332 The Commercial Products of the Sea, 



an incessant fishery for these marine plants, as well as for 

 fishes, Crustacea, mollusca, polypi, etc. 



It is in some of these deep seas, with submerged earth, 

 the effect of the action of formidable volcanos, dreaded by 

 mariners, that is found flourishing a much-appreciated 

 genus of algae, the Laminaria. These often attain ex- 

 traordinary dimensions ; some have been measured 500 

 yards in length. This fucus is naturally detached from 

 its holding ground when it reaches maturity, and its spongy 

 nature brings it to the surface of the sea. 



The Japanese do not gather the seaweed in the same 

 manner as the Chinese. In place of the fascines or hurdles 

 already described, they drive large bamboos into the 

 foreshore or beach, which extends out a great distance into 

 the sea. 



On approaching Yedo, the capital, numerous stems 

 of bamboo may be seen sunk deep into the sand, and 

 disposed in such a manner as to permit the seaweed 

 to enter when carried on by the waves at high water. 

 Once entered, shaken and tossed about for many hours, 

 the long and solid lengths get entwined and twisted about 

 the posts, and when the water retires they are left dry at 

 low tide. Then carts begin to arrive in great numbers, 

 and the scene is most remarkable and peculiar in its cha- 

 racter. The people of the shores, so numerous, hurry 

 down to the beach — men, women, and children. They push 

 each other aside, and scramble, with loud voices ; for the 

 first who arrives has the best chance of collecting the 

 treasures left by the sea, such as seaweeds, Crustacea, shells. 

 When the tide rises and the waves pour in, the people 

 return to their dwellings, situated in long lines on the 

 banks. The collection made during the day is exposed to 

 the sun and wind to dry. The women are occupied in 



