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The Characece of America.

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. T. F.

PART II.

FASICLE I.: CONTAINING DESCRIPTIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF

NITELLA OPACA, AG.
NITELLA OBTUSA, ALLEN.
NITELLA MONTANA, ALLEN.
NITELLA BLANKINSHIPII, ALLEN.

«

NITELLA MISSOURIENSIS, ALLEN.

NITELLA FLEX I L IS, AG.

NITELLA SUBGLOMERATA, A. BR.

NITELLA GLOMERULIfERA, A. BR.

NITELLA, AG.*

Revised Synopsis.

A. MONARTHRODACTYL/E, (ultimate segments of the leaves,

one-celled,
a. FURCATE, leaves once divided.

a. HOMCEOPHYLL^;, verticils composed of similar leaves.
* GYMNOCARP/E, organs of fructification not enveloped

in jelly.
§ DIOIC.E.

f APICULAT/K, leaves abruptly pointed, or some-
times (in No. 2) obtuse, coronula, evanescent.

1. Membrane of the spore smooth.

N. opaca, Ag.

2. Membrane of the spore granulated.

N. obtusa, Allen.

f f ACUMINATE, leaves gradually tapering to a sharp
point, coronula persistent.
+ Plants small,

3. Oospores aggregated, N. Montana, Allen.

4. Oospores, isolated, N. Blankinshipii, Allen.
-f- + Plants large, habit of N. subglomerata.

5. N. Missouriensis, Allen.

f APICULATA, coronulae evanescent.

6. N. flexilis, Ag.
f f ACUMINATE:, coronulae persistent.

^General variations, common to many species of Nitella. Variations in the
internodal cells of the principal slem give rise to elongated and compact forms.
In the latter the distance between verticils becomes so small that the fruiting
verricils are condensed into " heads," as in N. glomerulifera. when less compact,
but still dense, forms called " nidifica " conglomerate! or " compete ta '' are found.
It is noticed in general that, when portions of the plant fruit freely, the stem is
not so well developed and frequently the leaves become shorter. Sterile plants
are apt to be more diffuse in their habit. In some cases, as in the new JV. obtusa,
the internodal cells are elongated, but the leaves of the verticils, especially the
fertile ones, are quite abbreviated. In such cases the form may be called " con-
globata.'^ Again, the segments of the leaves may be disproportionately elongated
or contracted. All these and other variations are to be expected in the same
species, and must not be taken as specific distinctions but as simple variations or
forms. The markings on the membrane of the oospore are most important in
distinguishing between species and varieties, since, as shown by Dr. Nordstedt,
they are constant for each species. They may be known as Nordstedt's markinsg.

j. Sterile leaves not much longer than the
fertile verticils. N. subglomerata, A. Br.

8. Sterile leaves much longer than the fertile

verticils, which are contracted into dense
heads. N. glomerulifera, A. Br.
* * GLCECARP/E, organs of fructification enveloped in jelly.

f* JF

9. Habit diffuse, fruit in spring, membrane of
nucleus covered with course granules, N.
Capitata (N. ab. E.), Ag.

10. Habit strict, rigid, fruit in fall, membrane of
nucleus delicately reticulated. N. Bastini,
Allen.

11. N. praelonga, A. Br.

aa. HETEROPHYLLA, verticils composed of dissimilar
leaves, some simple, some divided.

12. N. Clavata, A. Br.

aa. FLABELLATA. Leaves repeatedly divided.

13. N. Macounii, Allen.

NITELLA OPACA, Ag. Syst. Alg. (1824) p. 124.

N. syncarpa v. opaca A. Br., Flora 1835 ; Kuetzing Phycol.

germ : Rabenhorst Crypt. Fl. II. p. 195
N. syncarpa v. pseudoflexilis A. Br. Flora 1835 : Ganterer

aust. Char. : Rabenh. Crypt, flora.
N. syncarpa v. glomerata A. Br. schweiz. char. : Kuetzing

sp. Alg. p. 514
N. syncarpa v. Smithii, Cosson, Germ. et. Weddell Introduct.

