalists.
Theories and classifications are, by observation and research,
being continually modified and altered ; but one fact is uni-
versally observed, and that is the variableness of these minute
creatures. In several species a definite type of form prevails,
or rather the idea of it, whilst scarcely two shells will be found
identically the same. I have noticed this particularly in the
Miliolince, which are exceedingly abundant on our shore. Dr.
Carpenter says, " The range of variation is so great among
Foraminifera as to include not merely the differential charac-
ters which systematists, proceeding upon the ordinary methods,
have accounted specific, but also those upon which the greater
part of the genera of this group have been founded, and even
in some instances those of its orders. The ordinary notion of



1 62 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

species, as assemblages of individuals, marked out from each
other by definite characters, that have been generically trans-
mitted from original prototypes, similarly distinguished, is
quite inapplicable to this group, since, even if the limits of
such assemblages were extended so as to include what would
elsewhere be accounted genera, they would still be found so
intimately connected by gradational links that definite lines
could not be drawn between them." He also propounds the
idea that the many generic and specific forms may be traced
up to a very few original and leading types, which have multi-
plied by diversities of temperature, depth, geological position,
and local influences, thus exhibiting in this group, to a certain
extent, Mr. Darwin's theory of multiplication of species by
natural selection. This theory receives a certain amount of
confirmation when we notice the comparatively few species
found in the profound depths of the ocean, where the disturb-
ing influences are small ; and the great number of apparent
species and varieties found in shallower waters, where disturb-
ing influences of every kind are constantly in operation.

The propagation and development of the Rhizopods are not
yet definitely defined. Further observations of the living
animal are required before we can read their life-history with
certainty ; the information we possess leads to the inference
that they are propagated by fission. The Amoeba has been
observed to throw out a pseudopod, a little thickened at the
end, and attach it to an object ; then, without drawing the
body forward, the filament has gradually become thinner until
the enlarged point has become detached, and like the original
body, has thrown out pseudopodia of its own. Similar phe-
nomena have been observed in the Foraminifera, or the shell-



THE FORAMINIFERA. 163

bearing class. Although the whole process of growth and
development cannot be traced, there is reason to believe that
the animal arrives at a mature size before commencing to
form its shell. Unlike the Mollusk, which commences its free
life with a shell, and progressively increases its dimensions by
the deposition of carbonate of lime, the Foraminifera form a
transparent shell of mature size, which it gradually thickens,
when we read their comparative ages by contrasting their
opacity.

Southport is a very favourable locality for the collection of
Foraminifera ; in a comparatively short time I have been
enabled to add considerably to the number of species recorded
by Professor Williamson as occurring on this coast

For the benefit of the would-be collector I may state the
best method of collecting. In walking along the shore, at
either high or low-water mark, little slopes are seen, where the
retreating wave has left fine debris of comminuted shells, etc.
Carefully scrape this off the sand, take home and thoroughly
dry it, then throw a little at a time on a basin of water,
when the heavy particles will sink and leave the Foraminifera
floating on the top. Skim this off, dry it, and examine under
a lens. The objects sought for will then be seen, and may be
picked out with the point of a needle. Touch your hair with
the needle this slightly greases it and causes the Foramini-
fera to adhere lightly to the point. Fix the needle into a little
wooden handle for convenience in using.



LIST OF THE SOUTHPORT FORAMINIFERA.

Orbulina universa.

Lagena vulgaris.

Lagena vulgar is var. clavata.



164 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT.

Lagena vulgaris var. pellucida.

Lagena vulgaris var. semistriata,

Lagena vulgaris var. striala.

Lagena vulgaris var. interrupta.

Lagena vulgaris var. gradlis.

Lagena vulgaris var. substriata.

Entosolenia squamosa.

Nodosaria radicula.

Nodosaria pyrula.

Dentalina subarcuata.

Dentalina legumen.

Cristellaria subarcuatula.

Nonionina Jeffrey sii.

Nonionina elegans.

Polystomella umbilicatula.

Polystomella umbilicatula var. incerta.

Polystomella crispa.

Rotalina Beccarii.

Rotalina inflala.

Rotalina concamerata.

Rotalina nitida.

Rotalina fusca.

Planorbulina vulgaris.

Truncatella lobata.

Bulimina pupoides.

