112 
NOSTOCHINEiE. 
within a common pellicle. The same process continues ; these split into other threads, 
and thus, by gradual bisection of the first formed threads, the frond grows until it 
become of the form and size proper to its kind. As it grows the filaments twist and 
curl, and loose their parallelism. All these changes have been figured by M. Thuret 
with the accuracy and delicacy of execution characteristic of that accomplished naturalist. 
The Nostochineae are very rarely marine, and are chiefly found in fresh water streams 
or ponds and lakes, or in damp places. Nostoc commune is dispersed over most 
countries of the globe, being found lying on the bare soil after rains, or in very damp 
weather. It may be observed often on garden walks in the autumn and winter months, 
and is found throughout both temperate zones, extending almost to the tropics. A 
similar species has been seen in Australia, after a shower of rain, to cover what had 
seemed previously to be a bare hill side, with such a thick coating of jelly as to render 
it impossible to walk over it without sliding. Such terrestial species have, in England, 
the popular name of “ fallen stars” ; their sudden appearance and disappearance being 
accounted for by the supposition that they had fallen from the air. In Dr. Suther- 
land’s account of his Arctic voyage a species bearing a close external resemblance to 
JST. commune was observed in profusion, occurring on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, 
but in windy weather frequently blown over the ice, and drifted out to sea. This will 
be found described below as JSF. arcticum . Dr. Sutherland mentions that he had eaten 
handfulls of it on several occasions, without any inconvenience ; and although it was 
generally infested with swarms of the larvae of flies and gnats, he considered it much 
more nutritious than “ tripe de roche,” and perhaps not inferior to Iceland moss. A 
very similar plant was noticed by Dr. Thomson as occurring in Thibet, up to the 
height of 17,000 feet, floating on the surface of pools and lakes, in soils impregnated 
with carbonate of soda, and drifted in heaps by the winds along their banks. Mr. 
Berkeley, who examined the specimens of both plants chemically, “ thinks we may safely 
assume the jelly of the Nos toe to be a state of bassorin, passing into cellulose or 
dextrine.” Another species of this genus ( JTostoc edule, Mont, and Berk.) is found 
abundantly in streams in Tartary, whence it is exported to China, where it is sold in the 
markets as an article of food, and highly esteemed as an ingredient in soups. It is 
prepared for sale in boxes, one of which is in the Museum of the Linnoean Society. 
These particulars are drawn from the abstract of a paper read by Dr. Hooker before 
the Linmean Society of London, January 20, 1852. (See Taylor's An. Nat. Hist. 
2nd. Ser. Vol. 10, p. 301-303.,) As the edible Nostocs closely resemble N. commune 
in substance, it may be worth enquiry whether the latter may not also be used as food. 
Possibly a new source of luxury may lie hid under this humble exterior. Or it may 
perhaps be a nourishing and delicate food for weak digestions. The dyspeptic had better 
seek for it betimes. 
