CONTENTS.

1. Development of the cortex in Chara: illustrated by a
series of American species. 1882?

2. Notes on American species of tolypel a. 1885?

3‘ Observations on some American forms of chara coronate.
1882.

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Development of the Cortex in Chara.

Illustrated by a Series of American Species.
By T. F. ALLEN.

(Plates XV—XXII.)

A classification of the species of C/mm based upon a correct and
thorough knowledge of their morphological characteristics was first
attempted by the late Prof. A. Braun, who so arranged the genera
and species of the whole order Characeae, that we are able to trace
a gradual development from the simplest dioecious sz'le/Zzz, with uni—
cellular stems and leaves, to the most completely developed C/zzzm
(C. fragz'lz's, Desv.). The formation of “nodes ” and a complete de—
velopment of the node-bract and fruit-bearing leaf may be already
seen in the simplest C/zara ; but the genus is still further elevated by
the growth of a cortical series of cells, which may be traced from the
rudimentary cells of the leaf-node to a perfect evolution.

The development of “stipules ” (traces of which begin to appear
in the most highly organized [Vite/la) has been used by Prof. Braun
to mark the three general divisions of the genus C/zczm, and the
character of the cortication serves to mark sub-divisions. Both stip-
ular and cortical cells spring from the nodal cells, and a considera-
tion of their character must be preceded by an inquiry into the nature
of a node.

The stem of a characeous ‘plant grows through the formation of
cells, by a process of sub—division of the apical growing cell. In
Plate XV, Fig. 1a, a represents the growing apical cell; a, a cell which
has itself sub-divided and is destined to be the node; and 1', an inter-
nodal cell which does does not sub-divide, but which is destined to
elongate indefinitely. The next figure (Fig. lb) illustrates a developed
stem, in which the inter-nodal cells 2', 2' have extended, while the nodal
cell n has sub—divided, but has not elongated.

From these nodal cells develop, in various ways, all organs—leaf,
bract and new shoots ; antheridia and sporangia ; stipules and
cortex.

Since, in this paper, we have to deal with the development of the
cortex of the stem only, we may consider first a node of the stem with
a basilar node of a leaf.

“ A primary nodal-cell of the stem divides, soon after its origin,
into two secondary cells by means of a vertical septum through its
diameter ; in each of these half-cells a semi-circle of peripheral cells
forms by a farther eccentric, vertical fissation in such manner that a
new fissation occurs alternately on one or the other side of the semi-
circle. Both semi-circles begin on the same side of the node, pro-
gress toward each other, and, when at last they close together, form
a complete circle of cells enclosing the two central cells, which, as
remnants of the original halving-cell, form the nodal cells in the

2

strictest sense. The peripheral cells are the mother-cells of just so
many leaves. The number of these cells, and of leaves in a verticil,
amounts in most Nile/[cw regularly to six (very seldom five) and in
C/zara mostly to eight or ten, or even to fourteen or more. The leaves
of successive verticils alternate with each other; for the halving-
septum of each succeeding node forms an angle with that of the pre-
ceding, equal to a half interval of a verticil, so the position of the
first leaf of each successive vertical deviates a half interval from that
of the first leaf of the preceding verticil. In this way a definite pre-
cession is established ; the first leaves of the verticils forming aspiral
with small divergence (Tl; 311-, T16 etc). This spiral is always to the
left (downward, T. F. A.) ; and in this direction, with the increasing
tension of the internodes, a more or less noticeable torsion of the stem
takes place, most distinctly seen in corticated species ; in the naked
species marked by the oblique course of the chlorophyll granules and
indifferentiated striae (indifferenZ-streifen) as well as by the direction
of the circulation.” (A. Braun.)

Fig. 16‘, of the same plate, represents a stem-node of C/zam (era/mm,
as seen from above, without the leaves. Each of the peripheral cells
develops a leaf, as follows : the cell divides into two unequal portions
by a horizontal septum, the lower and smaller segment remains in
the node, while the upper divides into a “ globular complexity ” of
cells, protrudes from the node and forms the basilar node of theleaf.
This node consists of central and peripheral cells. The peripheral
cells divide parallel to the surface of the node-disk, giving rise to
superposed marginal cells; t/ze lower marginal cellsgz'zie rise to 2716 car-
lcx-m/[s oft/16 Sig/12; and the upper develop usually somewhat on either
side of the lower and give origin to the stipules. Usually there are
two stipules at the base of each leaf, one on either side, but in 672.
ceraz‘op/zfl/a there is a third stipule developed from a cell arising be—
tween the other two. In C/z. cow/mm one of the lateral stipular cells
fails to develop and but one stipule is seen, so that the stipules seem
to alternate with the leaves. In Lyc/zzzoz‘lzam/ms Wallrot/zz'z' the stip-
ular cell remains directly in the centre, and the stipule is exactly 0p—
posite the leaf, no cortex being developed. C/zam std/gram, possess-
ing neither stipules nor cortex, exhibits at the base of the leaf three
insignificant cells, protruding slightly. In Nz'z‘eZ/a and Toijc’Z/a we
find no trace of cortical or stipular cells, though now and then ac-
cessory, simple, leaf-like formations remind one of stipules. In N.
Ayala/2a these are numerous, arising from the base of the leaves in
pairs, externally or even internally.

The cortex-cells, arising from the basilar node of the leaf, behave
in a manner quite similar to the primary cells of the stem. They
consist of alternate, elongated and nodal cells; the former elongating
as the stem elongates, the latter not elongating, but forming a node
which develops a wart or spine and lateral cells.

I.—Sorne species of 67mm never develop these cortex—tubes, and
the stems remain naked, like those of C/zam taro/2am, Ziz.

2.—Some species develop a simple cortex-tube, which is so small
that it does not join the one from the next leaf, as C/zara z'lzcomzexa,
Allen.

3 .

- '3.-—Some cortex-nodes develop spines but no secondary tubes;
the primary tubes join and completely encircle the stern ; e. g., C/z.
triaita.

4.——Some cortex-tubes show a partial development of secondary
tubes, as in C/zara two/”ta, Allen.

5.—Some cortex-tubes develOp 0m: secondary cell only, which
becomes as long as the primary cell, but smaller in size, as in C/zara
cxce/sa, Allen (also C/zara i/ztermea’ia, A. Br., C/z. toatraria, A. Br.).
(Section T.ylacanthae.)

6,—Some develop only one lateral cortex- cell, which becomes
larger than the primary cell and partially covers it, so that the pri-
mary cell seems to lie 1n a valley (Section Aulacanthae); for example,
C/z. foetia’a, A. Br

7. ——Some cortex-cells develop perfectly one lateral cell and im-
perfectly another, as, for example, Ca. aspera.

8.——Some cortex-cells develop perfectly both lateral cells, so that
three complete series of cells arise from each leaf, as in C12. fragiiis-
(also in C/z.gy//zizopas, A. Br).

In Plate XV the figures correspond to the divisions given above.
In C/zara aspcra the greatest variability may be observed (Fig. 7 from
true aspera, Canada, and 7a from var. [llama/vii). In Fig. 7 the sec-
ondary cells meet obliquely, while in 7a one of the secondary cells
extends past the other, so that a section of the stem at this point
would show more than double the number ofcortical tubes as compared
with the leaves of the verticil. Fig. 75 was taken from a form of €72.
asperaG) from Fort Pond, Long Island; unlike those of the typical C/z.
aspera, the secondary cells join with square and not obliqe ends, and
these cells never or rarely overlap, as in true aspara; but the irregu-
larity of the cortex is produced by the partial and irregular develop-
‘ment of secondary cells from the opposite side of the node of the
primary cell.

I have been unable to find subterranean bulblets on this plant,
and a thorough examination may show affinities rather with C/z.
Krazzsii (whose secondary cortex-cells join rectangularly) than with
C/z. aspera. In Fig. 8 is represented a typical triplostichous cortex in
which cells develop from both sides of the node to the primary cell and
extend upward and downward to join cells from neighboring nodes.
In Fig. 8a is represented an anomaly, sometimes noticed, in which,
by reason of an unusual extension of some cells, the cortex becomes
hyper-triplostichous. In Fig. 8a, x, x represent the primary tubes;
(2’, a normal secondary tube which meets a" below and extends above
to c, the latter overlapping and extending down to meet a, which in turn
has overlapped & and extended up to meet 5. At é-—a’ there are t/zree
series of tubes between the primary series. Both C/zara fragitis and
C/z. gyzmzopas are, as a rule, regularly triplostichous; the former as
regards the stem only, the latter both in stem and leaf.

C/zara cormzata, Ziz.—-—A description of the various forms of this
species has been given recently in the American Naturalist, and it is
unnecessary to reproduce it here. The cortex-cells of the basilar
node of the leaf are rudimentary and the stems are entirely devoid of
any cortex development. Plate XVI, illustrating one of the American
varieties of this species, has been used in the American Naturalist.

, 4

CHARA INCONNEXA, 72. sp.-Humilis, 3—4 cm. in alt. Caulis inermis,
inferne ecorticatus, superne imperfecte corticatus cellularum serie-
bus cum numero foliorum congruentibus disjuncts. Folia verticilli
7—8, uno velduobus ex articulis, foliola et fructiificationem gerenti-
bus, partim ecorticatis, partim haplostiche disjunctis corticatis, par-
tim diplostiche corticatis; segmentis ultimis elongatis, 1—2-articu-
latis, cellula terminali mucronem formante ; corona stipularis e du-
plici cellularum serie, minima, inconspicua. Foliola plerumque
unilateralia, posteriora saepe evoluta, anteriora sporangio breviora,
non inflata. Sprorangium 8—Io-striatum, I mm. long., coronula
brevi truncata; nucleo 6oo,u longo.

This exceedingly interesting plant was collected in Iowa by Prof.
C. E. Bessey. The-lower portion of the stem is quite naked, and
translucent like Nile/la; the lower verticils consist of long Nitella-like
leaves which bear no nodes or bracts and have generally two articu-
lations, the termmal segment forming a short mucronate tip. These
.leaves seem to me to have no stipules, though I have not been able
to examine fresh specimens. .The lowest fertile leaves are always
entirely naked, and in these verticils are found a few rudimentary
leaves without nodes or bracts. In the upper part of the stem the
internodes of the latter become corticated in the primitive manner
described and illustrated in the figure. The character of the corti-
cation seems to be quite like that of 6%. z'mperfccz‘a, A. Br. C/z. dis-
soluta A. Br., differs in a partial development of the lateral cells of the
node of the cortex, so that the space between the primary cells of the
cortex is filled at {uremia/s, though spaces are left between the nodes.
672. z'7zzperfecz‘a is, however, dioecious, and has quite long bracts. 'C/z.
dissoluta, to which this plant seems most nearly allied, differs in the
more numerous nodes of the leaves, the larger and more striated
nucleus, etc.

