OF i\E\V EEUNSWICK. 169 



carbonate of soda more cheaply from other sources. As a source from which iodine is 

 is obtained, however, it might be possible to utilise in future the enormous product of 

 Fvciia i-eùcnloaiis on the shores of the Maritime Provinces. 



Of the Laminariaî there seem to be, so far as observed, only three species on the shores 

 of New Brunswick. Their great variety of form and size renders the identification of 

 species a matter of some difhculty to the student. The most generally diffused form, 

 especially in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is Luminuriu longicruris. This, with species para- 

 sitical upon it, formed the great mass of marine A^egetation observed in the long lines of 

 seaweed cast up by the waves on the southern shores of Shippegau and Miscou. The 

 length of one specimen of this plant, measured from hold-fast to end of l)lade, was 28 feet ; 

 and the stipe of another, which was all that could be obtained from the mass of debris in 

 which it was imbedded, was 16 feet in length. Judging i'rom the large size of this stipe, 

 it must have belonged to a plant fully 30 feet long. Scattered in endless profusion along 

 this shore, and thrown up from the deep water, were the beautiful forms of the bright 

 red Delesseria dmiosa and D. tila/n, var. ann^us/issinin, the latter not having been yet observed 

 on the southern coast of the province. 



The other species of Laminarias, L. saaharinn and L. digitatn with the related species, 

 Chorda filum, Agarum Tmneri, A f aria esmlenta, are found to a much more limited extent on 

 the shores of the Grulf of St. Lawrence than L. longicruris. The size of the latter amonc: 

 the islands at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy was much less than what was observed i)i 

 the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and here it was replaced to a great extent by the other species 

 of Laminariœ just mentioned. 



The Laminariœ are valuable as fertilisers, although I am not aware that farmers in 

 this province make any use of them. The stems of Laminaria digitiiln seem to be used for 

 a variety of purposes, amongst others, for the manufacture of sponge-tents. 



The only sea-plant that has a commercial value with us is Rhodymenia palmala, or dulse. 

 During the season of 1886, the export of this seaweed from the shores of the Bay of Fundy 

 was estimated, I am told, at upwards of 100 tons, of which about 50 tons were received 

 and shipped irom St. John. The selling price per lb. is from three to six cents delivered 

 in St. John. The revenue from dulse gathered on the Bay of Fundy shores last year 

 could not have fallen short of $10,000. The coast in the vicinity of Dark Harbor, and 

 other points on the north-west side of Grand Manan, are favourite grounds for the collec- 

 tion of this seaweed. During the lull in the fishing season in August, many turn their 

 attention to this industry. Much that is exported from St. John finds its way to the 

 manufacturing towns in the New England States, where it seems to be in demand among 

 the factory population. 



Among the edible Alga>, that which occupies the highest place is Chondrus crispus 

 (Irish moss). This when reduced to a Jelly by boiling, and seasoned, is tolerably 

 palatable, and has very nourishing qualities. Porphyra ladniata and P. vulgaris, as articles 

 of food, are in considerable demand in China and on the west coast of Europe. These 

 edible seaweeds are found in great abundance on the rocky shores of New Brunswick ; 

 but, either because no urgent necessity has arisen for their use, or because the attention 

 of oi\r people has not yet been directed to them, their qualities have so ftir been untested. 

 But a knowledge of their value as food, as well as where to look for them and how to 



Sec. iv, 1887. 22. 