Bulimina pupoides vax.fusiformis.

Cassidulina Icevigata.

Polymorphina lactea.

Polymorphina lactea var. oblonga.

Polymorphina lactea vax.flatitlosa.



THE FORAMINIFERA. 165



Polymorphina lactea var. communis.

Biloculina ringens.

Biloculina ringens var. carinata.

Biloculina ringens var. patagonica.

Spiroloculina depressa.

Miliolina seniinulum.

Miliolina seniinulum var. oblonga.

Miliolina seniinulum var. disciformis.

Miliolina bicornis.

Miliolina bicornis var. angulata.

Miliolina trigonula.

Spirilina foliacea.



i66



s


2 vo vo '^TfvO O M CO CO


^


VO


^


,^1


s


WlCO" O\ >- voCsvd CN CO rf


00


M


CO




^


M










i


J! ON O fi lo ON O ro M 00
00 M fO vo VO >-i vo CO OO ^O


d


00


Tt-

00"


00

30




Q










a


t.






















1


JJpaoO M OOOO r^vo r^
M T}- O HH vo CO -4 1 *--- CN vo"


S


VO

d


ON


ON














Ov


Jjoo ^O VOM ONM r^ro


ON


o\


vo


t^


00


MOO" CNW l>-^-vdvd ro


l^


ON


<N


j
















3










00


MO d >-< oo" M' t-~ o" d vd


0"


00


M


^




Q










^


JJd M 1-1 O rOOOOO fow


_


ro


O


OS


<


^^^^^^vovovovo


P


vo


5-


$


vO


gtOONH. Tj-fDN fjt-ro


VO


_


00


M


0?


MOO ONO voCOvd O CTN^f


4


N


N


ad




Q












o










oo"


bfl ci vd O^N t^ f< vO OO O OO


00





0\


00




Q T}- ro ro ^1- vo










<


bbciod roONCNvd ^"co" vo


o"


N


N


CO














oo


JO M Tt-Tj-NOOVO ^^

^^fOTj-'^-'^'VOvo vovo


rj-
06





q


vo

CO




IA










03"


M M to ^ vd d\ vd t-" d vo


r4


t


H


ON




::::;: r ; '













is-j i i 1 .1

S C "5 =! .^ 30;

1 1 i 1 1 1 t.f |

(_jpiH^i<^;i , i < c/3


October


November


December


1



i6 7



i


g* ON

o\ co


Tj- Tf SO M 00 O -

HH ro ro CO ^H w N


H 00 Tf


!?


"


Q










Ul








8


&amp;i *^.


ON N 4 d M d M


ON CO NO


o\




Q










<y








8


&amp;2" 2


N IO OO to CO pj IO


P* ON CO


CO




Q








00


1- d


10 ON Cv PI ON 10 PI


VO vO 10

4 4 pJ


s




Q








1


o\ S


O pi M pj ON M CO


d t-t co


M -




I








oo

00


! *


"o\ 4 ' S cT P? I


M 0\ PJ







Q










V








<2


&amp; Cv l>-

Q


O w CO 4 ON t-i PJ


Pj 0\ CO


d


V


t3b Q\ Ox


O co ^" CO PI CO O


M 0\ CO


M




Q










v * OO
&amp;CO ^


t^ ON t^. co P) O VO


ON 00 t~


VO






Q






M


*


S M . M


rf O >H OO CO CO to


ON O


CO


oo


&amp;CO


d 4 co 4 co M pj


ON ON ON


M












CO


S >o o

&amp;CO 00


CO 't 00 Tj- ON * VO


d oo' oo'


VO

d




o








M
f




M M O W PJ M 00


d co t^-


d




Q












.










:::::::




:










.






: ' : ' >^


' ID S


c




t s

c3 3

II


J2 "S S
^ 'S rt" C ^ P D.

V^; H* *H 3 3 O

S < S I , *= < 00


1 1 1


8



168



1


11


00


00

d


'f PJ"


PO O
PO $>


d


o


Jo


00
Cs
PJ


H
M

co


CO





8 ON








q CN


u~> O











PJ


q


*r


-


Q M


PJ


PI


PI CO


PI PI


PI


PJ


CO


PO


CO


PJ





15-


v^


*r


d o"


O CN

PO OO


00


10


O


PJ


g


O


-
























1


IS


ON


00

d


O M


ON NO


PI


1


PJ

M


PO


J


ON

CO


























1


la


5


PJ


00 O
PO PO


*** .
0%

PJ PI


ON

PI




NO

CO


PJ

PO


PO
PO


PJ

CO





oo
oo"


ION


M


NO


OO J>*
00 t^.


