RED SNOW, FUNGI. 45 



of some hard surfaces, is not unfrequently seen a greenish or red- 

 dish slime, which, when examined with the microscope, is found 

 to consist of a number of minute cells, having little connexion 

 with each other, but imbedded in a sort of jelly, which surrounds 

 and connects them. On some minute variations between these 

 simple plants, various distinctions have been formed ; one is 

 known under the name of gory dew, from its red colour ; and 

 another, which appears on the surface of snow, tinging extensive 

 tracts with a deep crimson, is known as red snow. This some- 

 times appears so suddenly, and over so large a space, as to lead 

 to the belief that it had fallen from the sky ; but its growth and 

 multiplication are so rapid as to leave no difficulty in accounting 

 for its appearance.* This plant, which may be regarded as one 

 of the simplest forms of vegetation, if not the very simplest, con- 

 sists of a little bag or membrane, forming what 

 is called a cell. A large number of these are 

 commonly found together; but each one is 

 separate from the rest, and is to be regarded as 

 a distinct individual. It obtains its own nou- FIG. u. PROTOCCOCIS 

 rishment, by absorbing the fluid around ; and JJgJJJ 8 ' r magnified^ 



grows and comes to maturity, without any showing its separate 



J ' * cells or vesicles partly 



other support or assistance, than that afforded imbedded in a slimy 

 by the air and moisture, with which its sur- jelly ' 

 face is in contact. When come to maturity, a number of minute 

 granules may be seen within it ; these are the germs of new 

 plants ; and, when liberated by the rupture of the parent-cell, 

 they go through precisely the same series of changes. This 

 little plant will be often referred to, in illustration of the sim- 

 plest conditions, in which the processes of the Vegetable eco- 

 nomy can be performed. In its habits, flourishing as it does 

 only in very damp situations, though partly exposed to the air, 

 it must be regarded as belonging to the Algae ; but it bears a 

 close correspondence with the lowest forms of a group that now 

 remains to be considered ; whose conditions of existence, how- 

 ever, are very different. 



* The Author is aware that recent discoveries have shown, that the Red Snow 

 of some districts consists of Animalcules ; but he is satisfied, from hia own obser- 

 vations, of the real existence of the Plant here described. 



