SEA-WEEDS. 



143 



Nitophyllum (Nitophyllum punctatum) , which is so 

 called from the little seed spots scattered over its 



transparent frond. This plant is exceedingly thin 

 and clear, and when dried adheres well to the 

 paper. It is not uncommon, though less frequent 

 than the Lacerated Nitophyllum (Nitopfiyllum 

 laceratum], which adheres so closely to the rocks 

 by its waved edges, that its delicate thin fronds 

 can scarcely ever be obtained in a perfect state. 

 It clings also to the fingers, so that the botanist 

 must manage it with skill, or he will tear it. The 

 margin of this species is sometimes delicately 

 fringed, and the plant is of a pinkish or brownish 

 red. Every plant indeed of the genus Nitophyl- 

 lum, is remarkably fragile, even among our red 

 sea-weeds, and Dr. Greville named this group 



