746 



inflaius occurs. On a more exposed coast, the latter forms an 

 extensive association (figs. 157 and 158). Both in the Fiicus spiralis- 

 and the Fiiciis z/?//rt///s-associations, Elachisla fiicicola is a very com- 

 mon epiphyte. On Fiiciis inflatus, several species of Ectocarpus e. g. • 

 Ectocarpiis tomentosiis, Ectocarpus fasciciilatus, etc. are often found. 

 On the rocks and stones, below and among these algæ, especially 

 in the lowest Fiicns inflalns-associalion, one may find a great many 

 difTerent algæ, e. g. Porplujra umbilicalis, Urospora mirabilis, Clado- 

 phora riipestris, Acrosiphonia nlbescens, Pohisiphonia iirceolata, Cera- 

 mium riibriim, Gigarlina mamillosa, Chondrus crispiis, etc. 



In order to characterize the Fiicaceæ-formaiion more closely, I 

 shall give a description of some of the localities in which I have 

 met it at its greatesl development. In Vestmanhavn , and a little 

 north and south of this gulf, in the Veslniannasund, between 

 Vaago and Stromo, a specifically well-developed Fucaceæ-formalion 

 is found, on sheltered coasts. The tide rises rather high here, about 

 6 — 8 feet, and at low tide the formation is laid perfectly bare. 

 We find Pelvetia uppermost as a light yellow helt, almost a foot broad, 

 showing up the high water mark with an almost perfectly straight 

 line. Below this, we have some Fiicus spiralis; this alga is abundant 

 only on somewhat more exposed coasts. The Fnciis-AscophyUiim- 

 association, which comes next, is however very luxuriant. As shown 

 in plate XXIII, the coast in certain piaces consists of large stones 

 which are completely covered by these algæ. This vegetation is 

 found as far down as the lowest water mark, where some few 

 Fiicus inflatus may occur. 



On the east coast of Stromo, between Thorshavn and Hojvig, 

 the Fnmceæ-formation is of a somewhat different appearance. The 

 coast is here rather exposed and rugged, with several larger or 

 smaller islands girding the coast. In one of the inlets, called Volga- 

 ravik, which forms a little natural harbour, having but a small 

 opening towards the sea, a well-developed Fncaceæ-vegetation was 

 found (see plate XXIV). Near the land, the coast was composed of 

 boulders of different size which were covered by a dense Fucus- 

 vegetation; a little farther out, in a more exposed position, Fucus 

 vesiculosus disappeared making way for a luxuriant Ascophyllum- 

 vegetation, which was replaced by a well-developed Fucus inflatus- 

 vegetation at the greatest distance from the shore and at a lower level. 

 Here, on the stones lying farthest from the shore, the position is 

 rather exposed, and in a strong sea making towards the land the surf 



