MODE OF FRUCTIFICATION. 



5 



The fronds of many of the simple kinds, as Confervas, 

 &c, consist of a single thread, or string of cellules, or 

 joints. Those which are more compound may gene- 

 rally be resolved into such threads by macerating small 

 portions either in hot water, or, if that prove ineffectual, 

 in diluted muriatic acid. 



In the fructification, we find many modifications of 

 structure without much real difference, either in the 

 manner in which the fruit is perfected, or in the seed 

 that is produced. 



The seeds that are finally formed in all the tribes of 

 genuine Algae, appear pretty nearly to agree in struc- 

 ture, and to consist of a single cellule, or bag of mem- 

 brane, filled with a very dense, dark-coloured, granular, 

 semi-fluid mass, called the endochrome. These seeds, 

 on germination, produce perfect plants, resembling that 

 from which they sprung. Nothing at all resembling 

 floral organs has been noticed in any ; and all that we 

 know of the fructification is, that it takes place with 

 regularity, — arising from the same parts of the frond, 

 and having the same appearance in plants of the same 

 kind. Its growth may be watched from the commence- 



signifies every part of the plant, with the exception of the 

 root, and occasionally of the stem, if well developed, and 

 distinct from the other portions of the plant not included 

 under this term. 



