90 M. Hering on new Alga 



regular leader. Immediately above the ground it divides into 

 a number of smaller stems and branches, which either sweep 

 along the ground, their extremities pointing upwards, or rise 

 at once at an angle of 30° to 45°, according as the neighbours 

 or the locality have permitted it to expand. Very rarely — 

 amongst countless thousands I did not see above one or two 

 examples — one tree makes an attempt to grow straight and 

 throws up a single stem, but the failure of attaining size or 

 elevation shows in these instances the creeping, true habit of 

 the tree. The height attained is rarely above 5 or 6 feet, 

 the diameter of the largest trees being from 20 to 25 feet ; 

 though this size is rare, and the appearance is so regular, that 

 in looking over an extensive level planted with it, it is quite 

 as even as the surface of a gorse cover. 



The foliage in form and colour resembles that of P. unci- 

 nata, but the spiculae are shorter, though -standing out in the 

 peculiarly rigid manner of that species. The cones are small, 

 dark-coloured, and differ from both P. sylvestris and P. un- 

 cinates. 



From the localities it inhabits it must be placed very high 

 in the series, by the side of P. Cembra and P. uncinata. I 

 have been the more particular in describing this singular spe- 

 cies, in order to guard those who may not have the opportu- 

 nity of seeing it in situ from confounding it, as so many who 

 ought to know better have done, with the stunted individuals 

 of P. Cembra, P. sylvestris and P. uncinata, which are always 

 found at the summit of their respective zones in the high 

 Alps and Pyrenees, and have been called and compiled un- 

 der the general name of Pumilio. 



As to the oeconomical uses of this tree, it is clear they 

 amount to very little, its wood being only used for inlaying 

 for furniture, such as parts of chairs and the like. To those, 

 however, who possess extensive parks, by planting them 

 fifteen feet apart, and taking care of them during their early 

 growth, they would be curious and useful covers for game. 



XII. — Diagnoses Algarum novarum a cl, Dre. Ferdinand 

 Krauss in Africa Australi lectarum, auctore Dno. Hering, 

 Stuttgartiensi*. 



Conferva natalensis, Hering. Pilis simplicibus tenuissimis, articulis 

 diametro sesquilongioribus, superioribus sequalibus. Conferva 

 implexa, Dillw. proxima. Port Natal. 



Dasya tenella, Hg. Fronde continua, tereti, vage ramosa, ramulis 

 bipinnatis, divaricatis. 



* Communicated by Mr. Daniel Cooper. 



