INTRODUCTION. XXUl 



a ^eat number occurs tliroug-li the summer months, 

 while in others it takes place in winter and spring-. 

 In enumerating the different uses of sea-weed, its 

 importance to the various animals inhabiting* the sea 

 first claims attention. Innumerable animalcules, 

 the principal food of the whale and of many 

 species of fish eaten by man, derive their sustenance 

 from the alg'se, which is as necessary to them as the 

 vegetation of the land is to the different living- 

 creatures upon it. Thus — 



" Huge Ocean shows, within his yellow strand, 

 A habitation marvellously planned, 

 For life to occupy." 



The following* observations, made by Capt. Grey* 

 during the course of his homeward voyage from 

 Australia, are interesting in connection with this 

 subject, and also as relating to animals of whose 

 habits and means of existence we have, from the 

 nature of the element they inhabit, but little ac- 

 quaintance. " In 26° N. lat., we entered a portion 



* See Capt. Grey's "Australia" (Voyage Homewards), 

 Nat. Hist. p. 176. 



