IRISH MOSS. 303 



branches are roundish and very rough, being covered with 

 small pointed tubercles ; it is of a yellowish colour and so 

 gelatinous as to be semi-transparent ; it tastes strongly, 

 when imported, of sea-salt, and has the usual odour of sea- 

 weeds. It forms a considerable article of food in India, and 

 is said to furnish the material for the edible birds'-nests of 

 China. When well washed and then soaked in pure water, 

 it swells considerably and becomes transparent ; in this state 

 it is boiled in syrup and forms a delicious preserve, which is 

 sometimes imported in jars, similar to those which contain 

 preserved ginger. 



Carrageen, or Irish Moss. Chondrus crispus. (Nat. 

 Ord. A! gee.) 



This is another seaweed which yields an abundance of 

 gelatine, and is used in the manufactories for dressing silks, 

 etc. ; it is also extensively used in feeding cattle, and to 

 make a light nutritive jelly for invalids. It is in broadish 

 fronds, resembling pieces of yellow parchment much crisped 

 or curled at the edges. It contains 79 per cent, of vegetable 

 jelly. It is occasionally imported from Northern Europe, 

 but enormous quantities are furnished from the Irish coasts. 



Teazels. — The dried heads of the Fullers' Teazel, JDip- 

 sacus fullonum (Nat. Ord. Dipsacete). 