The upper leaves of this plant vary greatly in the same verticils;
two nodes are commonly found with bracts and fruit, the lowest in-
ternode having a perfect double cortex, the upper an imperfect, dis-
connected cortex, like the stem, the leaf above being entirely ecorti-
cated and quite long. Some leaves have two fertile nodes, with only
the lowest internode corticated in the disconnected, imperfect man-
ner characteristic of this plant ; while other leaves (generally but one
or two in a verticil) one entirely barren of fruit, bract, or node, and
have one or two simple articulations merely. Frequently, in the
upper part of the stem, the posterior bracts are quite plainly de-
veloped, but much smaller than the anterior.

The plant is small and very dark green; the stems are clothed with
the long straight leaves and are rigid with incrustation.

C/zara crz'zzz'm, Wallr. (Ann. Bot, I815) ; C/z. lwrrz'zz’ula, Dethard-
ing, in herb., I809 ; C/z. [(2726566/23, Lois., Notice, 1810 (“ Description
imperfect,” A. Braun) ; C/z. murz'azz‘cz, Hartmann, Skan. Flora, 1843;
C/z. conde/zsam et vars. subflexz’lz's et erj't/zrella, Wallm., 1854; C12.
Karelz'm', Lessing, Novit. Fl. Ross. in Linn, 1834; C/z. eryt/zraea,
Hering, in herb. Schimper; C/z. dz'oz'ca et C/z. sp/zagfloz'a'es, Griffith,
posth. papers.

Stem low, mostly simple or sparingly branched; cortical cells

5

large, equalling the number of the leaves, completely encircling the
stem ; the nodes of the cortex numerous, armed with spines usually
three from each node, of about equal length, as long as the diameter
of the stem; the spines so numerous that the stem' is completely
hidden by them. Stz'pu/es double, directed upward and downward,
two at the base of each leaf, the upper longer than the lower, as large
as the spines, about as long as the first internode of the leaves.
Leaves 8—10, usually 9, in a verticil, short, somewhat incurved; in-
ternodes 4—7, usually 5, corticated like the stem, haplostichous, ex-
cept the terminal segment, which is naked and simple, rarely articu-
lated, and with the whorl of bracts of the last node, which are nearly
as long, forming a terminal tuft. Brads verticillate, equally developed
all around the node, usually much longer than the sporangium,
except three very short extra bracts subtending the sporangium,
which seem to stand in the place of the antheridium, sometimes the
middle one of these three “bracteoles ” is elongated to nearly the
length of the sporangium. Sporangz’a oblong-oval with 15—16 whorls
on one side, coronula somewhat connivent (in American forms) rather
short. Nucleus black, with 12 to 15 sharp angles on one side; in
one form (pat/lysperma) broadly oval, in another (l¢tosperma) narrowly
oblong. Antheridia very rarely seen ; the plant propagating itself by
parthenogenesis. Dioecious.

I have considered the American plant a distinct variety, on
[account of its large seeds (nuclei 620 ,u long; in the European forms
from 350 to 560 ,u long) ; indeed, it seems to occupy a position nearer
the following species (C71. mob/ta) than the European forms do.

The larger form (pac/zysperma) was gathered in 1860 by the writer
on the shore of Great Pond, Montauk Point, Long Island. The pond
at that time was fresh, or slightly brackish from the occasional
breaking of salt water over the bar which separated it from the sea.
Since then an inlet has opened and the pond has become nearly as
salt as the sea, and though searched for repeatedly the plant has not
been found there since. 671. aspera, then found in company with
671. crz'm'z‘a.(as it frequently is), has disappeared also from that pond,
though it may still be found in Fort Pond, a few miles distant, asso-
ciated with C/z. delz'catu/a, Ag. Forma leptospemza has been found at
Polpis, Nantucket, by Mrs. Maria L. Owen. In the brackish lakes
of Western Canada Prof. Macoun gathered, along with 672. evoluta,
some plants which approach very closely to C/z. crz'm'la. They seem
to be dioecious (no antheridia could be discovered), and to lack the
small bracteoles in front of the sporangia, and they have large nuclei.

Prof. Nordst‘edt writes that C/z. crz'm'ta exhibits, in rare specimens,
some tendency to the development of secondary cortex-tubes.

CHARA EVOLUTA, Allen (2'72 lit. (m7 Prof. Nordstedt, I881).—Eu-
c/zara, a’z'plostep/zana, haplostz'c/za (vel szab-zz’z'plostz'c/za), mom'm.

Humilis, 1—15 centimm. alt. Caulis aculeolis numerosis arma-
tus, haplostiche 7/6/ sué-a’gflosz‘z'c/lc corticatus ; aculeolis binis fascicu-
latis, caulis diametrum aequantibus. Folia verticilli 9—10, plerumque
9, haplostiche corticata; articulis 4—5 (saepissime 5) corticatis, ul-
timo nudo bi-cellulari; articulis fructificationem gerentibus 3—4.
Foliola omnium geniculorum evoluta, verticillata, sporangio longiora,

6'

exceptis duobus brevioribus antheridia lateralibsu, postica vix brev—
iora. Corona stipularis sursum et deorsum evoluta, cellulis elonga-
tis, seriei superioris articulum foliorum infimum aequantibus. Spo-
rangium rr—Iz-striatum; coronula brevi, sub-connivente; nucleo
atro, oblongo, 66o,u long, 375—410;! lat., striis a latere inconspic-
uis (leiopyrena) 9—10.

This very interesting C/zam was collected by Prof. Macoun of
the Canadian Pacific Railway Survey, in July, 1879, in the [zzr-ac/cz's/z
water of the Red-deer Lakes and in ponds west of the Saskatchawan.

From C/z. crz'lzz'z‘a, \Vallr., it differs in being monoecious, and in the
character of the cortex; but its general habit is exactly like that of
671. minim, Wallr., indeed among the specimens sent by Prof. Macoun
are found a few, apparently dioecious, which I am unable to distin-
guish in any way from that species.

In C/z. crim'm a node of the cortex develops a spine from each of

the three external cells, so that the spines are fasciculated z'zz t/zrecs.
In this species but two of the cells develop spines, the central cell a
long spine and one lateral cell a short one, while the other lateral cell
remains undeveloped, or protrudes in the form of a small “button,”
(Fig. 2, a) or elongates somewhat, partially forming a secondary cor-
tex-tube. A section of one of these partially developed tubes is
shown in Fig. 3, (1. Another feature of this plant exhibits its close
relationship to C/z. (I'z'zzz'ta, namely, the smaller bracts on each side
of the antheridium. In 675. crz'm’z’a three small bracts stand in front
of the sporangium, the central one of which seems to occupy theplace
of the antheridium; in this place the antheridium occupies just the
place of the central bract. C/zara minim, developing an antheridium
instead of the central bract in front of the sporangium, and a sec-
ondary cortex-tube in place of a lateral cortex-spine, would nearly
represent C/z. 62'0lel‘a.
, Another fact of significance is the discovery of an almost identical
and similarly intermediate species in Central Asia. Prof. Nordstedt,
in a recent letter to the writer, says : “I have discovered (in
Braun’s MS.) under 671. contra/r222 some remarks by Braun concerning
C/z. Allaz'ca, Br., ined. This species seems to stand wry near your
671. cz'o/zz/cz. Braun writes : ‘This seems to me most nearly related
to 671. crz'lzz'z‘a, from which it is clearly different in being monoecious.
The cortication of the leaves is like C/z. crz'm'm, namely, above and
below each bract only one cortex-cell, but under the antheridium
there seem to be but two cells. On the stem, the cortex is very re-
markable; at times the secondary cells are entirely wanting, at times
there is one, at others there are two, but all are never developed, as
a section proves. In this respect C/z. Almfm varies between the type
of C71. (ff/lira and wilt/aria, and 671. sir/gram and aafcra; the cells
are all very thin as in (rz'zzz'ta, while in sl/‘zgosa they are thick. The
dorsal bracts of the leaf-nodes are elongated, and all the bracts con-
nivent, also a peculiarity of CA1. Milli/a. C/z. (rz'zzz'm has, but rarely,
traces of intermediate cortex-tubes.’ ”

From this description it would seem that the Asiatic species had
developed slightly farther than the American.

The cortication of the leaf of Cfi goo/um presents no marked

... . .— -—-—~-—‘~w -

Variations from that of C72. (2‘2'222'm. 1n the latter spec1es there IS a
regular haplostichous cortication, Even the three small bracteoles
have a cortex-tube for each, though often irregularly developed in
the lowest node of the leaf, the centre bracteole may send a tube to
the base of the leaf and the lateral ones be imperfectly developed;
or the lateral bracteoles may send down a tube while the central
bracteole may be imperfectly developed between them.

In 672. 6220/222‘22 the development is also irregular ; most frequently
in the lowest node of the leaf three tubes are sent down, one from
the base of the antheridium and one from each lateral bracteole; but
the lateral tubes are usually small and often abortive (as in Fig. 5, c)
in the upper node. The terminal segment of the leaf is not always
two-celled, but sometimes one—celled and not longer than the sur-
rounding bracts.

CHARA EXCELSA, 22. sp.——E22c/mm, dzjfilostep/zmza, pafecta, ({2})-
Zosz‘z'c/za, 22202202522.

Humilis, statura et habitu C/z. walrarzkzm aemulans. Caulis
aculeolis sparsis armatus, diplostiche corticatus, seriebus cel-
lullularum primariis prominulis. Folia verticilli 7—8, plerumque
8, articulis 5— —6, fructificationem gerentibus 2—3 ; segmento ultimo
nudo, bicellulari, saepe elongato; foliis diplostiche corticatis. Foliola
omnium geniculorum evoluta, verticillata sporangio longi01a, postica
vix breviora. Corona stipularis sursum et deorsum valde sed inequal-
iter evoluta. Sporangium 16—18-striatum, coronula brevi obtusa;
collo sporangii elongato. Nucleus ater, ovalis, 15—16-striatus, striis
sub-prominulis, 750—800 M longus.

