112 LINDSAY, ON THE PROTOPHYTA OF NEW ZEALAND. 
III. Palinellacee, 
generally speaking, are to be looked for as the first forms 
of vegetation which coat with green or otherwise-coloured 
moulds or stains the damp-shaded surfaces of rock—or o1 
stone or wooden constructions of all kinds—coatings which 
are frequently associated and apt to be confounded with, 
from their resemblance to, various conditions of certain groups 
of the lower Lichens and Fungi. To them (Palmellacee) also 
are probably due some at least of the “coloured rains” 
described by travellers in various countries. ‘This class of 
organisms is so common that it is likely to be overlooked 
by all but the microscopist, to whom it will furnish many 
interesting additions to the cryptogamic flora of New Zea- 
land: though the proportion of novelties as in the Diatomacez 
may not be great, while the number of cosmopolite or widely 
diffused forms may be considerable.* 
It must be evident, then, that in the department of the 
Protophyta alone very extensive and most important additions 
may be expected to be made by the labours of specialists— 
I. To the catalogue of New Zealand species, recent and 
fossil: as well as to our 
II. Knowledge of 
a. The variations of these species. 
6. Their geographical distribution ; and 
c. ‘The inter-relations of living and fossil forms. 
In particular, species of Palmella and Protococcus may be 
looked for. I found Palmella cruenta, Ag., in Otago.t At 
home this species is extremely common, and frequently very 
beautiful, occurring about the damp bases of the walls of 
buildings, giving the appearance as if some red fluid had been 
recently poured over their surface. In similar habitats it is 
likely to be found in New Zealand. Forms allied to the 
fungus-like P. prodigiosa, which spreads over meat, boiled 
vegetables, and other organic substances, with great rapidity, 
spotting them as with blood-stains, may be expected. Species 
of Protococcus allied to P. nivalis are likely to occur in New 
Zealand. In both the genera in question, and in their allies, 
the local botanist will doubtless experience much difficulty 
in determining what are to be considered forms or varieties 
—stages or states of growth—and what species or types. 
* Compare remarks on dlya, in paper on ‘ New or rare Cryptogams from 
Otago, New Zealand,”’ ‘Trans. Botan. Society of Edin.,’ vol. viii, p. 283. 
7 “On New or Rare Cryptogams from Otago, New Zealand,” ‘ Trans. 
Botan. Society of Edin.’ vol. viii, p. 284. 
