RHODOPHYCE^E, OR FLORIDE^E 



215 



neighbouring cells of its own branch, generally one 

 larger than itself, and thus obtains more material 

 for the first development of 

 the gonimoblast. 



The Gelidicce embrace a con- 

 siderable number of genera of 

 very diverse stature and struc- 

 ture of thallus, ranging from 

 the minute epiphyte (para- 

 site ?) Harveyella, through 

 slender and graceful forms 

 like Wrangelia, to the stout- 

 branched fronds of Gelidium, 

 Suhria, and Pterocladia. 



The Geographical Distribu- 

 tion is mainly in the north 

 and south temperate zones, 

 though the family is repre- 

 sented in all seas. Harveyclla, 

 Atractophora, Naccaria, Geli- 

 dium, and Pterocladia are 

 British, and with a more or 

 less wide range in northern 

 seas ; Gclidium however being of 

 fairly general distribution, and 

 Pterocladia typically represent- 

 ed in the Southern Ocean. Can- 

 lacanthus is a Mediterranean 

 form, and Porphyroglossum is tropical (Java). Cin- 

 derella, Wrangelia, Suhria, Acropeltis, and Ptilophoi^a 

 are either confined to southern seas or at least (as 

 Wrangelia} find their finest development in them. 



FIG 



Car p 0gonium of 



