a - and the simple, in which the cells are few or separate. 
198 NOTES OF ALGÆ. 
Only a few years have elapsed since the British species 
were figured and fully described. To Mr. Ralfs the merit of 
this prineipally belongs. The more extensive work on the. 
same subject, in which he is at present engaged, will be 
anxiously looked for by all who take an interest in these - 
beautiful although minute organisms, and it is to be hoped 
will stimulate others to search for these s/ars of our fresh 
waters, which in variety and beauty of form cannot be 
surpassed by any of the numerous objects, animal or 
vegetable, presented to us in nature's kaleidoscope. AS, 
however, in this utilitarian age, * mere beauty and fitness” 
may not be deemed sufficient reasons for the study of the 
organisms in question, it may be remarked that the physio- 
logist will find in them examples of propagation by sponta- 
neous fission, and by conjugation and subsequent formation 
_of spores : also that kind of circulation called cyclosis, as well 
as molecular motion. 5 
. Agardh long ago remarked “ Algæ inferiores organa sint 
. Algarum superiarum,” and “ omnia organa simplicissima 
plantæ cujusdam (Alga sit vel planta perfectior) non esse misi 
. Algas simplicissimas ;” statements, the accuracy of which can- 
not be questioned. The Cellulares of botanists, (a term, no 
strictly correct as usually understood), might be divided 
into the compound, in which numerous cells are associaf 
either side by side, and end to end, or in linear series alone 
st it is, that the various pheno 
. 
mena of cell life : 
