divided stem for an inch or two, then much branched and bushy. Branches 
long, sometimes rod-like and scarcely divided, sometimes repeatedly dichoto- 
mous or alternately branched; at other times fasciculate or very irregular 
in division ;—now nearly or quite destitute of ramuli, again densely 
clothed with them, always attenuated at the base, just at the insertion, and 
tapering at the apex to a fine point. Ramuli narrow-spindle-shaped, 
tapering much to the base and apex, and ending in short fibrils, scattered 
or crowded, from a quarter to half an inch long or more, not abundant the 
first season, but very luxuriant in plants of the second year, always softer 
and of more intense colour than other parts of the frond. Articulations of 
the stem and branches more or less opake, but generally visible, coated 
with small, sinuous cells, shorter than their diameter; those of the tips of 
the branches and ramuli more transparent, as long, or once and half, some- 
times twice as long, as broad, marked with more parallel tubes, and having 
transparent dissepiments. Capsules ovate, sessile or slightly stalked. Tetra- 
spores large, contained in swollen and distorted ramuli. Substance of the 
stem cartilaginous and stiff,—of the ramuli very soft and gelatinous :—in 
some deep-water varieties (P. rosea) the whole plant is flaccid and gela- 
tinous. Colour of the ramuli a fine crimson-lake, of the stem and branches 
dark red or brown. 
For remarks, see the following Plate. 
Fig. 1. PotysrpHonta ELONGATA, plant of the first year:—the natural size. 
2. Branchlets of the same. 3. Apex of a branchlet. 4. Portion of the 
stem. 5. Cross section of the stem. 6. Ceramidia and spores :—magnified. 
