182 LICHENS. 



has left no place, however bleak, without some 

 means of supporting animal and vegetable life; and 

 thus the lichens afford nourishment to the rein-deer 

 in those inhospitable regions, where it is the only 

 animal that can exist, and where it supplies nearly 

 all the wants of the inhabitants. One species of 

 lichen, called Iceland moss, is used among our- 

 selves, both as food and medicine. 



The bottom of the sea is also clothed with vege- 

 table productions. These are called sea-weed, and 

 in some situations it grows so plentifully as to 

 cover the surface of the ocean, and give it the ap- 

 pearance of a vast field. Sea-weeds afford food to 

 marine animals, and are likewise burnt for making 

 soda. 



Questions. 



What plants do not produce flowers 1 



In what situations do mosses grow ? 



What important purpose do they serve when decayed 1 



What are fungi, and on what do they live in general"? 



Name some of the fungi. 



Why should we be careful in eating these vegetables ? 



In what countries do ferns attain a great size? 



In what country do lichens grow most abundantly ? 



What useful animal finds its principal food among then. 



Is the sea provided with vegetable productions ? 



Of what use is sea-weed 1 



