the Briti/h Fua\ with particular Defcriptiom of each Species, i 57 



plants without repeated examination of their feveral properties. 

 The fructification is the fame in all the varieties: the only differ* 

 ence to be dated is, the enlargement of the var. y at all its divi- 

 iions, and, at thofe divifions, the palmated form in which the 

 branches feem to be produced. But this divifion is by no means 

 conftant in any one plant which may be found; fome of the 

 branches being dilated and palmated, and others linear, as in the 

 var, a , in the felf-fame plant. — This then deftroys all fpecific 

 character taken from that circumftance. This dilated variety 

 oftentimes is fomewhat dichotomous, but the branches are always 

 more or lefs linear and obtufe. The var w 3 in fome ftages of its 

 growth approaches very near to dentatus ; but it is fufheiently 

 diftincf, by the branches being obtufe. All thefe varieties have the 

 edges. of the branches perfectly entire, or mod beautifully fringed 

 as it were with rudiments of branches, too clofely fet for any one of 

 them to arrive at any material fize. Tubercles are fometimes found 

 in thefe little rudiments. 



The var. /3 grows in great abundance at Ilfracombe in the north 

 of Devonfhire, where it creeps round the edges of the bafons in the 

 rocks, and makes a beautiful appearance. 



This focus attaches itfelf not un frequently to other foci and the 

 coarfer conferva, and very commonly to the corallina officinalis. 

 When it attaches itfelf to plants, it feems to cling round them, and 

 foon totally inverts them if they are of fmall fize. 



When it grows fmgle on rocks, it appears to have a very fhort 

 and thickifh comprelTed Item. 



Its delicate texture and beautiful red colour catch the eye of the 

 moft incurious obferver. 



The fructification is tubercles, or warty clutters of feeds, fcattered: 

 along or rather juft within the edges of the branches. 



