94 Dt' GooDENOUGH and Mr. Woodward'j Ohfervatiom on 



grains we have obferved Avelling apparently into a tubercle, and the 

 others difappearing. Whether this be the mode of perfecting the 

 fru6lification, and that fuch of thefe grains as are impregnated 

 fvvell into feminiferous tubercles," whilfl: the reft are abortive and 

 decay — or, whether thefe grains may not be real feeds efcaped from 

 a tubercle, the coats of which are burft, and adhering to the 

 frond, it were to be wifhed that naturalifts refident on the fea-fide 

 would examine and endeavour to determine. 



The tubercles of the greater part of the Fuci open at the point, 

 are imbedded in the fubftance and become fwoUen as in Serratus, 

 Spiralis, &c. — or afTume a broad warty form as in Laceratus and fome 

 others of the divifion Fronde plana avenid — are imbedded, fmooth, and 

 veficuliform, as in Crifptis, &c. — projetfl very much from thtfrons^ as 

 in Confervoides— or are fituated in a pedunculated capfular procefs, 

 as in Siliquofus, Pedunculalus, &c. — But pradice will make thefe and 

 all other matters relating to the inveftigation, very eafy to any ftu- 

 dent who has a real ardour for natural hiftory. 



It has been the general opinion of naturalifts, that the root of 

 Fuci is an organ of adhefion only, and not of nutrition. It feems 

 fo admirably calculated for the former of thefe purpofes, that 

 probably this idea has precluded all confideration of the latter. 

 How the vegetation is carried on, cannot be precifely afcertained ; 

 and although it does not feem hkely, that the root ftiould draw 

 nouriihment from the rock, ftone, or other body to which it is 

 affixed, in the fame manner as the roots of terreftrial plants from 

 the earth in which they grow; yet it would be difficult to affert 

 and bring proofs, that while it fixes, it does not alfo affift to 

 nourifh. — They are principles by no means incompatible. It is very 

 poffiblc, that the element in which thefe plants grow, may be im- 

 bibed at numberlefs minute pores on the furface of the frons, 



imperceptible 



