viduals having a flat lobed frond, and others a cup-shaped frond
fixed by a central point. But all its forms are easily recognized,
and may be traced by insensible gradations, one into the other.
The genus Porphjra is anomalous among the CMorosperms,
having the colour of the more perfectly organized Bhodosperms.
From these latter it differs in its diflused fructification, and in
this respect perfectly agrees with the Ulvacea, among which it
is placed.
Tliis species, together with the closely allied P. vulgaris, is
sometimes brought to table in England under tbe name of Laver;
and in Scotland and Ireland under that of Slolce, Slouh, or
Slonkawn. After many hours boiling the frond is reduced to a
somewhat slimy pulp, of a dark brown colour, which is eaten
with pepper and lemon-juice or vinegar, and has an agreeable
flavour to those who have once conquered the repugnance to
taste it, which its great ugliness induces, and many persons are
very fond of it. It might become a valuable article of diet, in the
absence of other vegetables, to the crews of our whaling vessels
cruising in high latitudes, where every marine rock, at half-tide,
abundantly produces it. In its prepared state it may be preserved
for an indefinite time in closed tin-vessels.
Fig, 1. P o e p h y e a l a c in ia t a :— o f the natural size. 2. Small portion of the
° frond, showing the quaternate granules :—magnified.