Conchocehs. 2 7 



cells, varying in length from 15-30^, are either quite simple or more or 

 less branched. In the centre of each cell of the inflations there is a 

 star-shaped chromatophore, the rays of which often reach to the edges 

 of the cell. I have been unable to detect with any degree of certainty 

 the manner in which the colouring matter is disposed in the ordinary 

 filaments, but it appears to be applied in a continuous layer to the 

 walls of the tubes, which are always, so far as I have observed, of a 

 uniform, or nearly uniform, carmine colour. The inflations often become 

 detached from the horizontal filaments, and are then capable of an 

 independent existence. I have frequently found these inflations of all 

 sizes and shapes, growing in company with Gomontia and other per- 

 forating Algae, but without any trace of the horizontal filaments of the 

 Conchocehs from which they have originated. 



The plant appears to be reproduced by means of spores formed in 

 the cells of the inflations, one spore in each cell. I have seen globular 

 bodies which appear to be spores escape from the cells, and not unfre- 

 quently one sees them lying free among the filaments of other per- 

 forating Algse. 



The shape and colour of the chromatophores, and the manner in which 

 the spores are formed, point to a strong relationship between Erythro- 

 trichia and the present genus ; but the branched frond and curious 

 inflations sharply separate the genera. In some respects, e.g., the infla- 

 tions and the branching, Conchocelis resembles Ostreobium, from which it 

 is at once distinguishable by its pink colour and articulated filaments. 



Conchocelis nov. gen. Thallus minutus e fills ramosis articulatis hie illic 

 in utriculos septatos, forma irregulari dilatantibus, compositus. Propagatio 

 fit per sporas in cellulis utriculorum evolutas. Unica spora in singulis 

 cellulis. Genus ad Porphyraceas referendum. 



Conchocelis rosea, n. sp., thallo immerso, roseo, maculas orbiculares 

 demum confluentes et ambitu indefinitas efficiente ; fills primariis in stra- 

 tum pannosum implicatis, ex cellulis cylindraceis, tortuosis aut forma 

 irregulari, 7 usque ad 75^ et ultra longis 1-5-7, saepius 4-5^ crassis 

 constantibus. Utriculis simplicibus aut ramosis usque ad iio/t longis ad 

 3O/z latis. Sporis globosis 13-15^ crassis. 



Hab. in conchis vetustis saepe in consortio Gomontice ad oras Scotiae 



prope Millport in insula Cumbrse. 



EDW. A. BATTERS. 



