i8o 



THE BEGINNINGS OF LIFE. 



perfect state, it consists of transparent threads of extreme 

 fineness packed together as closely as the pile of velvet. 

 Dr. Lindley says 1 : c These threads are terminated by 

 an extremity about T^UIF" m diameter, consisting of 

 a long single cell, within which is collected some green 

 mucilage intermixed with granules. . . . The contents 



FIG. 7. 

 Development of Zoospores in Acblya prolifera. 



A. Dilated extremity of a filament, b. separated from the other portion 



by a partition, a. and containing young zoospores in process of 

 formation. 



B. Club-head after most of the active zoospores have been set free. 



(Unger.) 



1 ' Vegetable Kingdom,' 3rd edition, p. 1 7. 