00 M


*

:0


ID


NO


NO

PO


d


PO*


























00*


8 *-


PJ


*>.


O NO


q NO


NO


oo


NO


ON


CN


t




Q N


PJ


PO


PI PO


CO M


M


PJ


CO


PJ


PI


M


NO

3O


&amp; d


S


d


t^ d


Tj-

d PJ


ON


u->


PJ'


PO


J-


p


























.0


i-


M


t^


t- t^


oo TJ-


PO


^j.


00


PJ


00


M


%




PJ


pT


OO M


PO ON
co PJ


cT


PJ

PO




CO


cr>
PJ


00

PJ


M

PO


s


8 o

fij ro


IO





CN O

d PO


M 00

d co


i


00


*r


00

d


CN
NO


*?





12


d


5


O r*^


C\ CO


^.


vd


2.


NO


,4


N -




Q






















f


8 q


PJ

CO





NO ON

d oo


d PO

rj- PO


E


PO
ON

PJ


VO

d\
PJ


00

i


PI


PO




















:










:




: :


: ;


;










:






.


.


.








.






.
























.
















h




Lj


J_


c




|

c

a


3

1


1


'1 ,f
< S


D K^

C ~
3 3

i > i


a


1

<u


October


Novembc


1

1


<u



1 6 9





a


1^

cS


OO OO OO


r^ 00 (M


00


IO t^ OO

oo oo oo


OO




1


Koo
=foo
Q


co oo oo


N i O fO

co co co oo


IO

oo


OO f~ O
00 CO 00


s


^





u












<


00


I 00


oo ^o co


t^- 00 OO OO


00


oo oo oo


oo


Cv

t_i
<


1


F


CO u-i M

oo oo oo


CO >O OO *

r~ OO CO OO


r-

00


rj- VQ r-

CO 00 00


00


&amp;


o,















<


=2


l


co oo co


t^ r* CO OO


00


Ov 00 00


00


W


00


i












s


s


r


Cv 00 CO


00 CO OO 00


00


OO OO CN


00


ta



oo


F


IT) M

co oo co


Tl- fO O N

r~- r^ OO OO


00


<* VO M

00 00


00





vo


8












Q


2


|=o


co oo oo


r^ r** CO oo


00


CO O\ O\


00


>s


<r>














m


oo




00 00 f^-


t^ r^ t^ OO


CO


00 00 00


CO





















^2


1


00 00 r-


t^ o r- oo


CO


oo oo oo


00


w
w





S^


\O rf TJ-


t- C\


o


* vO OO


M




*3


-


Q


00 00










w

Q



N

"


ON

r


N V) M

O CO OO


O 00 O

t^. oo t^ oo


o

00


VO 00
00 00 00


**J

00


3




:


: : :


; ; ; ;


I


: i '


;








:




i


' >- l-t


g






I
3


>>

rt ^

111

^ S <


fr 8 ^ 3.

2 A S <


J3

s
8

a.




1 1

O 0)


0)



i


* j

1


VO

O
P)


o
>


o'

Ov


PI


to

00


to PI
O 10

CC CO


60


5 cc 5

n IO


00
ON
O




CO


?


PI


PI


pj


"'


PI


PI


to 4


(0


* CO


CO


CO


|


V vg


s


vS"


S


CC


to
PI


z ^


^5


n M
IO ON


O

ON
CO


to


"


J "


M


PI


*


"- 1


"*'


10 rf


to


CO rt


P)





1


I
1 "d


o

VO

m


VO

to
to


CC


to


o
o
to


PI 00

CO Cv
00 VO

to to


*o

Ok
ci


00 Tt

Tf t^

to to


C ^-






M


g 10

,5


t




>o
pi


o"'


o

PI'


IO


t-^- fO
pi M


O
*O


vO ON
O IO
ON CO
Pi CO



IO


rj-

VO

CO












IO


^


m


10 CO


.M


PI CO





M


OO


g 10


o




ON


ci


PI


M VO





t^ ON


-


CO




H. H


to


M


M


CI


*j


< vO


CO


1-1 O


PI


PI
CO


oo
t^


I ^





3-


CC


8


Ok




vO O

CO vO


w>

tn


10 O


PI

00







c


.