This plant has the general appearance of €72. coo/22122 and crz'222'z‘a,
but is less spinescent. The cortex is almost regularly diplostichous,
the primary series being much more prominent. Now and then the
secondary series of cells extend past each other, and even additional
tubesare developed, as in 672. aspera, so that a section of the stem
does not show just twice as many cells as there are leaves in the ver-
ticil. The spines of the stem are exceedingly variable in length,
sometimes more than double the diameter of the stem, sometimes
appearing as simple papillae. The stipules are also very irregular in
size, some being more than double the length of others, the longest
equalling the lowest node of the leaf. The leaves are regularly cor-
ticated in two series, and the terminal, naked segment, even in maturer
plants, is often much elongated and two-celled. The bracts are
verticillate, much longer than thesporangia, and present the general
aspect of those of C/z. 62'2'222'2‘22 and evolzzm. The form of the sporangium
is quite‘peculiar in the elongated neck, with short, round, thick cells a
the top.

This species was collected 1n Canandaigua Lake, in August, 1881.

C/mra (23106222, (Dethard. ) Willd. —Su&- 2‘2 z'plosizfl/za (172.02661 —— “Usual-
ly below medium size and correspondingly slender. Cortex
of the stem imcompletely triplostichous, for the cells of the secondary
series overlap and unite obliquely; the primary series often some-
what more prominent. (In our American specimens the cortex is
extremely irregular, as may be seen by referring to the figures which
are exactly true to nature). Spines single, very variableb in number

8

and length, sometimes slender and sharp-pointed, sometimes short
and very blunt. Stipules usually quite large but variable (in var.
Mama/122', Allen). Leaves 6 to II (usually 8) in a verticil, consisting
of 3 to 7 (usually 6) corticated internodes and a naked tip, sometimes
two-celled. Bracts on all the nodes; on the upper sterile nodes
shorter, often inconspicuous ; on the fertile nodes of the female
plants there are usually 3 shorter, posterior, and (including the main
bract, in place of the antheridium) 5 longer anterior bracts ; of these
the main bract is sometimes shorter, sometimes longer than the
others. On the male plant the bracts are in general shorter than on
the female, usually only two long anterior bracts, by the side of the
antheridium. Sporangium oblong, with a short, broad, truncated
coronula. Nucleus black, with inconspicuous angles, 440—500 y
long; striae on one side of the sporangium 14—16, on the nucleus
13—14. On the subterranean parts of the plant, small globular bulb-
lets.” -

“Very variable in size and vigor, but usually with very slender
stems, and slender leaves, mostly straight and rigidly spreading,
rarely curved outwardly or inwardly. Color a clear green, light or
dark, usually grayish with incrustation when old ; in salt water more
vigorous, yellowish or browish green and but slightly incrusted. The
length of the leaves varies greatly, but very long leaves are unknown,
while there are short-leaved forms (forma [Jrac/gyjlzflla). The bracts
are sometimes much longer than the sporangia, sometimes of equal
length or even somewhat shorter ; also the spines, always slender and
straight, are often several times longer than the diameter of the stern,
equal to it or shorter, rarely so short as to be almost unnoticed (forma
sub-z’rzerilzz's). In young plants the terminal naked segments of the
leaves may be greatly elongated (C/z.fa/[ax, Ag.) On all forms, but
most frequently on those growing in fresh or brackish water, are
found chalky-white, globular tubers, which are situated on the nodes
of t/ze rootlets, seldom on the subterranean, defoliated and decorticated
nodes of the stem ; these are sometimes single, sometimes in groups
of 2 to 5 and are nothing else than modified rootlets, formed of a
single cell, filled with starch granules. Sometimes an ordinary filiform
rootlet bears at its tip one, or even a whole bunch of such tubers.
While the upper part of the plant dies in winter, these rootlets survive
and give rise to new shoots, from the upper extremity of the tuber,
or from a root-node on which the tuber is borne. Male and female
plants are equally common and are found together.” (A. Braun.)

The above comprehensive description, by Prof. Braun, embraces
a great variety of forms from different countries. The forms of true
C/z. (Is/58m hitherto found in America are from New Mexico (\Vright,
1857, No. 561); Long Island (Allen, 1860—1881) and Canada (Prof.
Macoun, Canadian Pacific R. R. Survey, 1879—1880 ; brackish ponds
west of Saskatchewan, etc.) All of these collections belong to the
long-bracted and long-spined form, except the following marked
variety, which I had ventured to consider a distinct species :

Var. MACOUNII, (C/z. filawmziz', Allen in [z'z‘t.)——Caulis aculeolis
sparsis, inconspicuis, sub-inflatis obtusis armatus. Folia verticilli
6—8, plerumque 8 ; articulis 8, internodiis elongatis ; sinistro torta.

9

Sporangium ro—Iz-striatum, coronula connivente, nucleo 8—9—
striato. Foliola anteriora 3, sporangio multo breviora, posteriora
inconspicua. Stipulae minutae. Nucleus niger, 450—475/u longus.
Antheridium 550/1 diametro.

The striking peculiarities of this variety are the torsion of the
leaves (to the left, upward) ; the minute blunt spines ; small stipules
and very short bracts ; the connivent cells of the coronula; and the
small nucleus with fewer angles. All these differences would readily
serve to distinguish this form as a distinct species, were it not for
the fact that the aspem group is already large and its individuals
difficult to distinguish. Doubtless they all have a common origin,
and the variations are such as differences of climate, water, etc.,
determine. I have not found any bulbs on the specimens from Prof.
Macoun, nor indeed, were any found on his 672. aspera, nor did I
succeed in collecting them on Long Island. The plants in this
country seem to be in fruit in mid-summer. Our female plants seem
to be longer leaved with more open verticils; and the male plants have,
for the most part, shorter incurved leaves with one less node. The
variety xllacozmz'i differs but little from 671. fragz'fera, Dur., which
is dioecious, has small bracts and stipules and long and slender
twisted leaves; but the cortex is perfea‘ly triplostichous. A long-
leaved form of C/z.f7'agz'[z's, Desv., sometimes has twisted leaves (forma
strejfitop/zylla = C It . Hezz’rclzgz'z', A g. )

Chara fragz'lz's, Desv., (C/z. mzlgarz's, L., in part).——Trz'plosticfla,
monoz’ca.—“ Medium size, relatively slender and rather rigid. Stem
completely triplostichous and symmetrical/y corlz'ca/m’, smoot/z. Leaves.
in a whorl, 6—9, usually 7—8, for the most part slender and rigid,
with 5—8 corticated segments and a very short tip of 1—2 naked cells.
Stipules commonly very small, consisting of two series of small
papillae, the cells of the upper row larger, those of the lower smaller
and only partially developed. Bracts on the dorsum of the leaf ob-
solete; on the upper sterile nodes all are often undeveloped; the
anterior bracts of a fertile node. usually 4 in number, including the
prebracteoles, are sometimes shorter, sometimes equal to, some-
times longer than the fruit, and the two anterior (prebracteoles) are
always the longer pair. Antheridia and sporangia single. Fruit oval
or elongated, larger than foez‘z'a’a and aspem. Coronula elongated,
with a conical, connivent or erect, rarely slightly divergent, tip. In-
crustation thin. Nucleus black, elongated, With sharp. angles and
sharp spines, 55o—660,u long. Striae on one side of the sporangium
15—16, on the nucleus 13—14. Usually of a fine green color, often a
dark lake-green, always somewhat incrusted, when more incrusted
grayish—green, and when dry whitish-gray (0/2. /zz'rla, Meyen). The
incrusted forms are very brittle. On the leaves of the sterile verti-
cils there are scarcely any bracts. In deep water the species is
perennial, living by means of sprouts from the lower nodes of the
stem; in drier places, annual. Very variable in size, length and
thickness of leaf (f orma [ngz'folz'a et érew’fa/z’a, leizzzz'folz'a et crassz'folz'a)
as well as the length of the bracts, which has given rise to numerous
untenable species.” (A. Braun.)

This species, like C/z.foe!z'da, A. Br., is found all over the world,

10

but rarely in salt water. In the United States it seems to be the
most common species, being reported everywhere. It grows to a
considerableulength, with long slender leaves, in running water, or
becomes very small and compact in still ponds. Multicellular tubers
are formed on the lowest nodes.

Specimens have been found as follows: Maine, Prof. O. D. Allen.
Vermont, at Charlotte (forma zlzz'cmpfz'la), Mr. Pringle ; in \Villoughby
Lake (lg/zzzz'or [ozzngo/z'a), Messrs. Horsford and Faxon; at Ferris-
burgh, Mr. Faxon. Massachusetts, at Boxford, Messrs. Faxon and
'1‘. F. Allen ; at Natick and Cambridge, Mr. Faxon; at other places
by Rev. Mr. Morong. Connecticut, at New Haven, Prof. O. D.
Allen ; in Litchfield County quite common, T. F. Allen. New York,
at Albany, Mr. Peck; at Penn Yan (forma macro/Mild var. barbata);
in the lakes of Western New York, especially in Hemlock and Honeoye
Lakes, and common in the lakes in the Adirondacks, T. F . Allen.
Illinois (forma [wzgz'fo/z'a major, var. [Jeri-20431)), Dr. J. Schenck.
Iowa, J. C. Arthur and Prof. Bessey. California, Dr. A. Kellogg
(forma macroflfla). Yellowstone Park, in the hot Geyser Springs,
Ze’zlzpe/‘a/ure 100° F., finely in fruit, but with only two elongated
bracts, the lateral bracts very minute, herb. Gray, collected during
Hayden’s Survey.

(67!. delz'mtzz/a, Ag, by some considered a variety of (71. fragilz's,
grows in Fort Pond, Montauk Point, Long Island. It is incom-
pletely triplostichous; the stem is armed with small spines; the
stipules are well developed; and the bracts are verticillate, but the
dorsal ones small. Intermediate forms are known between this
species and the typical fnzgz'lz's.)

Dnscmp l‘lON or PLATE XVII, C/z. izzwzmexa.-A represents the plant, natural size.
Fig. I, a lower sterile verticil. Fig. 2, a higher verticil with naked leaves and with
one node fertile, one quite sterile, and the stem corticated with a disconnected series
ofprimary, node-bearing cortextubes. Fig. 3, an upper verticil, showing three (of
the seven) leaves, one with a single fertile node, with the lowest internode corti-
cated like the stem ; one with two fertile nodes, the lower of which has a perfect
double cortex, the upper an imperfect cortex, and one sterile leaf without any node
whatever. Fig. 4, a section of the stem showing the relation of the cortex-tubes to
each other. Fig. 5, the terminal articulation of a leaf with its short mucronate
cell. All the figures are magnified too diameters.

