28 RAMBLES AND REVERIES. 



line, yet it is cast up in abundance everywhere 

 along our coasts. The Griffithsias, called after 

 Mrs. Griffiths, the celebrated algologist, are all of 

 them exceedingly pretty. 



One of the loveliest of the rhodosperms is Mau- 

 geria sanguined, more familiarly known by its 

 older name of Delesseria sanguined. It is very 

 common in the deep rocky pools. The Peacock's 

 Tail, or Padina pavonia, is well known, and is 

 largely used for ornamental patterns. 



Ckondrus crispus, or Irish Moss, called, by the 

 Irish, Carrageen, belongs to this second division 

 of seaweeds. When seen growing in the quiet 

 pools it appears very beautiful, and is of a deep 

 brown or purple colour, but in shallower water is 

 yellowish. The tasteless gelatine derived from it 

 is largely used in cooking, and at one time it 

 was credited with curative properties in cases of 

 consumption. It is still used in making jellies, 

 and even for blanc-mange, by confectioners. One 

 of the species of chondrus constitutes the material 

 from which Chinese birds make those edible nests 

 which are so highly prized by Oriental epicures. 

 Griffithsia, which has already been referred to, 

 is a widely distributed and pretty genus. All the 

 species are of delicate texture, and must not be 

 kept too long in water, or they will lose their 

 colour. The palmated Rhodymenia or Dulse is eaten 

 in Ireland, and is also dried for use as tobacco. 



The third division of marine algae consists mainly 

 of green weeds. 



The commonest of these, indeed one of the 



