ordinary beaded threads of which the branches arc composed,
or as a capsule, but probably the former. I t is thus seen
th a t this species is remarkable both in appearance and structure.
11. B atrachospermum ATRUM
Plate X V I. Fig. 12.
Char. Filaments very much ramified. Whorls distinct, distant,
short, in the form o f reversed cones, opaque; inferior
portion o f the articulations pellucid.
Lemania (hatrachospermum) filamentis ramosissimis elongatis
; nodis superne incrassato opacis, inferne alternatis
pellucidis, Bory, in Annales du Museum, xii. 188. B a trachospermum
moniliforme (/3) detersum A g., Hook.
Brit. Flor. Batrachospermum atrum Harv. in Manual,
p. 120. Conf. atra, E. B. t. 690.
This species is, perhaps, the most elegant of the genus; it
grows generally in still, though pure waters. Although placed
by Bory in his genus Lemania, it cannot be said to have
any near structural relation thereto.
The articulations or internodes may be compared to reversed
cones, the superior part or whorls being formed of a
few short, simple, subulate filaments, which are not beaded:
in these filaments the colouring matter chiefly resides, and it
is amongst them that the glomerules are formed: tha t portion
of each articulation, which is below the whorl, is transparent,
and beautifully exhibits the tubular and jointed structure of
the layers which invest the primary cells in all the species of
the genus Batrachospermum; from many of these tubes, short
branches are given off, Avhich have almost the appearance of
scales.
I t is probable th a t there are several varieties of this species
which have all been confounded together. Bory describes
two, both of Avhich, I believe, I have recognised.
a. SETACEUM. — Filament slender, long, carulescent. —
Bory, in Annales du Museum, xii. 188. pi. xxii.
fi<l. 3.
Chantransia atra, rngrcscens, filamentis ramosis tenuissimis
; articulis longis teretibus ; geniculis, subrotundis
ciliatis, Cand. Syn. No. 120. Chantransie noir,
Cand. Flor. fr. 2. 120.
Ilab. Ecrring, near Arundel: Mr. Jenner.
“ The filaments of this variety are exceedingly fine, and
often almost imperceptible. They dispose themselves Avith
grace upon paper; their internodes are a little oblong, and
less inflated towards their superior part than in the following
variety.”— Bory.
fl. CAPALLINUM ? — Filaments somewhat thick, Mack. —
Bory, in loc. cit. pi. xxii. fig. 4.
Hab. Cheshunt Marshes : A . II. H.
“ The filaments of this variety are of the size of Chara, a
little shorter than those of the preceding ; they appear firmer
and blacker.
“ I t dwells frequently Avith the large varieties of Conferva
gelatinosa of Linnæus, and appears to love to entAvine itself
with it.” — Bory.
“ I have bestOAved nearly all my attention upon our native S aviss
Plants ; for I had to pursue, at the same time, anatomy and the practice
of Physick : being unlOce you the consecrated priest of Flora. I have
.always cultivated Botany, in spite of all obstacles, since the ye.ar 1728,
when I accomplished a laborious journey of 200 leagues through tlm
Alps, on foot. I have since visited those mountains ten successive
times. But I am ne.ar-sighted, which is a great inconvenience. I have
laboured much at Mosses and such plants. I hope to settle a good many
doubtful m.atters, though many must remain undetermined. My family
are alw.ays finding fault with my pursuit ; but I do not repent. On the
contrary, I regret that I did not devote more of my time to those
things.”
“ Farewell my dear Linnæus, may you enjoy your health and your
botamc.al pursuits with every advantage for the prosecution of your
labours ! My studies and engagements, of a different kind, draw me unavoidably
aside ; but my inclination always leads me to the charms of
Flora. To Botany I wish to devote my leisure, my old age, and my fortune.
’ — Haller to Linnæus.
I 2