EXPLANA'I‘ION or PLATE xvm, C/z. minim—A represents the normal size of the
plant. Fig. I, a portion of the stem with triple spines (less numerous than in nature,
when they completely hide the stem); large double stipules equalling the lowest joint
of the leaves; the long, verticillate bracts; the short coronula of the sporangium; and,
at a, the three bracteoles subtending the sprorangium. (The male plant I have
never seen.) Fig. 2, terminal nodes of a leaf, showing the one-celled, naked ter-
minal, surrounded by long bracts. Fig. 3, a section of the stem. Fig. 4, a nu-
cleus from Montauk Point (lormapar/zysparmaI. Fig. 5, nucleus from Nantucket
(forma laplorpumm).

EXPLANA’I‘ION OF PLATE XIX. C/z. evolum.——A and B represent the natural Size of
the plant; B though small is perfectly mature, with full-sized sporangia. Fig. I. the
stem with double spines, double stipules and one leaf with three fertile, two sterile
nodes and a two-celled, terminal, naked segment, magnified 3o diameters. Fig. 2,
a portion of the stem, showing at a, I), and c the partial development of one cell of
a cortex-node into a cortexdube, magnified 3o diameters. Fig. 3, a section of the
stem, showing at (1' a section of one of the incompletely developed secondary cor-
tex tubes. Fig. 4, the point of one of the bracts (or spines) magnified 120 diame-
ters. Fig. 5, the anterior aspect of a leaf (the two lowest nodes) showing at a, a,
the site of the antheridium ; at I), b, the central cortex-tube, in the lower node covo

11

ering the whole segment but tapering below, in the upper node extending down to
fill the gap above the sporangium ; at r, c, lateral tubes, in the lower node dilating
below, in the upper, largerabove, on the right and on the left nearly obsolete ; at
d, (1’, regular tubes frOm the bract. The group of three tubes arises from one [mut-
node of the leaf. The exact development of cells at the base of this node is not
known ; it seems to have some peculiarties which require investigation with fresh
Specimens. Figs. 6 and 7, nuclei with faint striae.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XX, Charm/m. » —A,plant natural size. Fig. I, stem and
verticil, showing variable cortex-spines and stipules. Fig. 2, a section of the
stem, showing slight deviation from a regular diplostichous type. Fig. 3. two nodes
ofa leaf, with verticillate bracts. Fig. 4, terminal node of leafwith an elongated,
naked, two-celled tip. Fig. 5, tip of one of the bracts (magnified 250 diameters).
Fig. 6, one of the mature sporangia, showing the elongated neck, and short, blunt
cells of the coronula. Fig. 7 and 8, mature muclei, with 15—16 sub-acute angles.
The figures (except Fig. 5) are magnified 35 diameters.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXI. C/z. aspem.—A, a male plant of the ordinary form
(from Long Island), natural size. B, a female plant of var. fl/arozmii, natural size.
Figs. 1—3, from normal form (macroptilzz). Fig. I, a portion of the stem, showing
the irregular formation of the cortex, and the base Of a verticil showing the large
stipules. Fig. 2, portion of a leaf bearing sporangia, with long verticillate bracts ;
coronula somewhat divergent. Fig. 3. portion of a leaf from the male plant. Figs.
4-6, from var. diatom/ii. Fig. 4, stem, verticil and portion of leaf of a female
plant,'showing small blunt spines, irregular cortex, minute stipules, minute bracts,
connivent coronula and the torsion of the leaf. Fig. 5, part of leaf of male plant.
Fig. 6, terminal node of a leaf (not always with a two-celled naked segment, but
often only one-celled). Fig. 7, a cluster of bulblets from the rootlets of a European
specimen. These consist ofa simple sack filled with starch granules of varying
size, the largest averaging 70 ,u in diameter, the interstices between .the larger
granules being densely packed with smaller ones. Fig. 7, a, one granule magnified
too diameters, showing a black cross with polarized light. Figures all magnified
4o diameters.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXII, C/z. fi‘agi/z's.--A, plant natural size with bulblets at
the underground nodes. B, a verticil and leaf magnified 25 diameters; 8 and 9, and
8a and 9a showing two terminals, the single-celled one more common. C, an en-
larged bull), and a section showing numerous cells filled with starch granules. D,
a node beginning to deposit starch in the nodal cells. The starch seems to form
in the extremities of the main tubes of the stem, in the base of the leaves and in
the cells surrounding the base of each leaf, thus giving rise to a very complicated
tuber. The thickening of the tuber around the base of the leaves is well shown in
the magnified tuber. Fig. 10, a nucleus.

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. ‘ . > Chara Fragilis, Desv._ l

Notes on the American Species of Tolypella.
By ’1 F. ALLEN.

(Plates xxxvu.—x1.11.)

In this paper some new species of the genus Telypella will be de-
scribed and an account given of those already known to inhabit
America, which promises to yield an unusual number of these inter-
esting plants.

The two families into which the Characece may be divided are
characterized mainly by the structure of the coronula of the sporan-
gium, this being formed by a division of the cells, which, like spiial
tubes, envelop the nucleus. I11 the C/zareee a snge septtim in each
tube, near its extremity, gives rise to a circle of five cells on the top
of the sporangium. In the Nz'tellece two septa form, and a double
series, of five cells each, produces a coronula of tea cells; this, in
some species, is detached as the fruit matures (not increasing in size,
parz'passa, with the enveloping cells) and is evanescent, while in others
it is persistent. The Nz'telleee consist of two genera mainly differen-
tiated by the position of the a/zt/zerz'a’z'am, which in [Vite/la is apz'eal,
on the primary ray of the leaf, while the sporangia are lateral on the
node below the antheridium. The leaves also possess but one leaf-
bearing node, though they may divide repeatedly. I11 Tolypella (A.Br.)
Leonh., the leaves have 1—3 nodes, bearing leaflets and many-celled
terminals; the leaflets do not equal in size the primary ray, are many-
celled and often themselves have nodes which bear leaflets Ant/2e; -
za’za are one or several, lateral on Me nodes of Me leaf and leaflet, and
also at the fundus of tlie verticil within the leaves (when, like the spor-
angia, they seem to arise from the cells surrounding the base of the
leaf [the basilar node] T. F. A.), mostly with an elongated stipe.*
In most species, the leaf-node seems to possess six principal nodal
cells which encircle the leaf, three of these giving rise to fruit, and
three to leaflets. Sometimes we find four fruiting cells and two leaf-
lets, and sometimes the reverse. In a few instances the nodal cells
are sub-divided, and an increased number of fruits and leaves is found.
This is now and then observed in T. z'zztertexta in the sub-division
of a nodal cell, so that double sporangia are produced, one above the
‘ other. At first sight this looks like a circle of four sporangia with a
central antheridium. The fruiting cells are always on the ventral
(looking inward toward the axis of the plant) aspect of leaf,
and the leaflets are always dorsal. 'lhe antheridium seems to occupy
the first or central, the sporangia the lateral cells. This rule seems
also to be observed in the fundus of the verticil, in which we find the
antheridium on the. inner aspect of the basal node, while the spor-
angia are lateral or even external, and, in other cases, these basal
cells produce adventitious leaflets instead of sporangia, carrying out
the same plan found on the leaf-node. The coronula is persistent or

 

* Prof. Braun says: “ Sporangia szuromzilz'lzg the antheridium 111 large numbers
on the nodes of the leaf’ etc. Numeious preparations of fresh specimens with
careful staining of the protoplasm, and good sections of the nodes have failed to
show, in any American species. that the sporangia arise from cells “szurouizdilzcr”
the base of the anthet 1(lium

2

evanescent.* The leaves which bear fruit become compacted into
more or less dense heads (or “nests "), owing, apparently, to a dimin-
ished growth of stem and leaf; the verticils are approximate, often
closely so, and the leaves are incurved, forming a tangled mass.

The following key has been arranged to include the species known
at this time. .

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF TOLYPELLA.

I. OUTUSlFOLIA.—-C0/’OIth/d eva/zesee/zt. Sterile leaves undivided.
A. Ultimate cell of the primary ray of the leaf longer than
the other cells. ' T. longz'emzza, A.Br.
B. Ultimate cell not longer.
1‘ Leaflets attenuate.
2. Marine. Nucleus 370—500/1 long T. 7zz'dz'fiea, Leonh.
(Europe)
3. Submarine. Nucleus 3oo—34o,u long. T. Normam'aaa,
Ndst. (Europe)
I Leaflets not attenuate.
4. Saline. Nucleus 3oo—36o,u long. T. glomerata, Leonh.
5. Fresh water. Nucleus 425-475/1 long, maturing in fall.
T. eomosa, Allen.
II. ACUTIFOLIA.—Corwmla persistent]L
A. lizdz'w'sa. Sterile leaves undivided.
6. Nucleus 350-375/xlong,leiopyrena. T.prolz'fera, Leonh.
7. Nucleus 425—450,“ long, oxygyra. T. fz'mbrz'ata, Allen.
B. Dz'w'sa. Sterile leaves divided (usually into four terminal
leaflets.)
f Attenuata. Leaflets attenuate.
§ Secondary ray undivided, sterile.
8. Nucleus 285—355/1, rays 4—7-celled. T.Calz'f0rm'ea, A.Br.
9. Nucleus 330—340/1, rays 3—4-celled. T. stz'pz'tata, Allen.
§§ Secondary rays divided, fertile.
IO. Nucleus 360—425,u long. T. z'tztrz'eata, Leonh.
11. Nucleus 450—500/1 long. T. z'ntertexta, Allen.
H N072 attetzuata.
12. Ultimate cell mucroniform; nucleus 480—50011. T. apie-
alata, A.Br. (S.Am.)

T. lngz'eoma, A.Br. (MS., 1855).—The following account of this
species is taken from “ Braun’s Fragmente, by Nordstedt.”

“T. lozzgz'ewua is related to T. 7zz°dzfiea and glomerata from which it
differs in its compact, tufted growth, thin, delicate stem and leaves,
want of all incrustation and flexibility. The sterile leaves are simple
and very long, the ultimate segment (in the fertile leaves likewise)
always elongated, but little attenuated. The fertile heads are small,
compact, long tufted. The first segment of the fertile leaf is extremely
short, and here only are very short lateral rays, 7c'lzfe/z are quite want-

 

* It seems persistent in all the species having acute leaves and evanescent in all
the species with obtuse ones.
+ In number II the coronula is sub-persistent only.

