94 ^ r * Good£KOUgh and Mr, Woodward 1 ; Obfervations On 



grains we have obferved fwelling apparently into a tubercle, and the 

 others difappearing. Whether this be the mode of perfecting the 

 fructification, and that fuch of thefe grains as are impregnated 

 fwell into feminiferons tubercles, whilft the reft are abortive and 

 decay — or, whether thefe grains may not be real feeds efcaped from 

 a tubercle, the coats of which are burft, and adhering to the 

 frond, it were to be wifhed that naturalifts refident on the fea-fide 

 would examine and endeavour to determine. 



The tubercles of the greater part of the Fuel open at the point, 

 are imbedded in the fubftance and become fwollen as in Serratus, 

 Spiralis, Sec. — or aflume a broad warty form as in Laceratus and fome 

 others of the divifion Fronde plana avenld — are imbedded, fmooth, and 

 veficuliform, as in Crlfpus, &c — project very much from the frens, as 

 in Confervoides — or are fituated in a pedunculated capfular procefs, 

 as in Slliquojus, Pedunculatus, &c. — But practice will make thefe and 

 all other matters relating to the inveftigation, very eafy to any ftu- 

 dent who has a real ardour for natural hiftory. 



It has been the general opinion of naturalifts, that the root of 

 Fuel is an organ of adhefion only, and not of nutrition. It feems 

 ib admirably calculated for the former of thefe purpofes, that 

 probably this idea has precluded all confideration of the latter. 

 How the vegetation is carried on, cannot be precifely afcertained ; 

 and although it does not feem likely, that the root (hould draw 

 nourifhment from the rock, ftone, or other body to which it is 

 affixed, in the fame manner as the roots of terreftrial plants from 

 the earth in which they grow; yet it would be difficult to allert 

 and bring proofs, that while it fixes, it does not alfo aiTifl: to 

 nourifh. — They are principles by no means incompatible. It is very 

 poffible, that the element in which thefe plants grow, may be im- 

 bibed at numberlefs minute pores on the furface of the frons, 



imperceptible 



