In its early state this plant is so different in appearance
from the other species, that at first sight its proper situation
is scarcely apparent. Indeed, having sent specimens to several
celebrated algologists, they hesitated to admit it into Tynda-
ridea, until Mr. H assail, who also at first strongly doubted
whether it belonged to the Conjugates, fortunately gathered
fertile specimens. Such we ourselves found shortly afterwards,
and we have since repeatedly met with them: the appearance
of the plant in conjugation, however, is so altered, that its
identity can only be determined by tracing it through all its
changes.
In its usual state the sheath is very conspicuous, and the
dense endochrome so fills the cells that the plant looks like a
Conferva, the continuity being interrupted merely at the dissepiments.
When about to conjugate, the sheath has nearly
or altogether disappeared, and the endochrome is collected into
two stellas, leaving the rest of the cell colourless.
The peculiar appearance of the unconnected filaments will
readily distinguish it from the other species; for although a
few of them possess a sheath, none of them with which we
are acquainted has waved margins.
For several years we have gathered Tyndaridea anomeda
abundantly both near Penzance and at Dolgelley. It has
been also found in Sussex by Mr. Jenner, and at Highbeech,
Essex, by Mr. Hassall.—J o h n R a l f s .