428 ^zn. j. j. stmpso'N' n-s the 



branches, some of whicli remain simple while others bear curved 

 twigs. 



The third of the specimens whose measurements are given 

 (PI. 43. fig. 2) may be regarded as the most typical, although it is 

 evidently only the terminal portion of a large colony. It is very 

 robust and bushy in appearance and maintains a marked upward 

 growth. The main branch is 8 millims. in diameter, and gives 

 origin to several almost equal branches of about -5 millims. 

 in diameter. From these, secondary twigs diverge in all 

 directions, but all have their growing tips pointing upward. Tiie 

 average diameter of these is about 3-5 millims. at their origin, 

 but many terminate in club-shaped processes which increase this 

 measurement to about 6 millims. Owing to excessive growth in 

 the ccenenchyma, the angle between a twig and its support 

 becomes almost obliterated ; so that a branch presents a somewhat 

 palmate appearance, with short blunt digitiform processes — the 

 growing tips of the twigs (PI. 43. fig. 2). 



Tlie next largest specimen is much damaged aud may be the 

 basal portion of a very large colony. The main stem, which is 

 incomplete, is 7 centiras. long and has a diameter of 9 millims. 

 at the base, diminishing to 4 millims. at the broken tip. The 

 branches which arise from it do not seem proportionate to the 

 main stem, but there is evidence of the broken remains oF larger 

 branches now quite overgrown by the general coenenchyma. 

 The sinuous and cylindrical character of the branches is a marked 

 feature. 



The other four colonies whose measurements are given agree, 

 on t!ie whole, most closely with the third specimen. 



Thus ^ve see that the general tendency in this t^pecies is 

 towards an upward bushy growth (PI. 43. fig. 2), but in the largest 

 and most complete specimen (PI. 43. fig. 1) the twigs were directed 

 mainly towards one aspect. 



Another remarkable feature here presented is the fact that 

 there is no hint of atfachment. The basal portion is very thick 

 and lias evidently been broken from its support, but it is now 

 completely overgrown by the coenenchyma. This secondary 

 growth is to be seen in the case of another branch in this 

 specimen, and is not of infrequent occurrence in several of the 

 others. May not this circumstance, to a great extent, explain 

 the unilateral direction of the growing points of the branches 

 in this specimen, as contrasted with the typical form in the 

 others? Having become detached from its support, and with a 



