t i r
i L t 'i ;
c ì ;
ginally established by A g a r d h , and is still maintained by that
botanist for the Fucus Filum of L i n n æ u s , and F. suhtilis
of T u r n e r . L y n g b y e , however, admitted many plants into
this genus, which have so little natural affinity, that they even
belong to different divisions. He has great merit, and has
contributed in no trifling degree to improve our knowledge of
marine vegetation ; hut in the case before us, we prefer on all
accounts the authority of Professor A g a k d h , who has devoted
himself for so many years to the arrangement of the Algæ.
In general habit, Carmichaelia is not unlike some states of
Solenia compressa and clathrata; particularly when dried.
But here the resemblance ends ; and for its true situation we
must look among the Fucoideoe. Encoelium there appears to
be its nearest ally, but differs in the peculiarity of the fructification.
A g a r d h has remarked, that Encoelium is nearly related
to Zonaria. The same may be observed of our present
plant, whose sori being arranged in transverse lines, render the
affinity stronger and very striking. At the same time, the fibrous
structure of Zonaria is wanting, as well as the plane
frond.
F ig 1. C. allenuata, natural size. Fig. 2 . A portion o f the fron d , shewing the
transverse lines o f sori.. Fig. S. A group o f capsules. Fig. 4. Capptles or
gramdes removed; magnified.