MICROCOLEUS. 261 



Hob. " 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 ANGUIFORMIS Harv. 

 Plate LXX. Fig. 1. 



Char. Filaments smaller than in the preceding species. 

 M. anguiformis Harv. MSS. 

 Hob. 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 Alga of our salt- 

 water marshes require a separate study. 



3. MICROCOLEUS GRACILIS Hass. 



Plate LXX. Fig. 2. 

 Char. Filaments very slender. 

 Hob. 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 curiosity 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. 



s 3 



