204 THE MARINE BOTANIST. 



varying greatly in breadth 5 when growing in the 

 shallow water, the frond is mostly broadly fan- 

 shaped with broad segments an inch and a half or 

 more wide, while in deep water plants the stem is 

 five inches in length, and the divisions of the frond 

 exceedingly narrow, and repeatedly forked. Mrs. 

 Griffiths, in describing it in Turner's History of 

 Sea-weeds, says, ^^ Every pool upon the Devonshire 

 coast produces a dissimilar sort, and where there 

 is any mixture of fresh water, the varieties are 

 monstrous as well as endless.*' Chondrus crispus 

 is frequently iridescent, reflecting beautiful pearly 

 hues, especially when growing in shaded pools ; 

 its true colour is a dark purple, but it is often 

 yellowish or greenish according to the shallowness 

 of the pool in which it grows — substance tough, 

 horny when dry. Very common. Perennial. 

 Spring\ This, and G, mamillosa are sold in the 

 shops under the name of Carrigeen or Irish Moss, 

 which, when well boiled, forms a pleasant and 

 nutritious jelly. 



