45 



derived from the ashes or kelp of the Fucoidece. With 

 these our shores are well strewed ; and amongst them 

 are found AlgcB, distinguislied both for extraordinary 

 frequency and gigantic size. It is certain that the 

 Ecklonia buccinalis. Hornm. (Zee-bamboes), our Sar- 

 gassa, Laminarice, and Iridaece, tlie Macrocijstis plani- 

 caulis, Ag., the Desmarestia herbacea. Lamour, and many 

 more of our large marine plants, would easily yield a 

 vast quantity of Iodine, if the experiment of preparing 

 it, were thought worth a due trial. 



SUHRIA. J. Ag. 



(^FloridecB.) 

 XXIV. — CRYPTOGAMIA (ALG^). LIN. SYST. 



99. Suhria vittata. I. Ag. Base callous, fixed 

 parasitically on the stems of larger Algce. Frond leaf- 

 like, linear-lanceolate, branchy, mid-ribbed at base, 

 prolificating. Frolifications issuing chiefly from the 

 margin of the frond as fringes, or in the form of 

 small obovate leaves, which contain the fructification. 

 iS ubstance cartilaginous ; colour deep purple. 



Like the Carrageen, or Irish moss, the whole of this 

 handsome sea-weed is soluble in boiling water, and trans- 

 formed into a gelatinous mass. In the shape o^ jelly or 

 blanc mange, it is advantageously employed in pulmonary 

 complaints, scrofula, rickets, irritation of the bladder, &c., 

 as a demulcent and nutritive. 



Common in Table Bay, particularly on the gigantic stems 

 of the Sea-trumpet (Ecklonia buccinalis. Horn.) 



PODAXON. Desv. 



(Fwigi.) 

 XXIV. — CRYPTOGAMIA. LIN. SYST. 



100. Podaxon carcinomatis. Fr. Club-shaped ; peri- 

 dium dehiscent at base. Stipe erect, cylindrical, white. 

 Cap ovate, tapering upwards, nearly as long as the 

 stipe. 



A mushroom of an oblong club-shaped form, which grows 

 gregariously on ant-hills. It contains a blackish powder 

 (seeds), which is used occasionally for curing carcinomatous 

 ulcers. 



