(158) 



A small species, but from its abundance generally a conspicuous object 

 in every tide-pool, and, like most common objects, exceedingly variable 

 in its characters, so that some botanists, in an attempt to simplify their 

 descriptions and render them more precise, have raised these varieties 

 to the rank of species. 



We have no hesitation, however, in considering all the varieties we 

 have seen as only forms of one polymorphous species, and indeed, many 

 of them may be observed on the same tuft, and passing by imperceptible 

 degrees into each other. 



It seems to have a predilection for Fucus vesiadostis, but we are unable 

 to say whether its range is equivalent. Where plentiful, however, it 

 grows almost on anything within its domain, such as F. serratus, Halidrys 

 siliquosa, &c., &c. 



From S. plimiosa it may generally be distinguished by its articulated 

 stems, less regularly pectinate and very unequal pinnae. Sessile and 

 stalked fruit may generally be observed on the same plant, and for the 

 most part those utricles that are produced near the base of the ramulus 

 have longer stalks than those towards the apex. 



SPHACELARIA CIRRHOSA. 



EXPLANATION OF DISSECTIONS, &c. 



Fig. 1. — Sjihacelaria cirrhosa, tufts, natural size. 

 2. — Pinna with fruit. 

 3. — Portion of same. Both magnified. 



