338 Fresh-watey Algae, of Canada. 



are pedunculate, in pairs, lateral. In Vaucher's history it is called 

 JEctosperma geminata, the generic name being that by which he 

 distinguished the plants ; and but for the sake of immortalizing the 

 illustrious algologist, we should greatly prefer it still ; a descriptive 

 name being'at all times better than an arbitrary title. The fila- 

 ments of this species are fine, and the seed-vessels, after ascending 

 from the filaments, send off laterally two branches on each of 

 which a capsule rests ; the continuation of the peduncle inter- 

 mediate between the capsules forms the anther. It is not quite 

 certain that this form of the capsule is uniform or characteristic 

 of the species. On the same frond we have observed capsules of 

 various forms, — on the geminata, cruciate forms, and on the cru- 

 ciata, sessile forms, &c, &c. There must, therefore, rest some 

 uncertainty upon these characters. It may be that they are all 

 modifications and varieties of the same capsular system, and that 

 we have after all fewer species than are supposed. 



III. V. cruciata, Vauch. 

 Char. — Senrinibus duobus, lateralibus, pedunculatis. Antherse 



intermedial cruciata, Vauch. 

 Hub. — In pools or ditches with mud bottoms. In the fields at the 

 toll bar, Mile End, Montreal. 



Vaucher's Hist, des Coufi, p. 30, Plate II., fig. 6. / 

 This species is not described by Hassall. He regards it as in- 

 cluded with several others in a species which he proposes to call 

 V. Ungeri ; but it is found very distinctly marked, the cruci- 

 ate form of the capsules being very regular and well defined. 

 Vaucher says of it that " it may possibly be but a variety of 

 geminata ; but there is in it a sufficient difference to entitle it to 

 a distinct place and name." 



There are eleven other species described by Hassall, most of 

 which will doubtless be found in Canada in the proper season, and 

 after diligent search. 



Passing over five families, of which we have as yet found no 

 examples, we come to, — 



Fam. VII. Ch^etophorejs, Hass. 



Char. — Algse gelatinous, ramose, composed of principal stems 



and smaller filaments for the most part ciliated. Keproduc- 



tion usually by means of zoospores contained in the filaments, 



but in some cases said to be capsular. 



This family has a strong resemblance to the Batrachospermew , 



