78 BRITISH SEA-WEEDS. 



to six inches long, branches comb-like ; branchlets opposite, 

 simple, very long, and closely set. Fructification unknown. 



This species is rare, and grows but very little above 

 low- water mark. It is very rigid, and has almost the 

 appearance of a Sertularia. 



Sphacelaria cirrhosa. Hair-like Sphacelaria. 



Fronds growing in tufts on small sea-weeds, from a quarter 

 of an inch to two inches long, slender, naked at the base, 

 jointed throughout, more or less branched, branches closely 

 set, either opposite or alternate. Fructification, globular 

 spores attached to the branches, some on short stalks, others 

 sessile. 



Dr. Harvey very truly describes this species as "a 

 very common and very variable plant, which puts on 

 several distinct-looking forms, according to the locality 

 in which it may grow." 



Sphacelaria fusca. Brown Sphacelaria. 



Fronds growing in dense tufts on rocks, very slender, 

 one to two inches high, irregularly branched; branches 

 erect, of the same thickness throughout ; branchlets at dis- 

 tant intervals, minute, with star-like tips. Spores said to be 

 " globose, scattered, sometimes stalked." 



A very rare plant, the recorded habitats of which are 

 in Wales and on the south-west coast of England. 



Sphacelaria radicans. Rooting Sphacelaria. 



Fronds hair-like, from half an inch to an inch long, erect 

 or spreading, growing on rocks, in tufts which are combined 



