ditches in the neighboui-hood of the coast. It varies greatly in
size, and in the degree of inflation, but in no other characters.
Broad varieties of E. compressa strongly resemble some of its
states, but these are always branched, though often in a very
slight degree ; whereas E. intestinalis is invariably simple. The
compressed variety has most the look of a distinct species, and
may be sometimes confounded with XJlva Unza, under which
name I have sometimes seen it iu Herbaria; but the form of
these plants is sufficiently different, the one being truly lanceolate,
the other obtuse at one end, and very much attenuated at the
other.
I am indebted to the Rev. J. Pollexfen for a prepared specimen
•of Sea-weed, which seems to be an Enteromorpha, probably our
E. intestinalis, and which is used by the inhabitants of Japan as
an ingredient in their soups, much as Macaroni is employed
with us. Thunberg, in his travels, mentions that several of the
TJhai and Fuci are so employed by the Japanese. In the present
instance, the fronds have been freed of their salt, bleached, and
tied up in cylindrical bundles, about a foot in length, and four
inches in diameter, and, at first sight, have the look of Isinglass.
The specimen was given to Mr. Pollexfen by Mr. Reeves of
Clapham, who had it from a Dutch gentleman, to whom it had
been sent from Ratavia, to which place vessels trading to Japan
bring it with other articles. It is also said to be in use in China.
Kg. I .^ E ntbkomoepha in t e s t in a l is , in various
I size. 2. Minute portion of the surface :
stages of gTowth -.— o f the