No. 2] NEW SPECIES OR FORMS OF MELOBESIEAE. 1 1 



This species forms minute crusts of indefinite shape which 

 by and by anastomose, at length forming irregular rose-coloured 

 or purplish patches on Stenogramme. The margin is frequently 

 crenulate. The plant consits of a single layer of cells except in 

 the neighbourhood of the conceptacles, and do not possess cortical 

 cells. Seen from above the cells are 7 — 12 \i long and 5 — 7 p- 

 broad. On a section they are shown to be square with rounded 

 ■corners, 5—8 />- in diameter. 



The conceptacles of sporangia are subconical, 120—150 /a in 

 diameter seen from above, partly scattered partly rather crowded. 

 The sporangia are four-parted, about 40 fi long and 25 fi broad. 



The present species somewhat reminds one in habit of Melo- 

 besia zonalis, being however more delicate. Otherwise it seems 

 to stand nearest to M. Novae Zelandiae, the latter however only 

 known from a rather incomplete description. 



Occurrence. Santa Monica, California, collected by Sarah 

 P. Monks. 



