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tbe dichotomous mode of division prevails regularly throughout the
plant, at others, the lower branches only are dichotomous, and then, at
the summit of each branch springs a number of condensed ramifications,
almost in a palmate manner. The ultimate segments are most
inconstant in their form, being rounded, simply acute, jagged, or
lengthened out into long subulate points. Whenever the plant grows
more or less exposed to the influence of fresh-water, a still greater
change is wrought in its appearance. The main divisions are much
broader, fewer, and exceedingly irregular, while the margin and extremity
are beset with such a vast number of small segments, that the
whole suggests the idea of monstrosity. In such specimens, the frond,
when held between the eye and the light, is thinner and more transparent,
and frequently mottled with green. It occasionally happens that
the margin is somewhat raised, so as to render the frond slightly channelled,
but seldom so much so as to allow of its being mistaken for
C. mamillosus- The fructification, which might be expected to be
more uniform, differs almost as much as the frond in regard to size.
The capsules are frequently above a line in diameter, often not half a
line, and vary besides in being round or oval, scattered or clustered
together ; the mass of pink seeds is very conspicuous when held between
the eye and the light. When fully ripe, the capsules fall away
entire, and leave the frond full of holes.
It is difficult in words to convey any idea of the variableness of this
species, yet a little practical experience removes every perplexity. The
numerous synonyms would seem to imply the contrary ; but we must
recollect that it is not many years since the marine Algoe began to be
studied according to systematic views. It is only recently that their relative
structure and affinity have been investigated : but already much
that was formerly obscure is now easily understood, and, by the introduction
of genera, the species have been gradually defined by more-
permanent and satisfactory characters.
3. C h o n d r u s N o r v e g ic u s .
Frond dichotomous the segments linear flat rounded at the end,
capsules minute imbedded in the disk of the frond near tbe summit,
or, in the place of capsules, sessile round masses of vertical filaments.
Chondrus Norvegims, L am o u r . E s s a i, p . 39. L y n g b . H y d r o p h . D a n . p . 16.
Sphoerococcus Noroegicus, Ag. Sp. A lg . v . 1. p . 255. S y s t. A lg . p . 218. S p r e n g . S p . P I ,
V. 4. p. 335.
Fucus Norvegims, G u n n . P I . N o r v . P a r t 2. p . 122. t . 3. f. 4. T u m . S y n . F u c . p . 222.
H is t. P u c . t . 41. .Sm. E n g . B o t. t . 1080. S ta c k h . N e r . B r it. t . 18.
Fucus Devoniensis, G r e v . in W e r n . T r a n s , v . 3. p . 396. '
H a b . On rocks in the sea. Annual? September to March.
Dover, Dillwyn. Fxmouth, plentifully, Sir Thomas Frankland.
Torquay, Sidmouth, and on the Coniish coast, Mrs Griffiths. Rocks
by the Mumbles Lighthouse, near Swansea, Dillwyn. Abundantly
on the coast between Torquay and Fxmouth.
Root a fiattish disk. Fronds tufted, one to three inches high, flat,
linear, nearly two lines wide, dicbotomously branched from nearly the
very base, the segments divaricated, often undulated, sometimes twisted,
the apices rounded. Fructification, capsules about the size of poppyseed,
imbedded in the substance of the frond, and aggregated in the
disk of the ultimate segments, containing a mass of free, very minute
roundish seeds : but far more commonly occur roundish depressed,
dark red masses, often a line broad, composed entirely of vertical mo-
niliform filaments {nemathecia of Agardh). Substance cartilaginous.
Colour a deep blood-red, pink in the young shoots, changing to yellowish
and brownish as it approaches decay. In drying it becomes
darker, and does not adhere to paper.
From C. mamillosus and crispus this species is distinguished by its
smaller size, linear frond, division from the base, much redder colour,
and, above all, by the fructification, which, in the form at least of
nemathecia, I have never seen wanting. The true capsules were unknown
till discovered by Mrs Griffiths some years ago, at which time,
taking the nemathecia to be the true fruit of C. Norvégiens, I described
the capsuliferous frond as a new species. Subsequent investigation has
convinced me of my error. The plants which produce true capsules
are stdl exceedingly rare, and have not, I believe, been seen growing
by any one except the lady above mentioned.
4. C h o n d r u s m e m b r a n i f o l iu s .
Stem cylindrical filiform branched the branches expanding into
many-cleft wedge-shaped frondlets, capsules ovate shortly pedicellate
and arising from the stem.
Sphoerococcus membranifolius, A g . L y n g b . H y d r o p h . D a n . p . 10. t . 3. A g . S p . A lg . v . 1.
p . 240. .Syst. A lg . p . 214. G r e v . F I. E d in . p . 295. S p r e n g . S p . P I . v . 4. p . 335.
F ucus membranifolius, G o o d e n , a n d W o o dw . in L in n . T r a n s , v . 3. p . 120. t . 16. f . 1.
L am o u r . D is s e r t, t. 20, 21. f . 3. T u m . S y n . F u c . p . 25. H i s t . F u c . t . 74. S m . E n g .
B o t. t . 1965.
Fucus fimbriatus, H u d s . F I. A n g l. p . 574.
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