W. H. HARRIS ON MARINE MICROSCOPIC VEGETABLE ORGANISMS. 143 



This sub-class has three alliances — viz. , Algales, Fungales, and 

 Lichenales. These include such forms of plants as are asexual, 

 or flowerless, without proper stems or leaves ; they are mere 

 masses of cells. Their reproduction is by a special disintegration 

 and solidification of some part of their tissue, spontaneously 

 effected. 



The following extract from a recently published work by 

 A. C. Seaward, M.A., F.G.S., entitled " Fossil Plants," may be 

 advantageously introduced as descriptive, viz. : — 



TlIALLOPHYTA. 



I. Peridiniales. 



II. Cocospheres and Khabdospheres. 

 III. Schizophyta. 



1, Chizophyce^e (Cyanophycese) gervanella, zonatrichetes. 



2. Schizomycetes. Bacteria. 



" In this group are included small single-celled plants of an 

 extremely low type of organisation, in which reproduction takes 

 the form of multiplication by simple cell division, or the formation 

 of spores. In many cases the members of this sub-class contain 

 chlorophyll, and associated with it a blue-green colouring matter ; 

 such plants are classed together as the Blue-green Algse, 

 Cyanophycese, or Schizophycese. Others, again, are destitute of 

 chlorophyll, and may be conveniently designated Schizomycetes. 

 Seeiug how close is the resemblance and relationship between the 

 members of the sub-class, it has been the custom to include them 

 as two parallel series under the general head Schizophyta, rather 

 than to incorporate them among the Algse and Fungi re- 

 spectively." 



Under the head Cyanophycefe mention is made of the organisms 

 which bore into and perforate shells of molluscs, and it is stated 

 that " the recent genus Hyella " has been created, associating the 

 names of Bornet and Flahault theremth ; but no description is 

 given of the forms dealt with. 



There is abundant evidence of great variation among the mem- 

 bers of the group ; Avith more complete knowledge it is possible 

 the number of genera may be increased, and probably all the 

 forms capable of invading organised mineral remains may ulti- 

 mately be elevated to the dignity of a division of the Schizophyta 

 to be created for their reception. 



