The mode of branching in this species is similar to that
observed in Scytonema Myochrous, Agardh, and in Conferva
mirabilis, Dillwyn,—namely, two branches, which at first are
frequently united so as to form a loop, are given off from the
same spot at right angles with the original endochrome, and
from these branches others are subsequently produced in like
manner. The plant occurs in wet heathy places, coating mosses,
&c. with a dark blue-green stratum: when growing amongst
Palmelleee it assumes the form represented in figure 3.
The peculiar anastomosing rootlets with which this species
is furnished, recal to mind similar filaments which assist in
making up the structure of the thallus in many species of Col-
lema, between which genus and the Scytonemece are many
points of resemblance and affinity.
Figures 1 and 2 were drawn from specimens furnished us
by Mr. Ralfs, who collected them at Machynlleth, N. Wales.
Figure 3 was drawn from a specimen found near Bristol. A
similar state has been communicated from Wareham by the
Rev. W. Smith.—G. H. K. T.
Fig. 1, a portion of the plant as it appears when growing;
figs. 2 and 3, magnified representations of different states of the
plant; fig. 4, portion of endochrome with a connecting cell,
highly magnified; fig. 5, portion of investing sheath without
the endochrome, highly magnified.