GINNING MOSS AFTER IT IS CURED

IRISH MOSS

Irish moss is a reddish seaweed found off the coast of Ireland. When cooked it yields a gelatine which is used in puddings, or a jelly which, being easily digested and nourishing, is used for invalids. A substance derived from Irish moss is also used as textile sizing. In sections where it is found in great abundance it is used for feeding cattle. Some people refer to this seaweed as carragheen rather than as Irish moss.

This particular weed called 'Irish moss" has no relation whatsoever to any other type of moss. Peat moss found on the Dingle Peninsula (Ireland) is used as a source of heat, especially for cooking and breadmaking. Some of the best meals ever served to kings or peasants in the British Isles were cooked with peat. For some unknown reason it is a very fine source of heat for cooking.

According to Ripley, a peat fire has been burning in an inn in Pickering, England, continuously for 150 years. The castle on a hill to the north of this town is a picturesque ruin. It was partly the work of the Normans but the principal portions are of the 14th century. The story of the Fair Rosamond* is connected with one of the towers. This same castle was the prison of Richard II before his confinement at Pontefract.

Footnote:
* The Fair Rosamond was the mistress of Henry the Second, King of England. Many legendary stories have been written about her.

MOSS AS A CURTAIN

Spanish moss is sometimes hung on wire to make a curtain for swimming pools, outdoor dining areas, or drive-in-theatres.