Fl. de Paris 1842 : Coss. et. Germ. Fl. de Paris, Atlas

t- 39
N. pedunculata Ag. Syst. Alg. 1824 p. xxvii

N. atrovirens Wallm. Char. 1853

N. flexilis Smith Engl. Bot.

N. flexilis v. nidifica, Visiani Fl. Dalm.

Very variable in >ize, from 5 to 30 cm. in length ; elongated
and loosely spreading or abbreviated, and compact according
to the depth of water or season of the year. Cell-walls gener-
ally firm and somewhat thicker than in N. flexilis, which it re-
sembles in habit ; the dried plants darker and less translucent
(hence the name, opaca}. Verticils composed of six or seven
leaves, which are all once divided into two or three terminals

(rarely only one). Leaves abruptly pointed. It has been thought
that this species was peculiar, in that the " lumen " extended
into the very point, but the tips vary in the leaves of the same
plant, so that this peculiarity cannot be considered a constant
characteristic of the species. The fruit appears later than that
of N. flexilis, and is less frequently found ; it differs from this
species also by being dia'cious. Antheridia, variable in size,
rarely exceeding 800 //. in diameter. Oogonia usually aggre-
gated (i to 3) ; tips of the enveloping cells becoming swollen ;
coronula evanescent ; mature oospore nearly or quite black
(thin sections reddish under the microscope), with 6 or 7 prom-
inent and thick ridges (striae), 34 to 36 JJL long, 30 to 34 // broad.
The spores are mature in July or August. The surface of the
mature nucleus is perfectly smooth, even under high amplifications.

LOCALITIES.— This species has been collected in Canada,
Macoun ; So. Framingham, Mass., Dr. Sturtevant (only anthe-
ridia seen ; hence determination doubtful) ; New Hampshire,
Saco Lake and Ammoneesie River (E. Faxon), notch of White
Mountains (O. D. Allen) ; New York, Edmunds ponds, Adrion-
dacks (T. F. Allen) ; Pennsylvania, Lehigh River (E. A. Rau) ;
California, San Bernadino (Parish Bros.) ; Oregon, Salem (E.
Hall) ; Nevada, Truckee Valley (S. Watson) ; Louisiana (Drum-
mond) ; Texas (Lindheimer) ; Mexico (Linden, 1840).

EXPLANATION OF PLATES. — The photograph is from an
elongated and loose form collected in Saco Lake, N. H. (Faxon),
natural size. The lithograph shows at i, a plant of natural size,
somewhat condensed above ; 2, aggregated oogonia, showing the
swollen tips of the enveloping cells, coronula already fallen, x
25 ; 3, antheridia, x 25 ; 4, nucleus, with 7 prominent and thick
ridges, x 50 ; 5, a minute portion of the surface of the membrane
of the ripe oospore, highly magnified ; surface between ridges
smooth. (The leaves in Fig. 3 are somewhat acuminate ; this is
rarely the case ; the tip in Fig. 2 shows the normal shape).

NITELLA OBTUSA, Spec. nov. — N. monarthrodactyla, homceophylla,
dioica, gymnocarpa, foliis apiculatis vel obtusis, membrana oosp'oro:
granulata.

Description. — Plants densely tufted, 20 to 25 cm. in height,
leaves of the lower verticils, sterile longer than the internodes,
3 to 5 cm. long, verticils composed of six (or seven) leaves ;
leaves all similar, once divided, terminal leaflets of sterile leaves,

i to 3. abruptly pointed, sometimes obtuse. Leaves becoming
shortened in the upper verticils forming a long terminal stem,
about 700 // in diameter, with very short leaves in remote
verticils ; these upper leaves are fertile and commonly obtuse,
rarely apiculate. Fertile leaves once divided, first division 400
to 500 yu in diameter, with one terminal 700 //in diameter, rarely
two terminals. Antheridia, about 250 /< in diameter, usually
subtended by a very short, abtuse leaflet (see figs. 4 and 5).
Oogonia, single or aggregated, enveloping cells with blunt,
usually inflated tips, coronula evanescent ; oospore 460 /* long,
400 fJi broad with seven, thick and prominent ridges, membrane
of the oospore granulated.

This plant was first gathered by the late Dr. Northrup and
his wife in Lake Tamiscouata, Canada ; but a single specimen
was taken, and a special collector sent to the lake two years
since failed to gather but few complete specimens, though he
secured a number of detached, fruiting, terminal stems which
had drifted to a lee shore. Fruit mature in August.

