RED ALG^E. 161 



a mass, as in the whole genus, but in a far dif- 

 ferent way from the thick tufts of R. larix. In 

 truth, the plant very much resembles the fronds of 

 Polysiphonia Baikyi, for which it will be more often 

 mistaken than for any other species. You will get 

 a good idea of the general appearance of the plant, 

 by consulting Plate VIII. It differs from P. Baikyi 

 chiefly, in being somewhat more coarse and robust. 



The main stem, in plants four inches high, is 

 not much larger than a bristle. It is found from 

 four to ten inches long. Color, a full black. It 

 grows at Santa Cruz, on the rocks, in the same 

 situation as its companion species, but is much less 

 common, and is collected from September to Novem- 

 ber. At Santa Barbara, Dr. Dimmick found it 

 common near the lighthouse, and Mrs. Bingham says 

 it is very common there all the year around, growing 

 with Polysiphonia parasitica. My specimens from 

 there are mingled with plants of that species. 



Ger\us.— CHONDRIOPSIS* Ag. 



This genus is represented by three common species 

 on our New England coast, and by one on the 

 coast of California. The Atlantic species all belong 



* Chondriopsis = Somewhat cartilaginous. 



