496 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION D. 
be found an immense number of parasitic seaweeds. These parasites 
only grow from the nodes of the plant, and it isreally very interesting 
to note the tiny parasites forming a complete fringe around each 
node. As a general rule each node bears a‘fringe of the same 
species, but sometimes two or even more separate kinds may be 
counted at the same node. At the other side of Flinders Penin- 
sula, Western Port stretches away northward, and a different 
class of seaweed may be found growing on the low rocks and 
boulders left uncovered. The more delicate of the Callithamnion, 
Areschougie, Horeas, and Mychodeas flourish in these peaceful 
pools ; also, after heavy weather a fine harvest may be obtained 
from the sea drift. A strong current comes in from Bass’ Straits, 
along the coast of Wilson’s Promontory, and so flows into Western 
Port on the west of Phillip Island. From this circumstance it 
may be presumed is due the fact that different species of seaweed 
are found in Western Port that are not found in other parts of 
Victoria. Further westward, along the coast is Cape Schanck, on 
whose weather-beaten rocks the number of seaweeds to be found is 
much smaller, but they are very interesting. In the basins left 
at ebb tide the writer found no less than seven different species of 
Zonaria, also the pretty little Padina pavonia, their delicate fan- 
like structures springing horizontally from the almost vertical sides 
of the basin. Again, on the outside rocks, deep below the water, 
may be seen the huge fronds of Durvellia potatorum. These 
plants are firmly fastened to the rocks by a thick scutate disc, 
often 6 inches in diameter, and fully 1 inch thick ; the short, thick 
stem gradually flattens and widens out into broad, brown, leather- 
like fronds, not unlike a blacksmith’s apron, but much thicker. 
As the rocks on which they grow are constantly washed by the 
fierce flow of either the receding or incoming tides, the strain 
on the plants must be enormous, and as one looks and sees 
them on a lovely calm afternoon dashing first one way and 
then another, and lashing the rocks every time, one cannot 
help wondering at the immense inherent strength required 
to live through a heavy storm. At Sorrento a decided change in 
the species of seaweed may be noticed. Besides those already men- 
tioned numbers of specimens of Plocamium, Gigartina, and Wran- 
gelia may be obtained. Here also may be found several kinds of 
Corallincea. These plants being generally incrusted with lime are 
very brittle, and require careful handling, particularly Amphiroa 
and Fania. The species of Algae found at or near Port Philip 
Heads will be found very carefully compiled by the late M. J. 
Bracebridge Wilson, of Geelong, in “ Proceedings of the Royal 
Society of Victoria,” vol.iv. He gives a full description of where 
he dredged, and found the different species mentioned. 
More than this he presented a magnificent collection of dried 
and mounted specimens to the Botanic Museum of Melbourne 
