192 
ANNALS OF THE 
bules, according to their respective ages ; whereas there is usually a general uni- 
formity in size, showing that all the plants of each cluster are about the same age, 
and have probably arisen contemporaneously from one batch of spores. 
The conclusions that seem to be warranted by the author's observations are 
these : — 
1 . Botrydium granulatum is an unicellular plant. 
2. It is strictly terrestrial, and is incapable of being developed under water, 
like most algaB. 
3. It is furnished with finely branched root fibres, which enable it to absorb 
nourishment from the soil, like other land plants. 
4. Reproduction is effected by means of young spherical cells, formed in the 
endochrome in the interior of the parent one, which are set free at maturity, by the 
bursting of the cell membrane of the parent, 
5. Even when the plant is not mature, an inundation of the habitat by water 
bursts the membrane, and thus effects the liberation of the spores. 
6. If a process of impregnation occurs, it probably takes place after the spher- 
ules and endochrome have been ejected. 
7. The plant does not increase by buds given off from the radical filaments 
(as stated by several writers), so far as the author has observed. 
