226 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [December, 



other minute discoid forms. At the bar the small Amphora were replaced 

 by much larger varieties. Navicula lyra were plentiful, showing many va- 

 riations ; also many other Naviculce of similar form. Beyond this a Pleu- 

 rosigma resembling P. formosuni predominated. Baccillaria faradoxa^ 

 in large groups and in ceaseless motion, was more plentiful than I have ever 

 found it elsewhere. Next came a Pleurosigma resembling P. balticiim^hnt 

 very much smaller, being less than half its length and diameter and some- 

 what easier of resolution, in sufficient quantity, so that I made a nearly pure 

 gathering. This form had a more rapid motion than the large P. balticum. 

 Through all these different belts were scattered P. fasicola^ P. atienuatum^ 

 P. elongatum^ P. acuminatum ., and several others ; P. angulattim^ as be- 

 fore stated, extending throughout the entire region. Navicula constricta^ N. 

 elliptica^ and many other species were also present in great variety. The 

 water here was about fifteen feet deep and beyond this the diatoms were not 

 arranged in such well-marked divisions. From this point to the channel of 

 the harbor I found Coscitzodiscus^ Actitioptycktis, Triceratium^ Auliscus^ 

 Campvlodiscus^ Scolioplezira^ Eupodiscus argits^ Staziroptera aspera^ 

 and many other species, in large and small varieties, more or less abundant. 

 Outside of the light-house and breakwater was a deposit of soft mud, extend- 

 ing for a considerable distance, which contained many of the above forms, 

 and beyond this was a hard bottom from which the dredge brought up 

 nothing but sand and shells. The search vvas extended for several miles out 

 into the Sound and for a considerable distance east and west without success, 

 leading to the conclusion that this part of the Sound was comparatively bar- 

 ren. In Milford creek or inlet, near the town wharf, I found many of above 

 species, and Surirella febigera and S. gemma were common ; Rhabdo- 

 nema and Biddulphia were abundant, and Hyalodiscus subtilis appeared as 

 large as the Californian specimens. A small form, which I should call 

 a Stephanopyxis^ was also common. In all these gatherings were many 

 species and varieties that I do not attempt to name. An occasional Actino- 

 cyclus was found. This, season I have found in Dike creek, near Morris 

 Cove, Actinocyclus in abundance, all the Pleurosigtnas before mentioned, 

 with several others, and two large varieties new to me. They are as large 

 as the largest P. balticum^ one of them being heavier than that variety ; and 

 the other is more graceful in form and much more active. It is the most 

 tenacious of life of any of that species I have ever seen. Higher up this 

 creek a very large Nitzschia is plentiful. 



This season, September, iS8S, I found B. paradoxa in large groups plen- 

 tiful and active in a ditch i'n the salt marshes south of Morris Cove. Although 

 in constant and rapid motion they were covered with parasites. A small di- 

 atom was numerous, and a filamentous growth covered some groups, so that 

 when the line was contracted it resembled a caterpillar. This section was 

 very rich in varieties, many of them being entirely new to me ; but I have 

 not vet had time to give them a thorough examination. Last year, August, 

 18S7, I first found B. paradoxa very active and vigorous among the branches 

 of a specimen oi Polysiphonia violacea, which was picked up oft' the beach 

 at Morris Cove. The previous week an oyster steamer had been dredging 

 near the mouth of the cove, and now the water at the beach was brilliant 

 with red algae, beautiful specimens of Grinnellia americana, Dasya ele- 

 gans^ various Polysiphonia., Ceramium^ Callithatiinium^ etc., being plen- 

 tiful. These varieties are not usuallv so common on this beach, but for 

 many years I have collected oft' and around Fort Hale all these, and also 

 Bryopsis plumosa^ Spyridia Jila7nentosa^ Chondriopsis^ Lomentaria 

 Baileyana^ which are very common, and the fiery scarlet Griffithsia Bor- 

 netiana^'vaYe here. Very large plants of Grintiellia a?ftericana^ with fif- 



