ALG^E 



117 



along our own coasts are to be found on the rocky shores of 

 the North Atlantic and the North Pacific, the display on 

 the latter coast being especially rich in forms. They are 

 all anchored plants, the strong holdfasts and leathery bodies 

 enabling them to live exposed to strong waves and cur- 

 rents. 



The largest forms are the kelps (Laminarias), the general 

 habit of body being a stem fastened to the rocks by a cluster 



FIG. 107. A common kelp, showing root- 

 like holdfast, stalk, and blade. After 

 SAUNDERS. 



of strong, root-like holdfasts, and ending in a blade-like 

 expansion (Fig. 107). The giant kelps of the Pacific Coast 

 are the most notable forms. One of these has a stem about 



FIG. 108. A kelp with very long and rope- 

 like stem bearing numerous leaves. 

 After BENNETT and MURRAY. 



as large as a clothes-line, reported as sometimes reaching a 

 length of 900 feet, and bearing numerous leaves (Fig. 108). 

 The bladder kelp has a very long flexible stem (120 to 150 