?


~


ro


in


to


CO


co PJ


-


TJ-

CO





J?


o


O


PJ
Ok


s


m


PI vo

VO OO


|


VO 00


00
00


ON


7






















^





- Ov

1 ?


6


6


r^

to


VO

o"


cc'


S" vg

ON





00 00

t^. PI

11 00
CO CO


VO
IO


to
to

CO


oo


8 2

"o vO


o"


pi




o

IO


CC

PI
Ov


ct


O n

VO OO

O CO


CQ

NO


O 10

^ ?


to


VO

CO

: t


2


8 vS"


cc
O


co


-t-


cc


PI


t^ O


CC


s s


00


PI


2


pi


M


Pi


3


M





~ co


(O


^ rf


pi


CO


to

<


s 8

g oo
JS to


Ov




PI
to


un



?





2 rT




PI


10 CM

PJ

CO 00


PI

cc


o\
o


N

00*


g ^
g 10



CC


CC

in


cc


CC
CC

to


oo
PI


rf vo

CO CO


m

-c
w>


>1 PI

* to


to

CO


oo
























< ^




C
c3
t >


February


j?


1


ci


1


i S
&amp;

5 5


i


II


Decem'r.


1



MEAN ANNUAL AMOUNTS OF OZONE.



if]



1872


c; 60


1876


A C I


1880




187-?


c.4o


1877...


6 01


1881


4. 81;


1874


....4.91


1878....


--5-30


1882....


...4.94


187^...


...4.21


1870...,


. .4.06








1











MEAN MONTHLY AMOUNTS OF OZONE

From 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., or night period ; and from 9 a.m. to

9 p.m., or day period ; and the Means of the two periods

for the years 187282.





Night Mean.


Day Mean.


Mean of Day
and Night.


January
February


4 .l6
4 0"?


3-43

4-17


3-79

4. cc


March
April


5.66

J 17


5-45
q.6i


5-55
c.ig


May
Tune


5-95

57^


6.61
6.7;


6.28
6.25


Tulv .


;.6<;


6.68


6.16


Aunst ...


517


6.01


C.CQ


September


4.72


S-O9


4.90


October


1.86


3.60


3-73


November


4 80


4. 1 1


4.4-C


December


4.1=;


T..A']


3.81










Means


5.00


5-08


5-04



172



POPULATION OF SOUTHPORT.



i86i
1862



Census

Estimated



1864

1866

1867

1868

1869

1870

1871 Census.

1872 Estimated

i8?3

1874

1875

1876

1877

1878

1879 29,554

1880 3> 8 45

1881 Census 32,191

1882 Estimated I 33,597

1883



Aggregate Population of Southport and Birkdale (Census
1881) 42,454-



COMPARATIVE DEATH-RATE TABLE.



The death-rate in England and Wales from all causes was,

in 1881 18-90

n 1882 i9'6o

The death-rate in Southport from all causes was,

in 1881 17 '64

in 1882 i6'43

The death-rate in England and Wales from the seven prin-
cipal zymotic diseases was, in 1881 2 24

in 1882 2-64

The death-rate in Southport from the seven principal

zymotic diseases was, in 1881 1*36

in 1882 i. 01

The proportion of deaths under one year of age to 1,000

births in England and Wales was, in 1 88 1 130

in 1882 141

The proportion of deaths under one year of age to 1,000

births in Southport was, in 1881 100

in 1882 119



INDEX.



