90 Staten Island Association of Arts and Sciences 



who use it instead of a cloth for washing dishes. It is very 

 abundant at Kavon Point, and Staten Island, on old shells and 

 oysters, below low water mark." 



The phraseology used in the general descriptions and discus- 

 sions is as quaint as the dedication. From the introduction may 

 be quoted: "Algology is the science that treats of the structure, 

 habits, and classification of algae. Alga singular, and algae 

 plural, meaning sea-weed, or sea-weeds." 



The author's observations and speculations on the method of 

 propagation of algae are especially interesting, viz : " It may never 

 be possible to solve the problem of conception, though the mode 

 of casting the seed, or bringing forth the young algae, is easily 

 followed from the pericarp or womb, to the full development of a 

 plant ; and here all the circumstances seem to favor the hypothesis 

 of an animal nature." 



In regard to the sponges he says : " . . . some Naturalists of 

 the present time are of the opinion that they lean to the vege- 

 table side of the finite line that separates the animal from the 

 vegetable kingdom." 



In regard to the study of algology he says : " The pleasure 

 experienced ... is ample remuneration for the patient industry 

 required in its pursuit. . . . The gay iridescent plants seem 

 tempting ; the shore scenery is inviting ; the exercise brings 

 appetite. . . while the heart flows in gratitude to Him who so 

 graciously permits us to live in this last most perfect link of 

 His beautiful creation." 



The final chapter, on the corallines, includes a lengthy and 

 interesting description and discussion of the shad fishery, from 

 which the following is abstracted : 



"... news arrives that shad have struck the Delaware, and 

 quick as if an enemy had struck the Hudson, the fishermen from 

 Squan to the Neversink, are in motion for Jersey City. . . . The 

 business in general is profitable. . . . Some of the men often 

 receive one hundred or more dollars each for the season of about 

 six weeks in duration. The 25th of March is generally the 