Explanation of Plates. — The photogravure was taken from Dr.
Northrup's collection, and is one-half the natural size ; in the
lithograph, 3, the female plant, x 25 ; 4, the male plant, x 25 ; 5,
tips of fertile leaves, x 25 ; 6, an oogonium, x 50 ; 7, a portion
of the spore-membrane highly magnified, showing the closely-
granular surface and a portion of a thick ridge ; 8 and 9, apicu-
late terminals, x 25 ; 10, an obtuse terminal, x 50 diameters.

NITELLA MONTANA, Sp. \\ov.--Monarthrodactyla, furcata,
honnvophylla, dioica, gymnocarpa, acuminata.

Plants small, from 3 to 7 cent, metre high, branched and
delicate ; the upper verticils fertile. Leaves 8 in a verticil,
once divided ; terminal divisions, 1-3, gradually acuminate. In
the verticils may be found additional very short leaves (shoots)
fertile, so short that the fruit seems almost sessile in the verticil.
The stems are about 600 /*. in diameter ; the first division of the
leaves, 350 /^., and the terminals about 200 //. in diam., tapering
to a sharp point. The oogonia are numerous, 1-3 together at
the forks of the leaves ; coronula persistent ; oospore when
mature, 440 //. long ; 390 to 400 //. broad, with 7 or 8 somewhat
blunt ridges (not so thick as the ridges on N. opaca) ; mem-
brane of the spore finely and evenly granular. Antheridia, 750 /^.
in diam., when fully developed,

This delicate and pretty plant was first sent to me from
Crater Lake. Mt. Agassiz, gathered by U. S. Geol. Survey.

Later by Mr. Williams from Sand Coulee, Montana.

Explanation of Plate. — i, plant natural size ; 2, male plant, x 25 ;
3, female plant, x 25 ; 43 mature oospore, x 50 ; 5, a portion of
the finely granulated membrane of the spore highly magnified.

NITELLA BLANKINSHIPII, Sp. nov. — Monarthrodactyla, fureata,
homxophylla (rarius heterophylla\ dioica gymnocarpa, acuminata.

Plant delicate, not over 5-10 cm. high, branched above.
Leaves eight in a verticil, once divided, all similar, except in
rare instances heterophyllous (see figure 2) ; leaves with very
thin walls, with a slight tendency to become dilated ; first segment
300 //. in diam. ; terminal segments, two to four, 150 /.i. in diam.
Oogonia usually single ; coronula, persistent ; oospore, 450 //.
long; 400 //. broad, with 6 (to 7) sharp and prominent ridges;
membrane of the spore roughened by scattered granules not uni-
form in size (of uniform size in N. Montana). Antheridia, 600
//. in diam.

This little nitella was gathered in Missouri by Mr. Blankin-
ship (an enthusiastic collector of characeae) ; it has been found
only in one locality.

It is interesting to observe the occasional variation of hetero-
phyllous leaves, since in other respects it bears some resem-
blance to N. clavata of the Pacific coast; this species, however, is
separated from that by being dioecious and commonly homceo-
phyllous.

Explanation of Plate. — i, plant, natural size ; 2, two verticils
showing different sorts of leaves (rare) ; 3, an ordinary sterile
verticil ; 4, an antheridium ; 5, an oogonium separated from its
leaf ; 6, oospore ; 7, membrane of oospore highly magnified.
Figs. 2, 3 and 4 magnified 25 diam, figs. 5 and 6 mag. 50 diam.

NITELLA MISSOURIENSIS, N. SP. — Plant diffusely branched
15-20 em. in length, in size and appearance resembling opaca, or,
still more, subcapitata ; to the latter it would be unhesitatingly
referred, except for the fact of being entirely devoid of a gelatinous
envelope about the fruit. Mature spores have not been gathered,
and their characters and markings cannot be noted ; the coronula
of the oogonium seems to be persistent (as usual in the section
" acuminate"} the ridges on the spore few (5). Antheridia 650
IA. in diameter. The two (only) specimens found were gathered
in April (season of subcaptata), near Springfield, Missouri, by

Mr. Weller. This imperfect description is published with hesita-
tion, but since the plant evidently belongs in this group, it
seems best to refer to it here. The figures speak for themselves,
all x 25. The photogravure represents the plant of natural size.

