(26) 



a similar sparing manner. Stru.ctm-e as in the generic character. Sub- 

 stance somewhat flaccid and partially adhering to paper. Colour a 

 dull purple. Capsules, each formed by the metamorphosis of a branclilet, 

 furnished with a terminal pore, and containing a mass of minute spores, 

 " the walls formed of moniliform filaments ; the mass of spores appears 

 to be formed by the transformation of the internal network " {Harvey). 

 Tetraspores quadripartite, zonate, immersed among the dichotomous 

 filaments, by the metamorphoses of which they are produced. 



This singular little plant seems to be very generally distributed round 

 our shores, but to be nowhere found in abundance, and very rarely 

 producing fruit. On the Forfarshire coast we have only found it in 

 one spot, where however it is in considerable plenty. It grows under 

 the shade of a projecting ledge in a somewhat cavernous hollow, where it 

 can scarcely ever see the sun. The specimens are very fine ; but we 

 have not been able to find any fruit. 



The external habit is veiy much that of a dwarf specimen of Ghylo- 

 cladia articulata, but the dark red, almost black colour wUl at once 

 distinguish them, even without an appeal to the microscope, when there 

 can be no mistaking it. 



s 



CATKNELLA OPUNTIA. 



EXPLANATION OF DISSECTIONS. 



Fig. 1. — Branch with tetraspores. 



2.— Filament of the periphery with tetraspores. 



3. — Tetraspores. 



4. — Branchlet with ceramidium. 



5. — Spores. 



6. — Longitudinal section of ? All magnified. 



