192 CRYPTOGAMOUS PLANTS. 



even. The color is usually green, sometimes bluish. 

 The species (A', edule) found in the streams of China is 

 used as an article of food. It is dried and then added 

 as wanted to soups, for which its gelatinous substan- 

 ces, rich in bassorin, renders it peculiarly appropriate. 

 Another closely allied alga abounds in the Arctic 

 regions, affording much wholesome food. .Several 

 species are indigenous to the United States but seem 

 rare in this section. In Texas that peculiar species 

 {N. Jlagclliformc) which grows on the naked soil, hav- 

 ing long forked fronds, and know n as "kalling-stars," 

 is common. No one at first would take this as a nos- 

 toc, but its structure is precisely the same. In fine nos- 

 tocs grow in all parts of the world, anti are capable of 

 bearing great extremes of both heat and cold. They 

 are known not only under their proper name l>nt as 

 "Star-jelU''" or "Witches'-butter" on account of their 

 gelatinous texture. As the\- form eharming and \a- 

 rious objects for the microscope, the\" are deser\ ing 

 of special attention. 



Catalo(:;ur of the C ryf^tOiravioKs or I-'lo^ccrlcss Plants 

 of Wrmoiit. By Chas. C. I'rost, Brattleborough, 

 Vermont. 



(Coiiliitiuii fioin /xJi^f 153.J 



MUSCL— Mo.ssEs. 



HVPNU.M FILICIXUM, L. Wet places 



H. Crista-Castrexsis, L. On the ground in 

 mountainous districts. 



H. MOLLUSCIM. Hedw. Rocks and ground in 



• moioL pldccb. 



