72 BRITISH SEA-WEEDS. 



as to be hardly discernible even with a lens, and it is, 

 therefore, highly probable that they frequently occur on 

 Bictyota, but are overlooked, or are thought to be the 

 fructification of that plant. 



Elachista scutulata. Little-shield Elachista. 



Tubercle oblong, varying in length from half an inch to 

 two or three inches, composed of a dense mass of forked 

 fibres ; outer threads short, of the same thickness through- 

 out, rounded at the top, the intervals between the joints 

 about three times as long as the threads are broad. Spores 

 oblong, rounded at both ends, attached by long, jointed 

 stalks. 



This species grows on the thongs of Himanthalia lorea, 

 and is abundant during summer and autumn. It is a 

 very beautiful object for the microscope. 



Elachista curta. Short Elachista. 



Tufts minute ; outer threads slender at the base, gra- 

 dually increasing in size towards the tips, which are blunt ; 

 the intervals between the ioints as long as the threads are 

 broad. Spores on comparatively long stalks. 



Dr. Harvey in his 'Phycologia' states that he has never 

 found this plant, and expresses a doubt whether it be 

 really distinct from E. fucicola. It is said to grow on 

 the same Fuci as that species. I have never seen it 

 myself. 



Elachista pulviuata. Cushioned Elachista. 



Tufts very minute, globose; outer threads tapering from 

 the middle to each end, the intervals between the lower 

 joints, three to four times as long as the threads are broad, 



