I 
2 UF THE ALGiE GENERALLY 
collector. It would be a mistake, therefore, to examine only 
the larger masses of water ; for frequently the least impor- 
tant localities afford the largest supply : indeed, certain 
families (for instance the Scytonemacese and Nostochaceas) 
would be constantly overlooked, if the lowlier spots were 
habitually neglected. In the same way a careful survey 
of a half-dried pool or puddle will often give the richest 
returns. 
The filamentous Algge (such as the Confervacece , 
Zygnemacece , and Vciucherice) are generally the first to 
strike the attention of the collector, partly on account of 
their mode of growth, in large tufted masses, and partly on 
account of their bright green colour, so like that of the 
Phanerogamia.* It is best, therefore, to make our first ac- 
quaintance with these, and through them with the more 
minute members of the order — the Diatomacese, Desmi- 
diacese, &c., numbers of which are generally to be found 
adhering to the entangled tufts of their more gigantic 
relations. The rest may be made out by degrees, as the 
necessary amount of observation is given to them. 
To avoid needless repetitions, we will commence by 
offering some suggestions which will be found useful in 
collecting these plants. As a general rule, the collector is 
strongly advised to give his attention to everything that 
can possibly be of the nature of an Alga ; for, without the 
microscope, he will often be unable to decide what he has 
before him. And if he is sometimes vexed at finding that 
he has carried home some worthless object, he is at least as 
likely to regret having thrown away from ignorance some- 
thing of value. 
* Many members of the Zygnemaceous family are especially con 1 
spicuous, when viewed under the microscope or a good lens, on 
account of the beautiful manner in which the cell contents are dis- 
posed. Instead of forming a simple uniform ground colour, as is 
usually the case, the chlorophyll, or green matter, is arranged in 
spirals of exquisite pattern. In a few species the serpentine band is 
solitary, but, generally speaking, there are from two to four spirals 
interlacing and crossing each other at regular intervals. Figures 1 
to 6, Plate i., will help to illustrate the above remarks. — Ed. 
