ON SEA- WEEDS. 147 



It is therefore of the utmost importance that we 

 should select those Algae which have been ascertained 

 to possess the property of generating this elixir of 

 life in the greatest degree. Of this class, none are so 

 noted as the Ulva latissima a plant that belongs 

 to the Chlorosperm or Green-seeded Algae. It is 

 variously termed Green-sloke, Green-laver, and again, 

 Sea-lettuce. It grows in great profusion upon the 

 sea-shore near Edinburgh. 



Like so many others of the most common natural 

 productions, it is also one of the handsomest. In- 

 deed, it is almost impossible to mistake it, from its 

 being the only one of a green colour that possesses 

 such large delicate leaves or fronds 



" Like streamers wide outflowing," 



soft and shining as satin, or the finest gold-beater's 

 skin. Its edges are much crimpled, but it is to these 

 convoluted folds that it owes its chief beauty. 



It is best to chip off a piece of rock to which this 

 weed is attached, and which may serve as an anchor 

 to fix the specimen in any locality that you may 

 desire. 



" I have in my Aquarium " (says the Eev. Mr 

 Wood) " a large plant of this species, which generally 

 lives very contentedly in the place where it had been 

 deposited. But a few days ago, the sun shone brightly 

 enough to pierce through the veil of smoke with which 

 the metropolis is generally hidden from his presence, 

 and consequently there was a greater abundance of 



