Fig. 179. EHODYMENIA LACINIATA. 



Colour, The finest crimson. 



Substance. Thickisli; soft 5 elastic though membranaceous. 



Cliaracter of Frond. A flat ribless expansion; rising from a short flat stem; of more 

 or less fan-shaped outline; deeply slit and divided in a forked manner {dicho- 

 tomously). Divisions {lacinicB) wedge-shaped; re-divided in the same way; the 

 tips obtuse; often torn. When in fructification the margins curled or fringed 

 with minute leafy frondlets; these occasionally found on the surface. 



Measurement. From 3 to 10 inches long. 



Fructification. Of two kinds. 1. A mass of minute spores in globose capsules^ im- 

 mersed in the fringing or surface leaflets. 2. Tetraspores forming cloudy spots 

 on the surface; or along the margins, which are then smooth and entire. 



IlaUtat. Our coasts generally. On rocks and stones, &c. in the sea; rarely within 

 tide-marks. 



Now CallopliylUs laciniata. 



Fig. 180. RHODYMENIA PALMETTA. 



Colour. Rose-red; darker when dry. 



Suhstance. Membranaceous, except the stems, which are elastic. 



Character of Frond. A flat, ribless, fan-shaped, but often repeatedly forked expansion, 

 rising from a longish, first cylindrical, then compressed stem, which is either 

 simple or divided; widening gradually upwards. Tufted. Divisions (lacinice) 

 narrow, with rounded spaces between, and very smooth, flat margins. Root, 

 a broad disc, sometimes accompanied by fibres. 



Measurement. Stems from ^ inch to 2 inches long. Fronds 1 or 2 inches. 



Fructification. Of two kinds. 1. A mass of minute spores in globose prominent 

 capsules^ seated on the edges of the margins, or scattered; generally towards 

 the tips of the lacini<s. 2. Tetraspores forming deep red groups (sori) in the 

 expanded tips. 



Kahitat. Our shores generally, but inclining southwards. On rocks, &c. near the 

 verge of low- water mark, and lower. Not uncommon. 



Varying greatly in general appearance; but usually tolerably fan-shaped. 

 Sometimes with only a short stem, sometimes with almost none ; or sometimes 

 merely forked into two narrow leaves. (See figure.) Its pink-colour, crisp, yet 

 delicate substance, and fructification, must be looked to as guides. 



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