XXXII. OBSERVATIONS ON Gigartina exasperata 
Harv. 
H. B. HumMpurey. 
The plants used in the preparation of this paper were col- 
lected by Miss Josephine E. Tilden, in Puget Sound near Seattle, 
Washington, in August, 1897. 
They are found growing at a depth of six fathoms though thriv- 
ing in shallower water. In July, 1898, several plants were col- 
lected near Tracyton, Washington, at a depth of about four 
fathoms attached to rocks in quiet waters. These plants were 
generally large and well developed and were somewhat loosely 
attached to the substratum. Their position in the water was 
erect except in certain places where a tidal current was present. 
Plants found in localities washed by swift tidal currents were 
smaller, thicker and more firmly attached to the substratum. 
The material was preserved in alcohol, consequently the plant 
could not be studied in its natural condition. All sections were 
cut by means of a freezing microtome. Material imbedded in 
gelatin when sectioned proved useless as the cells were swollen 
to such a degree as to appear unnatural. Portions of the frond 
were then sectioned directly from the alcoholic solution with 
good results. 
The stains employed were Delafield’s hematoxylin, methyl 
blue, methyl violet, iodine and fuchsin. Delafield’s hematoxy- 
lin proved a good nuclear stain. Methyl blue was used in stain- 
ing cell walls but was not as satisfactory as methyl violet. 
Iodine was used in staining carpospores and brings out very 
clearly the distinction between them and surrounding tissue. 
Fuchsin proved a very satisfactory stain used in connection with 
the study of protoplasmic pits, coloring them a deep red. 
Sections were all treated with staining solution and then 
mounted directly in glycerine jelly, making a permanent mount. 
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