3

z'rzg 0/2 t/ze Me innermost, smaller! ferz‘z'le verticils, or are so dwarfed as
to be indistinguishable. Since the delicate cell-membrane tears easily
on preparing the plant, it is difficult to spread it out and examine it.
It forms dark green, thick tufts a hand high. Stem not over 48o,u
thick; leaves in the sterile verticil 6, simple, apparently 3-celled, and
about 40mm' long. I saw, however, only two cells, often only one.
The first cell is 20—-25mm' long, 3o—38,u thick, also the second cell
'seemed very long and but little attenuated. Fertile verticils bunched ;
bunches complicated by axiliary shoots; the first segment of the fer-
tile leaf is very short, bearing seeds and some (2) small, 3-celled,
lateral leaflets trays); the terminal leaflet ’larger, 3-celled, t/ze middle
or even z‘lze lowest eellt/ze longest. (Italics mine. T. F. A.) Terminal
cell always long, curved, attenuated, rounded at the point. The in-
nermost fertile leaves are very short and apparently (to me) without
lateral leaflets, only with seeds on the first node, and monoecious,
though I saw the antheridia fallen from the plant only. Spor-
angia with a short, blunt, rounded coronula, often with the base of
the latter much swollen, several together, seldom with short stipes.
Nucleus [Irate/72, with 9 striae and slight angles. Sporangia 580—600/1
long, 420—430,!1 broad, nucleus 36o-4oo,u long, goo—320,11 broad; an—
theridia 360,11 in diameter. _

“Swamps near Columbus, Ohio (com. Lesquereux, I855). The
specimens are mixed with another species, apparently 1V. flexilz's."

I have been unable to obtain specimens of this species, nor does
Professor Lesquereux know the locality in which it was collected.
I await its rediscovery.

Tolypella glomeram, Leonh.,—This is characterized as follows, by
A. Braun in his Characeae of Africa:

“Statura mediocris, color incrustatione glaucus vel cinerascens.
‘Folia verticillorum sterilium indivisa, fertilia capitulorum (et non-
nunquam transitoria) simpliciter divisa, radiis 3-4- cellularibus parum
attenuatis obtusis. Sporangia in divisura foliorum et in fundo ver—
ticilli aggregata, nucleo ovali, 0.30—0.36mm' longo, fusco, 8-9-gyrato.”

Var. ABBREVIATA, 7207). 21am, differs as follows :

Statura variabilis, color incrustratione cinerascens vel munda.
Folia et sterilia et fertilia abbrew’am, radiis 3-cellularibus vix attenu-
atis obtusis. Sporangia aggregata, coronula evanescente, nucleo
fusco (goo—335,11 longo, striis 6—8, acutis vix prominulis. Antheridia
longe stipitata 230—380;! diam.

I have thus far discovered two forms: one, ferma z'ezeruslaz‘a, large,
to 0.15” high, densely incrusted, with smaller antheridia (230,11 in
diam.) and larger nuclei (335,“ long), striae 7 to 8. Collected by Mr.
Pringle in alkaline pools in Arizona, April, 1881, and again in 1882.
The other, formapygmwa mzma’a, small, 0.02—0.03m' high, without the
slightest incrustation, with very short leaves (as above), larger anther-
idia (380,11 in diam.) and smaller nuclei (3oo,u long) with only six striae,
collected by Prof. Macoun, Canada, Pacific R.R. survey, west of the
Saskatchewan, August, 1881. With all these differences I do
not, however, feel warranted in giving either form a distinct name,
since the general habit of the plants seems the same, namely, the
short leaves and rays, the persistently three-celled and not attenuated

4

terminals, the equally stipitate antheridia, similar sporangia and
nuclei with varying striae, in both sharp and slightly prominent.
Other forms will doubtless be discovered which will enable us to
group them with greater certainty.

In my plants the Sporangia are numerous in the fundus of the
verticil, both without and within the base of the leaves; but, on the
fertile node of the leaf, they are regularly disposed on the ventral as-
pect, two, with the intermediate, rather long-stalked antheridium, '
while there are regularly three leaflets or rays on the dorsal aspect.
The coronula is evanescent, and the ends of the enveloping cells of
the sporangium are swollen (Plate Fig. 4). Mr. Pringle’s plants
have mature fruit in April (the usual time for T. g/omerala), and
Prof. Macoun’s are in their prime in August. This fact, together with
the much larger antheridia and rather smaller nuclei of the latter,
with only six strize, may prove sufficient to distinguish the forms as
distinct sub-species. Further collections are needed.

TOLYPELLA COMOSA, 72071. six—Minor, monoica, statura 0.05—
0.10"“, color incrustatione cinerascens. Folia verticillorum ster-
ilium indivisa, 3- articulata, fertilia in capitula congesta, simplic-
iter divisa, radiis 3- cellularibi'is, obtusis, non attenuatis. Sporangia
in divisura foliorum et in fundo verticilli aggregata; coronula evan-
escente; nucleo atro, ovali 425—475 M long, 320-360 lat., 7—8- gyrato,
striis prominulis, obtusis, Antheridia sessilia, 400—425 [I diam.

This plant is allied to the European T. yzz'dzfica, Leonh., from
which it differs in its fresh water habit, smaller size, smaller anther-
idia and persistent coronula. It is thickly incrusted, having a grey-
ish color even when first taken from the water, and is quite fragile.
The fertile whorls are compact and compound, from numerous short
axillary shoots. The leaves of the sterile verticils are simple, long,
and have three segments. The fertile leaves have a short basal seg-
ment, then a fertile node consisting usually of three leaflets of un-
equal length, and three fruiting cells on the ventral aspect; these
produce, usually, two sporangia and one intermediate antheridium,
but occasionally we find two antheridia and one sporangium. The
central cell is, however, always an antheridium, and the latter is sessile
or nearly so. The lateral leaflets are longer than the dorsal leaflet ;
the terminal division of the leaf, above the fertile node, is elongated,
2—8mm', and three-celled. These numerous elongated leaflets clothe
the plant as with hairs, hence the specific name comosa. The first
segment of the leaflets is the longest, and the terminal segment usually
the shortest. The diameter of the leaf, below the fertile node, aver-
ages 3oo,u (in T. izz'a’zfica, 400,11), of the terminal segment near the
tip roo,u, (in 7zz'a’z'fim, Igofl.) The main stem, below the first fertile
verticil, averages. 360/1 in diameter. The primary verticil consists
of seven leaves with some adventitious leaflets and Sporangia, which
are usually developed from the cells of the basal leaf-node external
to the verticil, though a few are seen within the whorl, The sporan-
gia at the fundus of the verticil are comparatively few in this species.

This plant was gathered in company with T. intertexta, Allen, in
Seneca Lake, N. Y., near Geneva, at a depth of about ten feet of
water, in August, 1882.

it

0

T olypella prolz'fem,* Leonh.—Plant large, clothed with broad
and elongated green leaves, rarely incrusted. Sterile leaves simple,
three to four-celled, elongated, acute. Fertile leaves with two (rarely
three) fertile nodes and a three- to four-celled terminal, acute; rays
of the leaf two to three at each node, 3—4-celled, mostly simple (fer-
tile nodes have rarely been seen on the rays of the leaf in American
plants), acute. The mucronate tip of the leaves and rays is some-
what elongated, never short and abrupt, from 100 to 120/1 long, and
45—5011 broad at base; the leaf just below this tip is about Ioo,u in
diameter. Sporangia numerous in the fundus of the verticil and on
the ventral aspect of the leaf-nodes; coronula persistent, superior
cells longer than the inferior; .nucleus chestnut-colored, round-oval,
345—375,u (the largest fully mature) long, 300,11 broad; striae 8—9,
inconspicuous. Antheridia short-stipitate, 300,11 in diameter.

I am fortunate in possessing some of E. Hall’s original specimens,
determined by the late Prof. Braun, and have been able to compare
other plants with this. Braun, in Nordstedt’s “Fragmente,” gives
as localities: from Engelmann’s herbarium, “ Upper Missouri, Pinois
Springs, Hayden’s survey, Forma mmm’a cz'mmscms, 1858,” and
“Athens, Illinois, E. Hall.” It has been sent to me by Prof. Macoun,
“Flora of the great Plains, railway survey, Canada, near Bottsford,
Aug. 6th, 1879 1” I have also received very young plants, having
numerous, long, sterile leaves from the base, overtopping the whole
plant, from Mr. Horsford of Vergennes, Vt., though there is some
doubt as to their determination.

Doubtless the species will be found to be not uncommon in the
northern portions of the country and in Canada.

TOLYPELLA FIMBRIA'I‘A, 71022. sp.—Statura mediocris, 0.15—
,o.2om' alt., viridis. Folia verticillorum sterilium indivisa rarissime
divisa, 2—3-articulata, acuta. Folia fertilia duplicato divisa, radiis
fertilis 3-4-cellularibus. Sporangia in divisura foliorum et in fundo
verticilli aggregata, coronula persistente, cellulis superiorbus longiori-
bus‘quam inferioribus; nucleo fusco, ovali, 425— 450,u long, 3307350,!1
lat., oxygyro; striis 9— IO, mommy/23, acutzs; antheridio stipitato,
300— 335M diametro.

From T. prolzfera, to which this species is most nearly allied, it
differs 1n its smaller size, larger fruit, oval nuclei, with more numer-
ous and prominent sharp angles.

The plant has a long, simple stem, naked (with perhaps one
small verticil near the base) nearly to the compact head of fertile
leaves. Just below this is usually the sterile verticil of 7—9 leaves,
0.05—0.08‘“' long, which extend far beyond the fertile head, forming a
coarse fringe or involucre of leaves. Very rarely. the sterile leaves
are divided, I have seen but one specimen divided:

T. Calzform'ca, A. Br.—The following is taken from Braun’s_
“ Fragmente,” edited by Norstedt, 1883.

“Color, a fine dark green, without incrustation. Habit somewhat
similar to T. 7zz'a’zfim, but with more numerous verticils and heads,
one above another; nothing of the long lower leaves could be seen in
in the fragments. The number of leaves, whether the lower were

 

* Description taken from American specimens. N o satisfactory description of
the species has as yet bebn given.

6

simple and whether there were Sporangia in the fundus of the verticils,
must be determined by better specimens. Terminal cell 0.10—12mm
long, about 0.05mm' broad. An antheridium which had fallen off
measured 0.44““ in diameter, but further measurements are needed.
Sporangia almost globular; nucleus dark brown, but transparent, with
8—9 visible “windings” (on one side), 311200171, 0.38"“ long, 0 32mm
broad. Very nearly related to T. m'a’z'fiaz, but distinguished by its
sharp tips; from T. apz'cu/ata, separated by its smaller Sporangia with
fewer windings, and by its general appearance; also distinct from T.
[07202507724 by its n1any-celled segments and sharp tips, as well as by
the shortness of the ultimate cells. —North America, Maria County,
California, under willows, in slow- -flowi11g st1ean1s. H. Bolander, Mar.
27tl1,1865, comm. Dr Engelmann, Aug. 1869.”

