Fig. 83. ECTOCAEPUS HINCKSI^. 



Colour. Dark-olive. 



Substance. Rather liarsli for an Ectocarpus ; (like E. littoralis.) 



Character of Frond. Slender tufts of jointed threads {Jilaments). Filaments 

 irregularly and rather distantly branched. Upper part of branches 

 furnished on one side with slightly curved branchlets. Branchlets 

 furnished on their inner faces in a similar manner^ so as to resemble 

 little combs. 



Measurement. From 1 to 2 inches long. 



Fructification. In pod-like formations {silicules); external; borne on the 

 inner faces of the last branchlets. Silicules conical. Set like buttons^ 

 one upon each joint. (See figure of the magnified branch.) 



Habitat. Our coasts generally. Usually parasitical on Laminaria bulbosa. 

 Filey. Not common. 



The repeated secund branching (branches on one side the stem only) of this 

 plant distinguishes it from all others. Several, it is true, have their ultimate 

 iDranches branched secundly ; but in no other case is the growth repeated so 

 as to make the branchlets resemble little combs. E. Hincksice is sometimes 

 found in company with E. siliculosus, but its darker tint and less glossy ap- 

 pearance prevent any confusion between the two. 



Fig. 84. ECTOCAEPUS TOMENTOSUS. 



Colour. Sometimes a pleasant olive-green; oftener a dull brown; occasionally 

 rust-colour. 



Substance. Soft; spongy. 



Character of Frond. Very fine, jointed threads (Jilaments) inextricably 

 woven together into rope-like branches. Branching of the filaments 

 irregular; chiefly alternate^ on each side a stem. In some specimens 

 the filaments being less matted than usual, the ends and sides are 

 free, and the plant has a soft, feathery appearance. 



Measurement. From 1 to 8 inches long. 



Fructification. In pod-like formations (silicules); external; borne on the 

 branchlets. Silicules stalked; narrow- oblong; blunt at the points. 



Less matted forms of this plant bear some resemblance to very dense tufts 

 of slUcalosus; but they are always duller-looking. And there is generally 

 some portion of each specimen, sufficiently matted and rope-like, to stamp the 

 character of the species. 



38 



