156 SEA MOSSES. 



POLYSIPHONIA WOODII, HaRV. 



Although this plant seems to be built on the same 

 general plan as the other two California species, 

 already described, it is yet sufficiently distinct to be 

 not only a good species, but also easily recognized. 

 The stem is. perhaps, twice the size of a bristle, 

 divided from near the bottom into loug, spreading 

 branches, the whole plant being from four to six 

 inches high. All the parts are flattened, the younger 

 visibly articulate, and branch from the edges in one 

 plane. The secondary branches also separate with 

 wide axils, but give out their branches at narrower 

 angles, while the ultimate, awl-shaped ramuli are much 

 inclined to be incurved, rarely to spread widely. The 

 plant varies much in particular respects, depending 

 much, I find, upon whether it bear the sexual or 

 asexual fruit, or be sterile ; but the difference usually 

 consists in the lengthening or shortening of the parts 

 of the plants, some being thick, dense and bushy, 

 others slender, spreading and feathery. It is very 

 common at all seasons. Dr. Anderson says, at Santa 

 Cruz, growing chiefly on Macrocysfis, and, therefore, 

 of course, in deep water. Dr. Dimmick collects it 

 on the beach at Santa Barbara, and Mrs. Bingham 

 gets It there, early in the season, upon Halidrys, 

 also. It adheres well to paper and makes, in most 



