CRYPTOGAMTA. 921 
e action of the water,—on rocks in the sea,—on gravel- 
walks after rain,—attached to sticks and stones in ditches and 
lakes,—belong to the genera Linckia (Rivularia), Nostoc, 
q Palmella, &c. in this Order. Alge vary in size, from 
_ the fine delicate capillary tufts of the Conferve, found wav- 
ing in rivulets and ditches, to the thick stout stalks of Sea- — 
tangle (Laminaria digitata), found in great abundance on 
our shores. In many parts of the ocean the Alge for 
Immense submarine forests. 
The Algee may be arranged in four divisions: I. Tre- 
MeLunex ; II, Conrervorpe#; I]. Utvowex; IV. Fu- 
Many of the Alge abound in a gelatinous matter, which 
fords a kind of glue or varnish. The Chondrus crispus 
furnishes size for the use of house-painters. Gracilaria 
tenax is used by the Chinese in place of gum or glue. 
“In the manufacture of kelp, however, for the use of the 
glass-maker and the soap-boiler, itis that the Alge take their 
Place among the most useful vegetables. The species most — 
used for this purpose are Fucus vesiculosus (Kelp-ware or 
Sea-ware) ; F. nodosus (Sea-whistles); F. serratus (Black 
Wrack or Prickly Tang ; Laminaria digitata (Fucus digita- 
tus, Sea-girdles, Tangle, Red Ware); L. bulbosa (F. bulbo- 
sus, Sea Fur-belows) ; Himanthalia lorea (F. loreus, Sea- 
thongs, Drew) ; and Chorda filum (F. f., Sea Catgut, Sea 
Lace.”)__“ Where the plants did not grow naturally, at- 
mpts have been made, and not without success, to cultivate : 
them, by covering the sandy bays with large stones. By this 
Method a crop of Fuci has been obtained, as we are informed — : 
| Mr. Neill, in about three years, the sea appearing to a — 
bound every where with the necessary seeds.” — Grev. Algae” 
lodine is also procured from Kelp, this element existing 
Kelp contains a great quantity of an impure carbonate o 
oda. The sea-weeds are dried, and put into a pit or | 
kiln made in the earth. ‘They are then burned to ashes 
