205 



ALG^E. 



[CHAP. 



FIG. 152. P adina pavonia. 



Tail, or Turkey-feather Laver of our southern shores 

 (Padina pavonia) i fig. 152. The fronds, which are 



marked with concentric lines, 

 assume more or less the form 

 of a cup. It is most common 

 in tropical countries, and in 

 our country only to be found 

 on the most southern coasts. 

 As a sample of the RJwdo- 

 spermece we could desire no 

 more lovely example than 

 the Scarlet Plocamium (Plo- 

 camiitm coccineuin)> fig. 153, 

 which is admired by all visitors to the seaside. The 

 frond, which is of a beautiful rosy hue, is much 



divided-, and has a de- 

 licate feathery appear- 

 ance. Another well- 

 known species of this 

 group is the Chondrus 

 crispiis, better known by 

 its popular title of Car- 

 rageen or Irish Moss. 

 It is one of the com- 

 monest species on all our 

 coasts, and may often 

 be found washed up on 



the beach. Its general form may be seen in the 

 illustration (fig. 154), and in colour it varies from 

 white, through yellow and greenish, up to a dull 

 purple. It contains a large amount of gelatine, and 

 when boiled produces a nutritious jelly, which is 



FIG 153 Plocantium coccineum- 



