Notes. 
399 
L. macrostachys. Thus the latter forms the extreme step in a direction 
which is indicated in the former. But, just as L. macrostachys is 
linked thus very closely to the allied species of Lobelia in spite of the 
obliteration of the dehiscence, so also the mode of dissemination which 
replaces that by way of terminal valves is the mere outcome of 
a structure which is perfectly congeneric to that found in the allied 
species. There is no element in it which would point to a generically 
distinct line of descent. It is rather a case of ultimate adaptation of 
a part of an organ to a particular biological function. There are 
many cases where species with dehiscent and indehiscent, with 
succulent and dry fruits, are placed in the same genus without anyone 
objecting to it, because the close natural affinity is evident notwith- 
standing the deviation in a single character which we know is 
exceedingly subject to adaptation to particular biological conditions. 
I admit that on the other hand genera are sometimes distinguished 
solely on such characters. But the expediency of this procedure is 
often very doubtful, and in other cases it might be defended because 
the two genera are characterized at the same time by the fact of their 
inhabiting quite distinct and often remote areas, or because the 
distinction is absolute, so far as our knowledge goes. Neither is here 
the case, and I am therefore of the same opinion as Mr. Hemsley, 
that the genus Trematocarpus can by no means be maintained by 
reason of its peculiar mode of dissemination. 
Finally, I may mention that Hildebrand described the dehiscence 
or indehiscence respectively, and dissemination of L. Gaudichaudii 
and L. macrostachys in his Flora of the Hawaian Islands, pp. 236-7, 
briefly though not quite correctly in all the morphological details, 
in a way which amounts to the same as my interpretation of it. 
O. STAPF, Kew. 
A MARINE FUNGUS. — In a recent paper 1 on ‘ Parasites of Algae’ 
Mr. George Murray alludes to the doubtful nature of the records of 
higher Fungi actually inhabiting salt water. The following well- 
marked and probably widely-distributed instance may therefore prove 
of interest. 
If the swollen fertile ‘ pods ’ of Ascophyllum nodosum be examined 
in early spring, they will be seen to be dotted over with numerous 
1 Natural Science, Vol. II, February 12, 1893. 
