RED ALG^. 141 



discovered with the naked eye. The FolysiphonicB 

 form a marked feature of the marine flora of every sea. 



POLYSIPHONIA FASTIGIATA, GrEV. 



The pointed PolysipJionia is very common on the 

 north Atlantic coast, growing as a parasite on Fiiciis 

 nodostis, and rarely on F. vesiculosus. Prof. Kj ell- 

 man reports it growing on Halosaccion ra7neiitaceum, 

 in Spitzbergen. It looks not unlike a little dark 

 brown or black ball or tassel, attached to the ends 

 of the Furtts, from three-fourths of an inch to one 

 and one-half inches in diameter. Examined closely 

 it will be seen to be a dense tuft of stiff, wire-like 

 filaments, many times forked from the base, with 

 wide axils. The apices being nearly all the same 

 length, the tufts look ''clipped" all around like a 

 thorn bush. In mounting, it does not adhere to 

 paper. But thinly spread out, in the almost perfect 

 circle which its black frond so naturally assumes, it 

 makes a very pretty appearance on the white paper. 

 It may be found at all seasons and so common 

 that I need not name special localities. 



POLYSIPHONIA URCEOLATA, GrEV. 



The specific name refers to the fruit -vessel, which 

 is thought to resemble a little pitcher or jug. The 



