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Art. VI. — Researches on the Cryptogamic Flam of the State of Georgia. 



By Prof. Julien Debt. 

 Notice I. — On the Organization and Morphology of Ohlamidococcus pluvtalis. — Plate VII. 



The study of cryptogamic botany has had but few votaries, and may yet be consi- 

 dered as in its infancy. During later years only has the microscope been applied to 

 the examination of these often minute but highly interesting productions, and although 

 some very able men have thrown considerable light on this difficult branch of natural 

 history, much remains yet to be done by future observers. 



I have paid considerable attention to this subject while in .Europe and during my 

 travels in Central America, and have acquired a certain knowledge of the Fungi and 

 Alga? which emboldens me to furnish to those interested in such subjects, a few notes 

 illustrative of such species as I have observed since my short residence in the United 

 States. Every fact stated I have seen myself, but being here in the '' up country," 

 without the necessary literary help, I may, perhaps, in some cases, be led to describe 

 as new, things already known to the public. I have to beg indulgence in behalf 

 of my isolated position. If any of my observations be thought interesting or in- 

 structive I shall be sufficiently rewarded for my labors. 



It may be well here to state that the microscope I make use of is a good instru- 

 ment, (of large size,) of Oberhauser's, in Paris. It was made five years ago, has very 

 clear glasses, and three amplifying powers. 



I shall, in this first notice, give a short account of a plant I have before met with 

 in Belgium,* and which I have lately discovered in this country also, namely, Chla- 

 midococcus pluvialis, one of the most interesting of fresh water alga?, although one 

 of the minutest. 



I have found Chlamidococcus in the counties of Cass and Rabun, in the hollows of 

 rocks exposed to the influence of all the atmospheric changes, and which were liable, 

 during rainy weather, to be filled with water and to dry up completely during seasons 

 of drought. 



The Chlamidococcus pluvialis is synonymous with the Hgematococcus pluvialis of 

 Flotow, and Protococcus pluvialis of Ktitzing. This genus is very nearly allied to Chla- 



* I first discovered it at Bloquement, near Dinant, in the province of Namur, in water from the gutter from 

 the roof of my father's house. 



