verse section of the stem exhibits nine radiating siphons disposed round a 
small cavity, and surrounded by a band of small cells, of thickness varying 
according to the age of the part from which the section is made. Articu- 
lations of the ramuli very short. Ceramidia ovate, with thick walls. 
Stichidia oblong, suddenly mucronate, nearly sessile. Colour, a fine deep 
crimson, becoming brighter after immersion in fresh-water. . is much 
smaller and more squarrose in its branching, sometimes nearly bare of 
ramuli. 
ee 
A well-known plant, common along the coasts of Europe, and 
a great favourite with collectors of Sea-weeds for ornamental 
purposes. 
I have mentioned but one variety, as worthy of note; but 
this variety puts on so many forms that it might be split into 
two or three. In Dr. Greville’s figure (Crypt. Scot. t. 261,) the 
species appears in its most depauperated state, so different in 
aspect from the normal condition, that without an inspection of 
connecting links, it would be difficult to suppose the two forms 
belonged to one species. But by dredging in sandy bays and 
among WVu/lipores a complete series of forms, connecting the most 
luxuriant with the most lank, may be collected. Those from 
deep-water are generally very irregularly branched, and seldom 
produce fruit. Specimens having stichidia are always more 
slender and delicate than those that bear ceramidia. 
Fig. 1. Dasya coccinea. 2. The var. 8. squarrosa :—both of the natural size. 
3. Ceramidium with accompanying ramul. 4. Section of ceramidium. 
5. Stichidium, with ramuli. 6. A tetraspore. 7. Section of lower part of 
the stem. 8. Section of a branch :—all magnified. 
