268 MR. W. A. NICHOLSON ON BOTANY OF SUTTON. 
recorded in two or three other counties. Its extremely 
regular starch -stars, or bulbils, are characteristic of this 
species, and it is by them that the plant is mainly propagated, 
as it very seldom fruits. 
In Barton Broad, there is an extensive growth of Characcae, 
consisting (probably with other species) of 
Chara fragilis, Desv. 
C aspera, Willcl., var. capillata, Braun. 
C. vulgaris, L. 
,, var. papillata, Wallr. 
The great abundance of the genus Chara in these waters, is 
an indication of the presence of a considerable quantity of 
calcium carbonate held in suspension, as the attraction for 
calcium carbonate shown by this genus is well known ; the 
stems and, in some cases, the whole plant being covered with 
a dense calcareous incrustation. This seems to be even more 
conspicuous in the dead plant. Frequently, in passing over 
the surface of the water, one’s eye is drawn to a whitish patch 
showing up amongst the dark green carpet of Chara covering 
the bottom. On closer examination it is seen to be the 
decaying remains of Chara, the green portion having dis- 
appeared, leaving the skeleton framework with its white 
covering of calcium carbonate. 
The characteristic odour of Chara can be frequently detected 
in the air, above places where it is growing freely. Bennett 
and Murray, in their Handbook of Cryptogamic Botany, p. 
181, state that “ The presence of certain species may be 
detected by the foetid odour of sulphuretted hydrogen given 
off when decaying.” I cannot help thinking that this odour 
is also given off by the living plant. 
The Rev. G. R. Bullock-Webster, M.A., remarks of the 
CharacecB that they “ are singularly sensitive of any intrusion 
by other plants, and if they are not allowed to occupy the whole 
ground generally retire altogether.” 11 As soon as other 
aquatics begin to assert their existence in the ditch, drain, or 
pool occupied by Charas they retire, and only appear again 
when spade and shovel have effected a thorough cleaning out 
of the old home.” 
