(78) 



suddenly and so gi'eatly expanded as to be almost cordate, the upper 

 part of such specimens as we have seen in this state being more or less 

 abi'aded and split into lacinirc ; occasionally the form is oblong, the sides 

 nearly straight, the apex rounded, and the base with ' rounded angles 

 suddenly tapering into the footstalk ; various other less marked devia- 

 tions may be observed. Structure consisting of two strata ; central 

 of longitudinal, articulated, interlacing filaments, the articulations 

 cylindrical, filled with endochrome. On these are laid several series of 

 rather large roundish ovate cells, becoming smaller towards the surface, 

 where they are arranged in regular vertical moniliform series. Substance 

 carnoso- cartilaginous, rather thick and firm, impei'fectly adhering to 

 paper. Colour, a deep dark purple, the old fronds becoming almost black 

 when diy, changing to a pale ochry red and greenish orange in decay. 

 Favellidia, formed among the inner cells of the periphery, minute, dot- 

 like, very slightly elevated, filled with minute ovate or angular spores. 

 Tetraspores in irregular scattered masses among the inner cells of the 

 periphery, roundish ovate, triparted or irregularly cruciate. 



A common plant on all our shores, frequenting deep rock-pools near 

 low-water mark, and frequently found also on exposed rocks and stones 

 on a shelving shore. It is much more easy however to obtain specimens 

 than to find good ones, as there is no plant more liable to be injured by 

 the violence of the waves and by the attacks of marine animals. 



Frequently the frond continues to gi'ow after being split, and this 

 adds considerably to the irregularity of its form, the uj)per part of 

 the segments often overlapping. Not unfrequently also one side or one 

 angle becomes much more developed than the other, and the frond is 

 thus rendered very oblique. Generally it is very straight and stiff, but 

 not unfrequently ciu-ves gTacefully'to one side, and is truly pyi-iform. 



This species may be readily known from the last by its dark purple 

 coloiu" and thick fleshy substance. 



The term edulis is veiy applicable as far as marine animals are con- 

 cerned, for no plant seems a greater favourite, and it is very difficult to 

 find a frond of any size from which a slice has not been stolen to form a 

 dinner for some gourmand mollusc. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE XCVI. 



Fig. 1. — Schizymenia edulis, natural size. 

 2. — Section of frond with favellidia. 

 3. — Spores from same. 

 4. — Section of frond with tetraspores. 

 5. — Tetraspores. All magnified. 



