Paul Haas and T. G-. Hill 



353 



The form of the plant shows much variation in the breadth and 

 branching of the fronds, according to the conditions of growth, exposure 

 to waves and surf for example. Four typical forms are shown in the 

 accompanying figures, which wore drawn by Miss Matilda Smith from 

 specimens in the Kew Herbarium. 



The " Irish moss " of commerce consists of the dried yellowish brown 

 fronds of Chondrus crispus mixed with some Gigartina mamillosa ( Fig. 5). 

 The weed is collected at low tide and is spread on shingle or grass where 



Fig. 1. Chondrus crispus. Narrow form from swift channels and rough water. (Nat. size.) 



it is cured by watering with either fresh or salt water and bleached and 

 dried by exposure to the sun. 



The wholesale price varies from £30-£90 per ton according apparently 

 to- the fancy of the dealer. 



Uses of Irish Moss. 



Irish moss or carrageen when boiled with water swells up and gives 

 a gelatinous mass; on straining this yields a more or less transparent 

 viscous solution which gelatinises on cooling. This material has been 

 used in medicine as a demulcent and has by some been considered to 