XITKLLA FLEXILIS (L., ex parte), Ag.

Chara flexilis, L., ex parte.

Nitella flexilis, Ag., syst. Alg., 1824.

Nitella Brogniartiana, Coss, Germ., et. Wedd. Fl., Paris.

This very common species, while variable as to size and
manner of growth, may be recognized easily by being gymno-
carpous monoecious, and having abruptly pointed leaves. It
varies greatly in size, from a few cm. to as much as 75 cm. and
perhaps more in length. In brooks it often forms dense masses
or hummocks with rather short stems ; in deeper and slow-flow-
ing streams the stems may become excessively elongated. The
stems and leaves are variously abbreviated, particularly in fruit-
ing specimens, and sometimes, as in Fig. 2 of the plate, the
fruiting leaves become densely crowded, vars. nidifica, sub-
nidifica, etc. The verticils are composed normally of six leaves,
each leaf is once divided into 1-4 terminals, usually two, rarely
only one ; the tip of the leaf is abruptly short-pointed, at times
almost blunt, never entirely so. Antheridia , about 450 //. in
diam.; oogonia, with an evanescent coronula, generally aggrega-
ted (i to 3 on one node); oospore about 425 IJL. long, 375 /u. wide,
with 6-7 ridges, which are usually sharp, not thick as in N.
opaca : membrane of the spore perfectly smooth.

This species is our most common nitella, found everywhere
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, north and south, though at the
south it is partly replaced by the larger N. pralonga, A. Br.
This species flourishes well in aquaria, and its vigor and clean
bright stems make it useful for showing the phenomenon of
cyclosis.

A form with stouter stems and shorter leaves, var. crassa, is
now and then met with, but it is usually sterile; a thick autumnal
form with but a single terminal, also sterile is sometimes
puzzling when sterile.

In the plate, Fig. i, half the natural size ; Fig. 2, a compact
form, natural size, forma subnidifica, well-fruited, from Cali-
fornia, Blankinship, Figs. 3-6 x 50; Fig. 7, surface of the smooth
spore, showing parts of two sharp ridges highly magnified.
Photogravures half the natural size, " n," a more rigid specimen,

not usual, terminals usually single, whole plant stouter and
less flexible.

NITELLA SUBGLOMERATA, A. Br. — Nitella subglomerata, A.
Br., Characeen aus Colombia Guyana and Mittelamerika, 1858
(Monatsbericht d. Berl. Akad). Later N. acuminata var. sub-
glomerata, A. Br.

" Acuminatae" must be utilised as the name of a group, both
of monoecious and dioecious species, and it seems best to adopt
A. Braun's former opinions, and keep the species distinct, a
position which it is clearly entitled to hold.

This species is essentially southern, and particularly south-
western, found chiefly from Missouri to Mexico, though stray
specimens are reported from Ills., and even New Jersey and
New York. The plant is spreading, and diffusely branched,
verticils of 6 to 8 leaves, leaves once divided into 2 to 4 ter-
minate, which gradually taper to a sharp point. The fruiting
verticils are somewhat contracted, forming a rather compact mass, but
not dense as in the following species (hence the name) : i,
Antheridia, about 300 //. in diameter ; oogonia, usually aggre-
gated (2 to 3), with persistent coronulae ; spores, about 275 /<
long by 240 /* wide, with 6 or 7 sharp ridges, which are somewhat
prominent. Membrane of the spore, roughened or reticulated,
only seen in mature oospores.

This species has been gathered in the Saranac Lake, N. Y. T. F.
Allen ; Shamokin, Penn. ; New Jersey, T. F. Allen ; various local-
ities in Illinois, especially along the Mississippi River region,
Patterson, Aug., 'Si ; in Missouri at various periods in March,
Weller ; Sept., Blankinship, Oregon ; Sauvies 'Island, Howell ;
Texas, Lindheimer ; seven localities in Mexico.

VAR. BRACHYTELES, A. Br. — Characterized by greatly ab-
breviated terminal segments of the leaves, first described from
specimens found near St. Louis ; Decently sent me by Mr. C.
Mohr., from the delta of the Mobile River, Alabama.