I have received specimens f1o111 D1 Engelmann from “ Marrin
Co., Ca1., H. Bolander, April, 1863,” and have also examined v ry
fine and perfect speciniens in Prof. Gray’s Herbarium at Cambridge,
from “Swamps near San Rafael, Mari¢n Co., Cal.,” and am able to
supplement Prof. Braun’s description as follows:

Plant 0.10“", becoming much branched (bushy); the fertile verti-
cils on elongated peduncles, not crowded into dense masses; stems
grass-green, conferva-like, about 600,11 in diameter. Sterile nodes
two to four, of 12—15 leaves; of these, 6—8 seem to be normal and the
others shorter and adventitious. Leaves about 360,11 in diameter, once
divided into four leaflets, which are 4—6- or 7-ce11ed; the adventitious
leaves (intermediate in the verticil and not in the normal series), are
usually shorter and not divided. The measurements of the leaflets gave
the following diameters: first segment 285, second 240, third 210,
fourth 150, fifth 135, sixth (or mucro) 5o broad and I7o,u long. The ar-
ticulations are some what constricted and the walls thin and diaphanous.
The fertile verticils are densely crowded with leaves and fruit, the
internodes being very short (as in other Tally/Mike). The fertile leaf
has usually two fertile nodes, each bearing three fruiting-cells (one
antheridium and two sporangia) on its ventral aspect and three leaf-
lets or rays on its dorsal. The rays and longer terminal leaflet are
4—6-celled. Sporangia nearly globular, coronula persistent, the ulti-
mate cells somewhat elongated. Nucleus brown, with 8—9 striae, which
are not prominent, varying from 285—335/1 long and 300—320/1 broad.
Antheridium rather long-stalked, 240—26511 in diameter (I saw none
so large as those Prof. Braun speaks of). Sporangia in the fundus of
the verticil, but not as numerous as in some other species.

T. STIPITATA, 7207/. six—Statura 0.10—0.15m' alt. Color viridis.
Folia verticillorum sterilium divisa, ter-articulata, acuta. Folia fer-
tilia divisa, nodis fructificationem gerentibus duobus, radiis indivisis
3-cellularibus acutis. Capitula fertilia laxa. Sporangia in divisura
foliorum et in fundo verticilli aggregata numerosissima, longe stipi-
tata; coronula persistente, cellulis non elongatis ; nucleo fusco, 335/1
longo and 260,11 lat., 7—8-striato, striis acutis, sub-prominulis. An-
theridio 275—30011 diametro, longe stipitato.

This interesting species appears to be intermediate between T. Cali-
fornia; and T. z'm‘rz'cala. From the former it differs in the fewer seg-
ments of the terminals, and from the latter in the simple rays and

smaller sporangia and antheridia. It has aloose habit of growth, the
fertile verticils having comparatively long peduncles, not crowded in-
to so dense heads as in other species. The fundus of the verticils is
crowded with sporangia and antheridia on long stipes, which seem to
take the place of leaves. There are but few leaves, generally four,
to each verticil, with two shoots of new verticils (as shown in Plate).
The peduncle of the fertile head measures 2.4omm' from the verticil
to the first fertile whorl, 2.4omm' to second whorl, 1.50mm' to third
1.20mm' to fourth, showing the looseness of the compound fertile head.
In Tab/palm generally, the separation of the verticils of the fertile
heads is very slight, so that a compact mass is formed.

I have received but one specimen of this species, collected by Mr.
T. S. Brandegee, in a pond near Mt. Carbon, Elk Range, and for-
warded to me by Mr. John H. Redfield of Philadelphia.

T. z'm‘rz'caz‘a, Leonh.—Monoecious. Robust, 0.20—0.40“ high;
growing in mossy bunches; light green, in age becoming greyish or
brown with incrustation, and brittle. Stem much branched from the
base up. Lower verticils long-leaved, spreading; the upper shorter,
compacted into a thick head (nest-like). Verticils composed of 6-7
large leaves, with as many more small (accessory) ones. Sterile
leaves once divided, the fertile ones mostly twice divided. Fertile
leaves with 2—3 nodes producing leaflets; leaflets of unequal length,
4—5-celled, those of the first leaf-node divided, fertile, attenuated to
the tip, the terminal cell short and acute. Sporangia on the nodes
of the leaves and rays, and very numerous in the fundus of the ver-
ticil. Coronula persistent; nucleus light brown, oval, with 10—11,
prominent angles. Antheridia 320—35o,u in diameter.

This species germinates in the fall and fruits in the following
. spring, ripening ‘by the end of April or in May, and quite dying
down and disappearing by the beginning of June (in Europe).

I have received one specimen of this species from Canada (a
typical form), and it is to be expected from various parts of the
country. -

T. INTERTEXTA, 7207/..spr—Statura robustior, 0.4—0.5” alt., color
incrustatione demum cinerascens. Verticillis inferioribus remotis,
foliis sterilibus 8, 60—80mm long., divisis; terminalibus 4-cellularibus,
acutis. Folia fertilia duplicato (vel rarius triplicato) divisa, nodis
fructificationem gerentibus duobus; radiis divisis, fertilibus 4-cellu-
laribus (rarius 3—5), acutis, mucrone 85,11 long, 55~65,u lat. Spor-
angia in fundo verticilli et in divisura foliorum aggregata, coronula
elongata, sub-persisente; nucleo ovali, 450—475/1 long, fusco, Io-
gyrato, striis acutis, sub~prominulis. Antheridia brevi-stipitata, 320—
35o,u diametro.

This large and handsome Tab/fella differs from its allied species,
T. z'ntrz'azta, by its habit, its large sporangia, its peculiar coronula and '
the time of fruiting (fall). The leaves are abruptly pointed with a
short and stout mucro. The sporangia are numerous, often double
from a single cell (as in Plate XLII., Fig. 3). The coronula is peculiar
in its oblique direction and sub—persistent character, and becomes de-
tached when the sporangium is quite old. The dense interweaving
of the divisions of the leaves surrounding the fertile heads suggests
the specific name.

_, _ .«figfluv.

AJ‘.Sr- 4‘. . V

-Vu\i.,‘:.‘_4 ‘ ‘V‘. “4,-

. . m' a- i.,.....«.r.I-u ..

.... .. . .

”#9., .| ~.~<..~n ¢ 09“..“-

, -.,.r

:‘Jr-OF «. AA. u.” -. —r~. ..... v

8

Gathered from deep water (Io—15 ft.) in Cayuga Lake, N. Y.,
August, 1882. I have also received a fragment from Canada, col-
lected by Miss Cary, and sent by A. L. Kemp, LL.D.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE xxxv11.——Fig. I. Plant, natural size from Arizona.
Fig. 2. Sketch of the base of a verticil showing the simple, sterile leaves, not longer
than the compact fruiting verticils, which are incompletely outlined. Fig. 3. A
portion of the stem, showing two crowded fertile whorls with numerous sporangia
at the base of the leaves. Fig. 4. A mature sporangium. Fig. 5. A mature
nucleus. Fig. 6. A tip of a leaf. (Figures 2 to 5 are from the Arizona plant, and
Figures 7 and 8 from the dwarf Canada plants). Fig. 7. A node of a leaf, the
antheridium having fallen. Fig. 8. A sporangium prior to the falling of the
coronula.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXXVIII.——Fig. I. Plant, natural size. Fig. 2. A fer-
tile node magnified 25 diameters, showing the fertile cells all on the ventral aspect,
usually with two sporangia and one antheridium. In some places the fruit has been
rubbed off in preparing the specimen for the camera. Fig. 3. A fertile node of
a leaf, ventral aspect, showing two antheridia and one sporangium. Fig. 4. Dorsal
aSpect of a fertile node. showing three unequal, 3-celled leaflets. In all these fig-
ures space does not permit the delineation of the long terminals of the leaves. Fig.
5. The apex of a sporangium, showing the evanescent coronula, magnified 200
diameters. Fig. 6. A mature nucleus with eight prominent, blunt angles, mag-
nified 50 diameters.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXXIx.—Fig. I. Plant natural size. Fig. 2. A portion
of a fertile verticil, with two nodes of a leaf and two fertile rays on the lower node,
magnified 25 diameters. Fig. 3. A fertile leaf-node showing the stipes Of two an-
theridia, which have fallen, magnified fifty diameters. In this species we frequently
find two antheridia (central) and two sporangia (lateral: on the ventral aspect of a
leaf; in which case there are usually but two rays on the dorsum of the leaf. Fig. 4.
The coronula magnified 200 diameters. Fig. 5. A mature nucleus magnified 200
diameters. Fig. 7. Tip of leaf.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XI..—-Fig‘. I. Plant, natural size (fresh specimens will
modify this sketch). Fig. 2, A leaf magnified 25 diameters, showing the undi-
vided sterile rays. Fig. 3. The tip of a sporangium, showing the persistent cor-
onula x 200 diameters. Fig. 4. A mature nucleus, magnified 50 diameters. Fig. 5.
The node of a sterile leaf, showing its division into 4 leaflets x 25 diameters. Fig.
6. The tip of a leaflet magnified 5o diameters.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLI.—Plant, natural size, with the fertile heads on one
branch at A, the other heads having been removed (as at B) to show the arrange-
ment of the sterile leaves. Near the bottom of the stem there is a small verticil
of sterile leaves. Fig. 2. A fertile shoot, taken at A in Fig. I, magnified
5 times to show the general form. All the sterile leaves have been removed, ex-
cept from the lowest fertile verticil. Usually there are four sterile leaves, each di-
vided into four leaflets, and two shoots bearing new fertile verticils from each ver-
ticil. Some of the normally sterile leaves of the upper verticils become fertile.
There are usually 5—6 successive series of fertile verticils, the uppermost bearing
fruit in the verticil, and about six fertile leaves (magnified 5 diameters). Fig. 3. A
fertile verticil with numerous, long-stipitate fruits, showing at B, the basal node Of
a leaf that has been removed; magnified 4o diameters. Fig. 4. The dorsal
aspect of a fertile ray x 40. Fig. 5. The ventral aspect of a node of a fertile ray
(the antheridium removed), magnified 25 diameters. Fig. 6. The apex of a ray,
showing the long slender point, magnified 2oo diameters. Fig. 7. The coronula
of a sporangium magnified 200 diameters. Fig 8. A mature nucleus magnified 50
diameters.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XML—Fig. I. Plant natural size, showing only the
upper portion. Fig. 2. A portion of a leaf, showing two fertile nodes, and fertile
rays from the lower node, magnified 25 diameters. Fig. 3. Another leaf, showing
two twin sporangia, each pair from one cell (divided horizontally). Figs. 4 and 5.
Tips of leaves, magnified 200 diameters. Fig. 6. The elongated oblique coronula.
Fig. 7. Top of an old sporangium after the coronula has become detached. Fig.
8. The nucleus magnified 5o diameters.

