THE DULSE FAMILY. 



95 



appearance of green-pea soup. It lias received the name of 

 Cla th rocjjs tis cerug in osa . 



Eed Snow [Protococcus nivalis). Tliis singular substance 

 consists of microscopic globules, covering large tracts of 

 snow in the Arctic and Alpine regions with patches of a 

 bright red colour, which after pressure with the foot or 

 sledge, assumes the appearance of blood. It is raj^idly 

 generated, and is in some parts believed by the superstitious 

 to be showers of blood. 



The Dulse Family. 



(CEPw\iIIACE.E.) 



Sea plants, generally of a rose pink or red colom-, varying 

 much both in size and form, some being like hairs, others 

 leafy, entire, more or less lobed, palmate, or much divided, 

 like parsley, or endive. The family consists of about 700 

 species, divided amongst nearly 100 genera. They are prin- 

 cipally found in the northern hemisphere. 



A considerable number contain gelatine, which is used for 

 food, and other piu'poses. 



Dulse {Rlioclomenia palmata). A common species growing 

 abundantly on the rocky shores of this coimtry, and also in 

 Ireland, being found at the lowest ebb of the tide. It is of a 

 red colour, and is eaten in a raw state as a salad, and con- 

 sidered extremely beneficial in scrofulous complaints, its 

 efficacy being no doubt due to the iodine it contains. 



Carageen Moss [Cliondrus crispy s). This, like the last, is 

 common on the rocky coasts, and is extensively collected as 

 an article of commerce. It is of a Hvid purple, or greenish 

 yellow colour, and contains a considerable quantity of gela- 

 tine, which is used for food. 



C. maniillosus answers the same purpose. When dry they 

 retain their virtues for a long period. 



Ceylon Moss {Gracilaria lichnoides). A delicate Avhite 

 sea-weed found growing upon rocks in the Indian and 

 Malayan seas, and known also by the Malayan names of 



