56 SIPHONED. 



which a capsule rests, the continuation of the peduncle forming 

 the anther. 



Occasionally it happens that the capsules are sessile, and 

 the plant bears some resemblance to Vaucheria scssilis ; it 

 differs, however, in being altogether much smaller, and in the 

 form of the capsules. 



It was first discovered in England by W. Borrer, Esq., as 

 far back as 1807. It is by no means uncommon throughout 

 England. 



d. Capsules in clusters, lateral, pedunculate, 



10. Vaucheria eacemosa Vauch. 



Plate III. Fig. 2. 



Char. Capsules usually four in number, placed upon a pe- 

 duncle common to all, ivhich terminates in a single anther. 



Ectosperma racemosa Vauch. Hist, des Conf. d'Eau douce, 

 p. 32. pi. ii. fig. 8. ; Grev. Alg. Brit. p. 195. ; Harv. in 

 loc. cit. p. 149. 



Hah. About Edinburgh : Dr. Greville. Vicinity of Ches- 

 hunt, not uncommon. 



" This species is one of the most common, and is found iu 

 nearly all ditches, principally in the spring. It is loaded 

 with little bouquets manifest to the unassisted sight, and 

 which with the microscope seem to be formed of a common 

 peduncle, subdivided into pedicels, each of which carries on its 

 summit a spherical body, in every way resembling the grains 

 of other ectosperms, but nearly half as small again. In the 

 middle of this bouquet is the horn, which, without doubt, 

 performs the function of a male flower, and Avhicli is here 

 but a prolongation of the peduncle. The number of grains 

 varies from five to seven, but commonly four are met with." 

 — Vaucher. 



It is this species which is most frequently infested with 

 the curious parasite, Cyclops lupula of jNIiiller, which occasions 

 the growth on the filaments of such extraordinary-looking 

 appendages, in the midst of which the parasite resides. 



