cells of tbe superficial layer (or epidermis) beiug short and eitlier square or
polyo-onal. Spores scattered freely over the branches. (On some individuals
I have observed aggregated spores, iormiiig scattered clusters or son.)
Colour a pale olivaceous, becoming darker in age and on_ being dned.
Substance membranaceous and soft, closely adhering to paper in drying.
ii;
y i
A common inhabitant of tide-pools, and not inelegant, especially
when clothed with the fine soft hairs which cover its
surface closely, when in a young and vigorous state, before it has
suffered from the wear and tear of its short existence.
I believe by most British algologists this plant is regarded as
mi generis, entitled to a clear place in our system of arrangement,
and properly referred to the Dictgoteoe. But a distinguished
Swede, Areschoug, regards it unhesitatingly as an abnormal
state of Ghordaria flagelliformis, in which the horizontal filaments
of the periphery have not been developed, and he states
that he has found specimens having some of the branches with
the structure of Ghordaria, and some with that of Bictyosiphon.
This is a subject worth examining, but requiring a very careful
and accurate observation.
It is also possible that we have two species, or perhaps more,
confounded under this name. I possess specimens collected on
the west of Ireland some years ago, having rather a different
habit from ordinary forms, and differing in having their spores
collected in clusters, as in Striaria, but not disposed in transverse
bands. To these I once gave the MS. name of I), fragilis,
which is adopted by Kiitzing, in his recent ‘ Systema Algarum.’ I
have deferred noticing these specimens hitherto, from an unwillingness
to multiply doubtful species.
Eif 1 D iotyosiphon pieniculaceus :—the natural size. 2. Portion of a
’ hraadx'— slightly magnified. 3. Small part of the same, fr u it and
some hairs. 4. Longitudinal seetion of the stem. 5. Transverse section
of a young branch. 6. The same, of an older branch, now become hollow :
— all highly magnified.