2 ON CHARA OBTUSA. 
acute, of 2-8 segments. Developed bract cells 1-3 very long, 
patent, somewhat acute. Nucules subglobose 9-striate. Coronula 
minute, conical, persistent. Globules solitary, or two together. 
Diecious. 
This is one of the largest species of the order, having branchlets 
sometimes over six inches, and bract cells two inches and a half in 
length. It is of a bluish green, usually considerably incrusted and 
] oda 
in the peculiar abbreviated branchlets of the lower (underground) 
whorls, which form beautiful white starlike structures. The 
branchlets of these lower whorls have usually one node, but rarely, 
which are capable of Separate existence and survive the winter. 
Mr. Bennett’s specimens are, however, of both sexes. 
The position of C. obtusa in the order has always been doubtful, 
and the extent of its relationship to the Nitellee is not yet clearly 
made out. It was taken by Reichenbach to be a form of NV. trans- 
raun adopted the German name of Chara stelligera, passing 
over the two earlier names, C. obtusa and (. ulvoides, the former on 
the ground of its being inappropriate, the latter as referring only 
to a stout form of C. stelliyera. Now, although the name obtusa is 
* By an oversight we omitted to state, in our “Review of the British 
Characee,” that we are indebted to Mr. Alfred W, Bennett for this term as 
applied to the cells surrounding the base of the whorls in the Charee. 
