THE ALG^E. 



73 



The Siphonere are well represented by the Vaucheriaceae 

 or Green Felts. These are for the most part fresh-water 

 plants, though a few species are found in salt water. 

 They grow in the water and on the bottom and sides of 

 ponds and ditches, and on the wet ground around springs, 

 forming feltlike masses of a dark 

 green color. They are abundant 

 in damp places in greenhouses 

 on the ground, and on the sur- 

 face of the soil in the beds and 

 in the flower pots. The lack of 

 partitions across the filaments at 

 once distinguishes these plants 

 from the other Green Algse. 

 The protoplasm does not fill the 

 filaments but, leaving the cen- 

 tral portion empty, forms a thin 

 lining next to the cellulose wall. 

 Minute chlorophyl granules, to- 

 gether with numerous little 

 shining drops of oil, are scat- 

 tered regularly through the pro- 

 toplasm. Numerous nuclei are 

 present, but they are difficult of 

 demonstration. 



No alternation of generations is known to exist in the 

 Siphoneye. The plant is the gametophyte. 



FIG. 35. Vaucheria. 6, fruit- 

 ing filament ; c, antherid- 

 ium; d, oogonium; e, resting 

 spore. Magnified. 



VAUCHERIA. PRACTICAL STUDIES. 



1. Examine with the naked eye and with a hand mag- 

 nifier a quantity of Vaucheria. Notice its dark green 

 color and feltlike appearance. 



2. Mount a little in water and examine with the low 

 power. To secure good mounts care must be exercised, 



