10 
fructification, are almost entirely microscopic, and yet these comprise the principal 
generic and specific characteristics for classification. To the unassisted eye, plants 
of different genera will appear identical, while varieties in the same species will seem 
entirely dissimilar. Language alone is inadequate to convey a correct idea of the 
minutia in specific difference. Familiarity with the plant in its native element, ac¬ 
curate descriptions, and a correct natural, (not painted) type, are all important to 
discern the specific gradations in Algse. A science so replete with interest, where 
every step unfolds a new link in the chain that binds us to Omnipotence, must surely 
find votaries in this enlightened age, and in this highly favored country. 
Algse have been applied to many useful purposes. The Irish moss of the apo¬ 
thecary, is the chondrus crispus of Europe and America : large quantities of Algse 
are used for manure: iodine is extracted from the Fucus ; and from some recent 
experiments, I doubt not that bromine may be advantageously extracted from the 
Laurencia. Our cattle often wade in the water to devour the Fucus vesiculosus. 
Linnseus says, the people of Gothland boil and mix it with coarse flour to fatten swine. 
Fucus, Laminaria, and other kinds, are used as food and fuel by the people of some 
countries. The birds’ nests which our merchants procure on their trading voyages, 
and sell at high prices to the Chinese, as delicate morsels to roll under the tongue, 
are supposed to be Algse collected by the swallows. Large quantities have been used 
in manufacture of kelp, an article extensively used in making soap. Several species 
are converted into glue by boiling. The Chinese are said to use a transparent glue 
of this kind for windows and lanterns. 
Algse are from microscopic to gigantic growth : the ITlva linza in our Bay often 
attains ten feet in length : the Laminaria saccharina, thirty or forty feet in length, is 
often thrown on the shore at Staten Island and Fort Hamilton. Fucus nodusus and 
F. vesiculosus, often attain five feet in length in our waters, and one hundred tons 
may be collected within the distance of a mile. The Macrocystis luxurians is said to 
be of enormous length. Dr. Hooker observes that the beach at the Falkland Islands 
is lined with entangled cables of this plant, much thicker than the human body ; he 
represents its horizontal growth at the surface of the ocean, from 200 to 700 feet 
long. It is mentioned by writers and travelers as being used for fish lines, and as at¬ 
taining 1200 to 1500 feet on the Pacific, near San Francisco, Gentlemen from the 
north-west coast, via Cape Horn, represent it as being 500 or 1000 feet long on 
the surface, while the root is attached to the bottom “ off soundings.” The term 
“ off soundings” has a definitive length among mariners ; and if we call it 200 fathoms, 
then we have 1200 feet vertical from root to surface, which added to Dr. Hooker’s 
700 feet of horizontal growth, will give us 1900 feet, a very respectable growth surely, 
and if quietly reposing under the mirage, might “ loom” into a sea serpent, whose 
graceful outline and proportions would vie with his snakeship of Nahant. 
Olive, red, and green, are the three most prevalent colors in Algse, and these are 
subject to innumerable varieties in shade and tint ; the colors are liable to great 
changes from local causes and circumstances. Fresh water, the action of the sun, 
deep or shallow habitation, &c., all affect the color, and change or modify the tints. 
Nearly all the reds are instantly changed into green by hot water, or by caustic pot- 