 

 

 

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Tolypella intertexta, Allen.

 

(From t/ze American Naturalist, May, 1882.)

OBSERVATIONS ON SOME AMERICAN FORMS OF
CHARA CORONATA.

BY T. F. ALLEN, M.D.

‘ C/mm coronatzz Ziz. (in ed. 18I4), revised by A. Braun to include

all known varieties, belongs to the second division of the genus
Chara, namely Haplostepkanw (stipules composed of a simple
series of cells); it has but one stipular cell at the base of each
leaf, is not corticated, is monoecious and is described as follows in
Braun’s Characeae Africanm: “ Plant annual, smooth and flexible.
Leaves verticillate nine to eleven, with 4—6 articulations, 3~5 elon-
gated segments and a short mucroniform ultimate segment.
Brads developed at every node; at the terminal node forming
with the terminal segment a 3—5 divided crownlet (coronula) ;
the posterior bracts shorter, depauperate' or wholly wanting; the
anterior about equaling the sporangium, rarely longer, Often
shorter. Sufi/[es about the size of the leaves. AizZ/zerz'a’z'a and
Sporngz'a produced on the same node, rarely double or triple.
Mtcle’zzs Of the sporangium black, with a calcareous shell and
With 7—12 conspicuous striae on a side.”

The European form of this species, known as var. Brazmz'z', has
been considered the normal form, occupying as it does an inter-
mediate position in respect to size, development of bracts, size of
nucleus and form of the coronula. The nucleus varies from 420
to 550 ,u. (micro-millemeters, mille-millemeters) in length, is
9-striate; coronula of the sporangium isvshort and obtuse; the
bracts anteriorly are equal to or shorter than the sporangium,
posteriorly they are undeveloped. This form is found also in
America, but the more distinctively American form has been
known as var. Sc/zwez'm'z‘zz'z' A. Br. This is usually characterized
by a larger nucleus, 550 to 650 11., and by the great development
of the bracts, which are often several times longer than the spo-
. rangium and are completely developed around the leaf, vertici1~
late, though the posterior are much shorter than the anterior.
An African form, var. Perrottetz'z' A. Br., has a large nucleus,
' 600-650 IA, with unilateral bracts equaling in length the sporan-
gium; this form we find in America also. From India, var.
Corommzdelz'na A. Br., has been designated by a very large nu-
cleus 600—750 11., with verticillate bracts, nucleus with seven
strong angles; some of our forms approach very closely to this,

2

having verticillate bracts and an equally large nucleus. In the
Sandwich islands is found a delicate form in which the cells of
the coronula are much elongated, and approaching this form is
one collected in New Mexico by Wright. Besides the more dis-
tinct forms are many intermediate forms, difficult to place, pos:
sessing characters belonging to two or more varieties; indeed the
forms of this species from different places are quite numerous.
We find the plant everywhere from Canada to Mexico and from
Massachusetts to California.

One interesting fact is, that the plant in any given locality is
constant in its peculiarities, and though thousands of plants be
examined they will all be found to exhibit precisely the same
character. This is true not only of this species but of most
other species of Characeae; thus in a pond filled with 67mm
faz/z'da A. Br., with long bracts and long terminal naked nodes
(Macroptila, Macroteles) all the plants will have the same pecu-
liarity and will keep it unchanged year after year, while a neigh-
boring pond perhaps only a few rods distant, may be inhabited by
another distinct but persistent form. '

A. Braun relates that C/mm gymizopus var. Huméoldtz'z' A. Br.,
collected by Gollmer in the same lake in which fifty-five years
before Humboldt had gathered it, presented precisely the same
characters. We have, however, noticed in one instance an appa-
rent difference in a form of C. corona/a collected in precisely the
same locality in which it had been found twenty years before,
but there might have been a difference in the maturity of the
plants. This permanence of slight peculiarities may be owing to
the disagreeable odor and taste of the plant, which has often a
strong smell of sulphuretted hydrogen, rendering it offensive to
animals who might otherwise feed upon it and carry the seeds to
other localities; and as the plants grow wholly under water, the
seeds are not liable to be carried by the wind. Hybridization
seems, therefore, to be infrequent and exceptional. These very
qualities, which serve to limit the spread of the Characeae, may
also have determined the persistence of very ancient forms and
limited their multiplication.

The characters relied upon for distinctions betweeen varieties,
have been the development of the bracts, the size and striation of
the nucleus, and the character of the coronula of the sporangium.
The general aspect of the plant, size and length of stem, density

3

or laxity of grOwth, seems to vary greatly from differences in the
character of the water, exposure, et cetera. The plant has been
thought to be free from inc'rustation, but one form from Canada
(Pacific Railway survey) is so completely incrusted that it is ex-
tremely brittle, and when dry has a gray color; while another
form has a most peculiar zonular incrustation, giving the plant a
variegated appearance. ‘

T/ze development of omez‘s seems to be most capricious ; though
the comparative length of bracts and sporangia seems to be
pretty constant in any one locality, the posterior development
varies in a single plant, and at times on a single leaf, one node
exhibiting verticillate bracts while the next node has absolutely
no bracts on its dorsal aspect: this we often find to be the case
in the longest bracted forms (var. Se/zwez'm'lzz'z').

In America we have every length -of anterior bracts from two
to three times the length of the sporangium, a little longer, of
equal length, a little shorter, to very short bracts, one-half or
even a third its length. Some of the shortest bracted forms are
found with the largest sporangia and with verticillate bracts.

Size of 7zueleus.—The smallest, mature nucleus we have yet
met with occurs in the form collected by Wright in New Mexico,
and determined by A. Braun as var. Branm'z' forma Z‘enem; it is
420 11.. long and has seven strix; next in order is the Silver-city
form, recently found, 500 .u. with only five striae; one from Cali-
fornia is 500 11.. long‘with seven striae; from Saranac lake, Ver-
mont, N. Carolina, etc., are forms 520 to 550 o. long with longer
or shorter bracts; then come the more common long-bracted
forms (var. Se/zzoez'Izz'tzz'i) with nucleus .550 to 650 o. long with
' 8 to 9 stri'ae; then some forms with larger nucleus and very short
bracts, Penn. and Kansas, 660 to 780 (l) long with 9 to 10 striae.
Both the smallest and largest nuclei now known to us have been
associated with short bracts. _

The member of straw on the nucleus, representing the whorls of
enveloping cells, varies considerably ; while in a general way they
are more numerous on the longest nuclei, yet a smaller nucleus
may have more than one somewhat larger; the delicate Saranac
form has 9 striae, while the larger Vermont form has only 7 (the
same as the delicate Brawzz'i—Zelzem) though the nucleus is larger.
The Silver-city fOrm with a nucleus 500 {1. long has 5 striae, while
Brazmz'z'-z‘ezzem nucleus 420 lot. has 7 striae.

4

7726 cells of 21/16 cororzzzla vary greatly from the closely-set short
cells of the more common forms to the divergent and elongated
cells of Brazmz'zlteizem, which exhibits an approach to the Sand—
wich island form (var. Ozz/zuemz's A. Br.).

These varying characters with their numerous combinations
seem to us to render a division of the species into definite varie-
ties well nigh impossible. As it has now become unadvisable to
bestow distinctive names upon the numerous forms of that truly
polymorphic species C. faztz'da A. Br., so in View of the now
numerous and rapidly multiplying forms of C. cormmtcz, it seems
to us proper to describe them as forms peculiar in many cases to
, certain localities.

The variations of this plant may be tabulated as follows,
giving prominence to the size of the nucleus and length of the
bracts, allowing also for variations in the habit of growth, et
cetera:

I. M'cromrpa, nucleus less than 500 It. in length.
I. flflzcropti/a, bracts longer than the sporangia, verticillate or unilateral.
a. Condensata,verticils approximate, the leaves longer than the inter-
nodes.

b. Laxior, leaves loose, spreading.
c. Clausa, leaves compact, incurved.

A. Pachygyra, nucleus with thick prominent angles.

B. Leiopyrena, nucleus smooth, or with but slightly prominent angles.

2. fllz'cropz’z'la, bracts shorter than the sporangium, verticillate or unilateral.
a. Condensata.
b. Laxior.
c. Clausa.
A. Pachygyra.
B. Leiopyrena.

3. fllez'op/z'la, bracts equaling the sporangium in length.

II. flfacrocarpa, nucleus more than 600 la. in length.

I. Macroptila, microptila or meioptila.
A. Pachygyra or Leiopyrena.
a. Condensata, laxior or Clausa.

III. Alez'oazrpa, nucleus of medium size, between 500 and 600 ,u. long,

Variations as above.

The American forms may be arranged and designated as fol-
lows, beginning with those having the smallest nucleus:

I. Forma tenuior, microcarpa, microptila, unilateralia, laxior,
oxygyra (var. Brazmz'z' imam A. Br.). This form was collected

5

by Wright in New Mexico (No. 908). It is a slender diffuse
, lant, with rather lon leaves
(fig: 3;: a /\ .‘ "4” p g

    

of 5—6 articulations, including
the terminal one. The stip-
ules and bracts are very slen- .
der; the bracts are unilateral,
shorter than the sporangium,
the anterior rather longer than
the lateral. The coronula of
the sporangium consists of
five cells wz'z‘k elbngaz‘ea’ diverg-

FIG. I.—Variety Braum'i tenera. in g tips, intermediate in aspect
between var. Bmmzz'z' and var. Orr/menu's A. Br. The sporangia
and antheridia are usually duplicated on each of the two lower
'nodes. The terminal segment consists of three slender elongated
cells forming a tuft. The nucleus is oval with about seven sharp
angles, 420 to 460 a. long and about 250 la. broad. In the adjoin-
ing cut I represents the anterior aspect of a node with two spo-
rangia but with the antheridia removed, as at 3. 2 is a terminal
node—all magnified forty diameters.

