MELANOSPERME. 59 
or satisfactory illustration of this species in its ordinary growing state, has 
induced me to be content with figuring a magnified portion of the stem, on 
which are seated several sori or bunches of moniliform or necklace-like 
filaments, as seen at c (Fig. 62) and at d, a more highly-magnified 
portion of one of the sori, showing three spores seated at the base of 
the filaments. There is no mistaking this plant when it has once 
passed under observation. It is usually found near low-water mark, 
on rocks, or sometimes on other alg. It is a summer annual, and occurs 
on various parts of the English and Irish shores, but is more abundant 
Fig. 62. (a.) and (b.) Forms of fructification of Dictyota. (c.) Stilophora rhizodes. 
(d.) Magnified portion of sori of S. rhizodes. (e.) Stilophora Lyngbyei. 
in the neighbourhood of Plymouth than any other locality that I have 
ever visited. The fronds are from 5in. to 6in.. or sometimes nearly 2ft. in 
height. They are filiform or string-like, and generally excessively branched, 
the primary branches springing irregularly on each side of a more or less 
evident main stem. The colour of this plant is an olive brown, turning to 
a dark green in drying. The much rarer species or variety, known as 
Stilophora Lyngby, is only, so far as my experience goes, obtainable by 
dredging in sheltered bays from ten to fifteen fathoms. It is said to. be. 
abundant in many places ; but I have never taken it, even in dredging, any- 
