DA ALGAE. 
of the misuse of one of the names, Caulerpites, the remarks of 
Murray on fossil Caulerpas are worthy of repetition. In his recent 
paper on an example of this genus from the Kimeridge clay he 
says '—‘‘I have examined nearly every species known to science 
of those (Caulerpa sp.) at present existing ...... of all the 
described fossil Caulerpe or Caulerpites of which I have seen 
specimens and figures, there is not one which might not with 
equal propriety be assigned a place elsewhere within or without 
the vegetable kingdom.” In looking at the specimens of Murray’s 
new species, Caulerpa Carruthers, one easily recognises the 
resemblance to the recent genus, and it is difficult to imagine to 
what other source such impressions could be referred. It is 
somewhat surprising, however, to find what deep and well-defined 
depressions have been left in the rock by this Oolitic seaweed. 
It is superfluous to point out what very little value we can attach 
to external form in many of the carbonaceous impressions on rock 
surfaces ; the same general habit of thallus being found in several 
recent genera, and indeed in different families. Unless, therefore, 
we are dealing with examples where the fossil clearly shows 
a habit strikingly similar in form to that of a well-marked and 
distinct recent genus, or with specimens exhibiting a well-preserved 
internal structure, or clear indications of characteristic reproductive 
organs, by making use of recent generic names we are rather 
hindering than advancing the knowledge of fossil phycology. For 
these reasons it is safer to be content with merely pointing out 
such living genera as approach most nearly in habit the algal- 
like impressions, and not commit ourselves to a doubtful and 
misleading affinity by referring the fossil forms to particular genera 
or families. 
With a view to having some general term which may serve as a 
provisional generic name for fossils, which in all probability come 
under the head of Algz, but which it is impossible with any 
degree of certainty to refer to a definite recent type, I propose 
to use the word Algites. 
Schlotheim,? and also Sternberg in his earlier writings, adopts 
the term -Algacites as a comprehensive title for all fossil seaweeds. 
In the later parts of the ‘‘Flora der Vorwelt” those ‘algal ” 
1 Phycol. Mem. pt. i. 1892, p. 18. 
2 Petrefactenkunde, p. 38. 
