Fig. 83. ECTOCARPUS HINCKSI.®. 
Colour, Dark-olive. 
Substance. Eather harsk for an Ectocarpus ; (like E, littoralis.') 
Character of Frond. Slender tufts of jointed threads (^filaments). 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 ; home 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 dis- 
tinguishes it from all others. Several, it is true, have their ultimate branches branched 
secimdly ; 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. siliciilosus, but its darker 
tint and less glossy appearance prevent any confusion between the two. 
Fig. 84. ECTOCARPUS TOMENTOSUS. 
Colour. Sometimes a pleasant olive-green ; oftener a dull brown ; occasionally rust- colour. 
Substance. Soft ; spongy. ^ 
Character of Frond. Very fine, jointed threads {filaments') 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 {silicule^ ; 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 E. 
siliciilosus ; 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. 
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