FRESH-WATER ALG. 225 
figures largely in the history of the superstitions of 
the middle ages. Pitarello, a peasant residing at 
Laguaro, near Padua, observed large patches of it 
covering the walls of an old and rarely visited room 
in his house, which so closely resembled huge clots 
of venous blood, that the greatest curiosity and 
consternation were excited. The streets of Padua 
leading to Laguaro were thronged by anxious 
crowds hastening to inspect the phenomenon, and 
Fic. 21.—PALMELLA CRUENTA. 
(a) Fructification slightly magnified. 
(4) Fructification much magnified. 
(c) Fructification highly magnified. Cells dividing into two, and then into 
four parts, each capable of propagating the plant. 
full of the calamities it foreboded. Many regarded 
it as a direct judgment of God upon the unhappy 
peasant, for having forestalled corn during the 
famine. During the last invasion of epidemic 
cholera, the same plant was found in abundance, 
purpling the ground near Oxford, as if red wine 
or blood had been poured out. 
In connexion with the present subject, it may 
P 
