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is much more strongly developed than in others, the branches in
them being singularly rope-like; while in an opposite variety the
tips of the filaments and their lateral divisions are so nearly free
that the plant assumes quite a feathery aspect.
On difierent parts of the coast this species differs much in size.
It appears to fiourish best in the north, especially in muddy, landlocked
bays. Some specimens gathered by Dr. Greville in Staffa
and Io n a , and figured in that author’s admirable Crypt. Flora, are
exceedingly luxuriant; and I possess others from Carrickfergus
of nearly equal beauty. The colour, too, is subject to much
variation, but this is probably dependent on age, becoming more
and more rusty as the season advances.
E. tomentosus was among the earliest of the genus noticed by
botanists. It is described in the Historia Muscorum of Dillenius,
and rudely figured at Tab. 3. f. 13. of that great work. Such at
least is the opinion of Dillwyn; but Agardh refers the description
and figure to his E. compactus, a plant which, to judge by
the specimens which I have seen, is only an old and matted
state of E. littoralis.
Fig. E ctocarpus tomentosus :— of the natural size. 3. A small part of the
fibrous frond;—magnified. 3. Portion of a filament: highly magnified.
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