I'AGE

AQUARIUM, THE 10

ARACHNIDA OF SOUTHPORT 103

ART GALLERY, THE 8

ATKINSON, LATE MR. WILLIAM . . 8

ATMOSPHERE OF SOUTHPORT 31, 40

BANKS 15

BARTON, THE LATE MR '... 4

BATHS, THE VICTORIA 17

BAXENDELL, MR. WILLIAM 27, 31

BIRDS, THE SOUTHPORT 89

BlRKDALE 5

BLYTHE HALL ,*

BOTANICAL GARDENS, CHURCHTOWN n

BRONCHITIS 39

CAMBRIDGE HALL, THE 8

LOCAL EXAMINATIONS 19

CATHOLIC CHAPELS ..,....:. 14

CEMETERY, THE 15

CHRIST CHURCH 5

CHURCHES, SOUTHPORT 13

CHURCHTOWN 2, 5, 14

BOTANICAL GARDENS n

CLIMATE OF SOUTHPORT 27, 39

COCKLES . -'"i**. . ... 65

CONCERT HALL, THE 10, n

CONGREGATIONALISTS, THE 14

CONSERVATORY, THE CHURCHTOWN 12

WINTER GARDENS 10

CONSUMPTION 36

CONVALESCENT HOME, THE MANCHESTER AND SALFORD . . 17

HOME FOR CHILDREN ..*..... 18

HOSPITAL, THE 16

CROSSENS . . . . ."'.' 81, 86, 93

CRUSTACEA, SOUTHPORT in

DEATH-RATE OF SOUTHPORT . . . . ' V 173

DRAINAGE OF SOUTHPORT . 20



INDEX.

PAGE

DUKE'S FOLLY 4

DYSPEPSIA 42

FERNLEY, THE LATE MR. JOHN '''$

FERNS, SOUTHPORT 86

FISHERMEN, SOUTHPORT 34

FLEETWOOD FAMILY, THE 14

FLORA, THE SOUTHPORT 65

FORAMINIFERA, THE SOUTHPORT 158

FRANCHISE, THE SOUTHPORT 19

FREE LIBRARY 8, 9

GEOLOGY OF SOUTHPORT DISTRICT 21

GENTLEWOMEN'S HOME, THE 18

GLACIARIUM, THE 12

GOVERNMENT OF SOUTHPORT 18

GOVERNESSES' HOME, THE 18

GRAVES, THE LATE MR 94

GULLS, THE SEA 93, 100

HAWES, THE ' '* *5

HESKETH FAMILY, THE 14

REV. CHARLES 11,14

PARK, THE n

HOLDEN, MR. EDWARD 13

HOTELS, SOUTHPORT 20

HYDROPATHIC ESTABLISHMENTS 20

INCORPORATION OF SOUTHPORT 18

INFIRMARY, THE 17

INVALIDS, SUGGESTIONS FOR . . 35

LATHOM HOUSE 2

LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY g

LORD-STREET 5

MARKET, THE 15

METEOROLOGY OF SOUTHPORT 27

TABLES 166

MOLLUSCA, SOUTHPORT 114

MUSEUM, THE BOTANIC GARDENS 12, 93

NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHPORT 64

NEWSPAPERS, SOUTHPORT 18

NORTH MEOLS 3

- RECTOR OF 14

ORNITHOLOGY 89

OZONE . 30



IXDEX.

I'AOK

OZONE TABLES 171

PICKARD-CAMBRIDGK, REV. O . . 103

PIER, THE 7

POPULATION OF SOUTHPORT .. ii; .... 5, 172

PROMENADE, THE , ; .:. .... 6

RAILWAYS, SOUTHPORT , .-,... . . . 2, 18

RAINFALL, THE SOUTHPORT ' . . . 27, 32, 168

RENT OF HOUSES 19

RUFFORD HALL it

SANATORIUM, SOUTHPORT AS A "' 35

SANDHILLS, THE ".'. . 22, 67

SANDS, THE ;' .. - -, . 8, 29

SCARISBRICK HALL 2

SCHOOLS 19

SEA-BATHING 54

INFIRMARY 16

SHELLS FOUND AT SOUTHPORT ii&amp;

STRANGERS' CHARITY, THE . . . . ' 16

ST. CUTHBERT'S CHURCH 13

SUNSETS, SOUTHPORT . '. IBM

SUTTON, THE LATE MR. WILLIAM - ... 3,

TEMPERATURE OF SOUTHPORT 27, 43, 166

TOWN HALL, THE ....,..- 8

TYRER, THE LATE MR 94

WATERWORKS, THE 19

WESLEYAN CHAPELS . 14

WINDS, PREVAILING . . 28

WINTER GARDENS, THE - ' ft

ZOOPHYTES, THE SOUTHPORT , . . . 140