PLUMULARIA PINNATA. 77 



It winds its loose mesh of fibres 

 around stem and branches, and throws out, 

 in every direction, graceful, pinnated plumes, 

 which resemble fronds of tree-fern or palm. 

 The receptacles which are somewhat cup-like, 

 with the margin irregularly dentate, are borne 

 on one side only of the axis. The 

 nematophores are confined to the region of the 

 receptacles, and their peculiar movements are 

 worth attention. The capsules in this, and 

 some other species are additionally protected 

 by a modification of the palm-like branches ; 

 the delicate side branches being folded around 

 the capsule to which they are united. These 

 " ribs " are studded with nematophores. 



Plumularia pinnata, Linnaeus- (Figs. 14, 15.) 



3 specimens in liquid. 



SPECIMENS A very lovely and delicate species 

 78, 79, 8O. of a semi-transparent, white hue. 

 The creeping base throws up stems regularly 

 and alternately branched, which, towards the 

 apices, curl over like a feather. The 

 receptacles are arranged along the upper side 

 of the branches. The gonophores are crowded 



