( 148 ) 



This species is extremely common on most of our shores, dehghting 

 in low, flat, mud-covered rocks, about half-tide level, where it often forms 

 extensive colonies, growing most frequently singly, but occasionally 

 several from the same root. 



The branching is generally dichotomous, but sometimes, when a 

 branch becomes wounded or injiu"ed, numerous branches spring from 

 the woimded part, giving the whole plant a very dense and matted 

 appearance. 



This species is chiefly distinguished from the preceding by its more 

 dwarfish fronds, their less regxilar .and more closely approximated whorls, 

 the ramuli being so much imbricated that the whorls are not distinctly 

 apparent ; they are also mostly simple, or with only a single spine on the 

 outer edge. 



The present is a much more matted, clumsy, and less elegant species 

 than the preceding, and is generally so filled with mud and sand among 

 its branches or ramuli, that it is no easy matter to get them removed, 

 and the plant rendered clean for preserving. 



EXPLANATION OP PLATE CLXX. 



Fig. 1. — Gladostephus spongiosus, natural size. 

 2. — Portion of stem with scattered ramuli. 

 3. — Portion of stem with sporiferous ramulus. 

 4. — Apex of ramulus. 

 5. — Semisection of stem. All magnified. 



