108 CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 
THE GROWTH OF KELP. 
By EDWARD PORTEOUS. 
Studies of the hfe history and growth of kelp Macrocystis pyrifera 
are most fascinating, but this phase of the kelp problem has received 
very little attention from the industries dependent upon it. These, 
seemingly content with the fact that it does replace itself in time, have 
left the working out of its phases, environment, reproduction and growth 
to those scientifically inclined, who, in turn, look at it from an entirely 
different aspect from the manufacturer who is so dependent upon the 
plant as his source of revenue. 
The harvesting of kelp over comparatively large areas has given 
some small insight into the hfe of the plant. This knowledge undoubt- 
edly could be greatly increased if the state could appoint someone to 
take up this and many of the other problems connected with the 
comparatively new industry. 
After the harvester has cut a bed clean, to the depth of four feet, 
the old kelp may be seen standing in an upright position with its grow- 
Fig. 57. Growing ends of kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). 
Photograph by Edward E. Porteous. 
ing ends cut off, looking not unlike a poplar tree. The kelp thus cut 
gradually lightens in color and appears to disintegrate and 
gradually disappear. This disintegration seems to start from the cut 
end and extend downward toward the holdfast, but usually before it has 
entirely disappeared from view it is hidden by the fresh shoots coming 
up from the rizomes. 
Variation in the character of a bed is often noticed. Bed No. 24 in 
1916 showed unmistakable ‘‘lanes’’ of water or clear places, looking 
not unlike ‘‘roads’’ left by the harvesters; but examination showed no 
plants beneath the surface. These long lanes of clear water, which 