II. Forma microcarpa, micrOptila, unilateralia, laxior (var.
Braum'z' gmm'na). This form has been collected near St. Louis by
Dr. Engelmann (to whose kindness I
am indebted for specimens). Plants
diffuse, leaves longer than the inter-
nodes, 4—5 articulations, of which the
lowest or the two lowest are fertile;
stipules rather stout but short; bracts
stout, unilateral, much shorter than
the ‘ sporangium. Coronula of five
connivent, blunt cells. Nucleus
broadly oval, 475 to 500 p. long, with
about six ribs, which are blunt and.
not prominent. The accompanying
figure, magnified forty times, repre-
FIG.\2.—Variety Braunz’z‘gmm’na. sents the anterior aspect of a node of
a leaf, with two sporangia, one antheridium, in situ (outlined) and
one removed; only the anterior bracts are shown, the lateral are
about the same length.

 

III. Forma meiocarpa, microptila, verticillata, elongata, clausa,

6

pachygyra (var. gracz'lz's Allen ined.). Plant slender, elongated,
I 5 to 20cm in height. Verticils consisting of 9—10 leaves, distant.
Leaves much shorter than the internodes, the lower spreading; the
upper fruiting ones connivent; articulations few, usually three,
the two lower nodes bearing fruit, the upper sterile, the fertile
nodes usually connivent while the subterminal internode is elon—
gated and divergent. Stipules very slender and rather short;
bracts slender, usually verticillate, much shorter than the sporan-
gium, the anterior longer than the lateral, the posterior very
small, sometimes wanting, the terminal bracts form, with the
short terminal segment of the leaf, a triple tuft. Sporangia and
antheridia usually duplicated on the two lowest nodes ofthe leaf.
Sporangia large in comparison with the size of the plant, with
about eight whorls on one side; coronula of short pointed some-

what divergent cells; altitude of cells of coronula in mature'

sporangia about 100 p.. Nucleus broadly oval, 480 to 520 ,u.
long, with five or six thick ribs.

This form differs in habit of growth from all other known vari-
eties. It was gathered near Silver City, New Mexico, by Mr. Rushy
in 1880, being found in only one pool. It occupies an interme-
diate position between var. Brazmz'z' imam (Forma I) and the large
fruited formsfrom Pennsylvania and Kansas, which seem almost
identical with the East Indian var. Commalzdelz'na A. Br. Explana-
tion of the plate; I, a partial view of a verti- F“:—
cil, showing the relative size and position of .
the stipules; 2, a front view of the first node
of a leaf, showing at a the points of attach-
ment of the antheridia which have been re-
moved; 3, a lateral view of a second node,
with a younger sporangium, showing the ver-
ticillate bracts; 4, another second node,pwith
a very young sporangium; 5, the terminal
segment of a leaf; 6, a ripe nucleus.

IV. Forma microcarpa, meioptila, verticil-
lata, tenuior. This form was collected in
California, at “King’s river,” by Berggren JV
in 1875, and sent me by Professor Nordstedt. FIG.4.—C/zara coronata,
The plant is slender and diffuse, and is inter- var. 4.
mediate between the extreme small—fruited unilateral forms and
the medium-fruited verticillate ones. The bracts are verticillate,

 

"52323.9?“ . .. , .

 

 

 

Chara Coronata; Ziz,
Var. gracilis, Allen.

 

4

' J’almw/L 91.?

 

 

 

7 .
t/te anterior shorter flat” the lateral, which about equal in length
the Sporangium; the coronula consists of short thick cells with a
minute point, not at all developed as in Braum'z' tenera. ‘ Nucleus
425—500 la. long, with 6—7 angles.

We now come to a group of forms representing in a general
way the ordinary var. Sehwez'm'tzz'z', though the transition from the
short bracted and small fruited forms to the large bracts and large
fruit, is gradual. The bracts subtending the Sporangium vary in
relative length, sometimes the anterior, sometimes the lateral
bracts are longer. The form with long lateral bracts has been
known as Chara folz'olasa Schw., the one with shorter bracts but
long leaves, as in Form III. as C. opaca Schw.

v. Forma macrocarpa, meioptila, verticillata, tenuior, leiopy—

 

FIG. 5.—C/zara eoronata, 5th variety.

rena. Plant .small, diffuse, with elongated leaves of 4—5 articula-
tions; bracts usually verticillate, equal in length to or slightly
longer than the sporangium, anterior bracts somewhat longer than
the lateral, posterior often nearly as long as the lateral, rarely
wanting. Sporangium with 9—11 whorls, coronula of divergent
cells with rather long points, similar to Braum'i tellera of New
Mexico (Forma I). Nucleus 640 .0.- long with 9—11 slightly
prominent ribs. Saranac lake, N. Y., 188I.

In previous years Professor C. H. Peck, of Albany, collected
specimens from precisely the same locality, and in 1860 I sent
specimens to Professor A. Braun, who recognized it as a transi-
tion form between var. Brazmz'z' and var. Sekwez'm'tzz’z'; the ac-

‘n

.i,..Ԥ"-
'3’. .3mtd
a“ ‘ ,_. » "

8

companying drawings are taken from Professor Peck’s speci-
mens.

The bracts are shorter and unilateral, the nuclei smaller, 550 .11., _

but the coronula seems less elongated; whethergg the plant
still continues to vary, remains for farther investigation to es-
tablish.

 

FIG. 6.—Cfiam coronata, 5th variety, a a: 5.

VI. Forma macrocarpa, macroptila, verticillata, laxior, leiopy-
rena. This very common northern form was collected in Canada
'by Professor Macoun; it is slender, diffuse, with long leaves 'of
4—5 articulations, verticillate bracts much longer than the sporan-
gium, often two or three times its length, the anterior bracts
longer than the lateral, the posterior large but much shorter.
Nucleus precisely like the Saranac form (V), and about the same
size, 620-650, ribs 9-10, scarcely prominent.

One collection of this form from the far west of Canada is
completely incrusted with lime, and when dry, is gray and very
brittle; another from Eastern Canada has a peculiar zonular in-
crustation but usually the plant is perfectly smooth even in water

containing considerable lime. The habit of growth varies‘exr

ceedingly, some are delicate, diffuse and, pellucid, others stout,
thick, compact, and in deep water often attain a length of 4 to 5
feet (Litchfield lake, Ct.). This is our most common form, though
the cells of the coronula are usually connivent, as in the next
form, and the bracts may be unilateral on some nodes of the same
plant.

 

 

   
 
   

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FIG. 7.—C/zam coronata, 6th variety.

‘ /' VII. Forma meiocarpa, microp-
K ”/ tila, unilateralia, laxior. This form
‘4 was collected at. Brattleboro, Vt.,
by the late C. C. Frost, it pre-V
sents no differences from the last
except the short unilateral bracts,
smaller nucleus, 550—600, with
_ fewer‘ribs,»7—8. .
FIG. 8.—C. coronata, 7th variety.

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VIII. Forma meiocarpa, meioptila, partim' unilateralia, cellulis
coro-nulae sporangii'i conniventibus—, condensata. Plants compact

10

rather stout, verticils approximate; stipules large, inflated, equal-
ing the leaves in size. Bracts inflated, about equal in length to
the sporangium or somewhat shorter, mostly unilateral, some-
. times verticillate ; leaves with 5—6 nodes, the three lower usually
fertile; sporangium with
about nine whorls on
one side, cormzzzla e072-
m'vem‘ elm-22‘; nucleus
nearly 5 m ooth with
about seven angles,
550—575 #- long. Col-
lected in Vermont by
Mr. Horsford.

From Hillsborough,
N. C, have been collect-
ed specimens by Mr.

Curtis (communicated
\ by Dr. Engelmann) of

 

 

FIG. 9.—C/z(zra eoronata, 8th variety.

:1 form almost identical with this one, except that the leaves have
only three nodes, the lower of which is fertile, z‘lze upper muck
elongated, and the bracts commonly verticillate and somewhat
narrower.

IX. Forma macrocarpa, microptila, verticillata. The plants be-
longing to this form are remarkable for the large size of the fruit

WI 5?;15'4'

. ,1 1.11.: 5,,

9'

-. V57. ..
A
‘ .' .. am

5. iv ” . ~
.t§:5,.n.-_A<. ' .

11

and the small verticillate bracts. The specimens from Pennsylvania
' were collected “in a flume ” by Mr. E. A.
Rau. The plants are diffuse, thin and trans-
parent; stems long; verticils approximate at
upper part; leaves long, spreading, with two
fertile nodes and 2-3 sterile; the upper inter-
nodes much elongated. Bracts much shorter
than the sporangium, verticillate, the ante-
rior longer than the lateral; coronula of the
sporangium consisting of connivent blunt
cells; nucleus elliptical, about twice as long
as broad, 650 [1,. long, with nine faint striae.
FIG. 10,— C. comm m, Very similar to this, apparently, is a form
9th var.; a. from Kansas, collected by Fendler and com-
municated to me by Dr. Engelmann, of St. Louis. The leaves are
long, consisting of four nodes,of which the lowest is fertile ; the up-
per considerably elongated. The bracts are less than half the length
of the sporangium, verticillate, z‘lze aizz‘en'or s/zorz‘er z‘lzmz z/ze [am/(ll;

 

 

FIG—Clmra coronata, 9th variety ; 5, r.

coronula with blunt somewhat connivent cells, the sporangium
large with about twelve whorls on one side. Nucleus gigantic in
size, 760—780 11.. long with 9—10 faint striae. This form is truly
western in the enormous development of nucleus, but in no other
respect does it seem to differ from. eastern forms. é, a mature
fruit; 6, very young, showing a large antheridium. The figures
have all been drawn with the camera lucida from actual speci-
mens, and are perfectly true to nature.

To' these forms we have been able to refer all the specimens

12

which have- thus far been, collected in America; they seem to
illustrate the futility of attempting to define satisfactorily varieties,
and to warrant their abandonment ,and the substitution of
“forms,” varying with the locality, as has been suggested by
Professor Nordstedt, of Sweden, and is the practice in the case
of the polymorphous species, C. faztz'da A. Br., C. z'm‘ermedz'a A.
Br., and many others.

A few of the more remarkable forms may still retain a specific
name, as var. Oahumsz's A. Br., perhaps var. gracz'lz's Allen, and a
few others; or it might even be admissible to bestow a specific
name on each constant form as a convenient method of desig-
nating its peculiarities. For the present, however, while our
knowledge of the American forms is yet so incomplete, we prefer
to classify them as above. ’ i