MICROCOLEUS. 261 



Hab. " On the naked soil by road-sides, frequent : " 

 Harv. 



" This forms a dull green decumbent slimy stratum. The 

 frond consists of numerous curled branches, diverging from 

 a centre in a starry manner, and gradually tapering from a 

 broad base to a fine point, containing numerous deep green 

 filaments, which radiate and oscillate from the tips, and on 

 laceration issue in bundles." — Harv. 



2. MiCROCOLEUS ANGUirORMIS Harv. 



Plate LXX. Fig. 1. 

 Char. Filaments smaller than in the preceding species. 

 M. anguiformis Harv. MSS. 

 Hah. Saltwater marshes. 



This, although a very distinct species, is a doubtful fresh- 

 water production, and perhaps had better to have been al- 

 together omitted from this work. The AlgcB of our salt- 

 water marshes require a separate study. 



3. MiCROCOLEUS GRACILIS Hass. 



Plate LXX. Fig. 2. 

 Char. Filaments very slender. 

 Hah. Near Aberdeen : Dr. Dickie. 



This is another salt marsh Microcoleus. I detected it 

 amongst some Alga sent me by Dr. Dickie. It is a distinct 

 and pretty little species. 



" Plants, as well as animals, excite the curiosify and interest of the 

 observer, first, by diversities, which distinguish parts and properties and 

 species ; and by similitudes, which lead to the assemblage of species into 

 groups, or genera and classes, &c. : secondly, by grace or beauty of form 

 or colour ; thirdly, by analogies, or affinities of relation, traceable, more 

 or less remotely, throughout all the works of the Creator." — Duncan. 



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