N. LINDHEIMER, A. BR., characterized by A. Braun, is very closely related
to N. Belangirl, A. Br. , of the East Indies (Bombay, etc.), "larger than the
forms of sxOoglomerata from Illinois and St. Louis." I have seen but one imper-
fect speciman in the Engelmann herbarium, and cannot discover any essential
difference from the typical subglomerata. The oospores are of the same size, and
the membrane marked exactly in the same way. We are obliged to wait for the
re-discovery of the plant to illustrate it, gathered by Lindheimer at Friedricksburg,
Texas.

In the Lithograph Nos. I and 2 mag.. 25 diam. No. 3 x 50 diam. The
photogravure half the natural size.

8

NITELLA GLOMERULIFERA, A. Br. Sillim. Am. Journ., 1843, p.
92, name only.

Plants 10 to 15 cm., high, growing in clusters at the bottom
of clear, still lakes, often at a considerable depth, easily recog-
nized by the dense masses of fruiting verticils which are col-
lected in glomeruli, attaining a diameter of 8 or 10 mm., and are
subtended by simple or once-branched sterile leaves ; which
long overtop the glomeruli ; sterile leaves often 40 to 40 mm. in
length ; once-divided ; terminals 2-4, one-third to one-half the
whole length of the leaf ; gradually tapering to a sharp point.

Fertile verticiles arise, usually, in the " axils " of the sterile
leaves, generally numerous and becoming repeatedly branched
and abbreviated form dense masses; glomeruli often 10 mm. in
diameter. Leaves of the fertile verticils 8 in number, about
2 mm. long, of which about half is taken by the terminals, 2 to
4, rarely 5, in number. Antheridia about 400 // in diam. ; coron-
ulae persistent ; oospore 400 /< long, -500 /< broad with seven
ridges, not prominent ; membrane of the oospore thickly
studded with roundish elevations or granules ; these granules
average 1.5 // in diam. (5 granules with their spaces in 15 (JL).
The markings on the oospore clearly separate this species
from all the others of this section, though the plant is clearly
and strikingly distinct in other ways.

The first specimens appear to have been collected in the Mer-
rimac River, Mass., by Green. Since then in Massachusetts,
several places, Farlow, etc., New York, Lake Champlain,
Morong ; Lake Ontario, Allen ; New Jersey, Allen ; Chatauqua
Lake, Allen ; Ohio, Peck; Louisiana, in March, 1836, Dr. Carpen-
ter, etc., etc. Its range thus seems large, but it appears to be
a more northern than southern species (the reverse of subglom-
erata).

Explanation of Plate : i x 25, a fruiting plant "glomeruli "

not large nor dense, rather immature ; 2 x 25, a portion of a

glomerulus, showing only a single stem of a fruiting verticil,

and at " bb " the remains of sterile leaves ; 3, a mature oospore

x 50 ; 4, a bit of the membrane of the oospore highly magnified.

Nitella snbglomerata, A, Br,

TTiteHa obtnsa, Allen.

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Nitslla missonriensis, Allen

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Xitella- 01omerulifera, A. Mr.

Nilclla I'luxilis. Aq

Nitclhi oblu.sa. Allou.

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Nitella montana, Allen.

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Nitella Blankinshipii, Allen

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Nitolla oj»aca

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Xitelhi missoiiri(Misis. Allen.

ADVERTISEMENT

The second part of this work will comprise de-
scriptions and illustrations in the form of lithographs
and photo-gravures of all the known species of Char-
aceae growing in America. It will be issued in fasicles,
each to contain descriptions of eight species and as
many illustrations as may be needed. The text will
describe American species in the order of classification,
but the frequent coming to light of new species will
doubtless require the issue of supplementary numbers,
to which also it will be necessary to refer the descrip-
tion of South American species, for which we await
new collections. The Price of each part will be $1.00.

EXSICCATE, to continue former issues will be dis,-
tributed, as far as collections will permit, to accompany
these illustrations.

T. F. ALLEN,

No. 10 EAST 36TH ST., NEW YORK CITY.

The Characetf of America.

By Dr. T. F. ALLEN.

PART II.

SICLE II.: CONTAINING DESCRIPTIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF

NITELLA CAPITA TA (N. AB. E.) Ac.
NITELLA BASTINI, SP. NOV.
NITELLA PRsELONGA, A. BR.
NITELLA CLAVATA (BERTERO), A. BR.
NITELLA DILATATA, SP. NOV.^
NITELLA MACOUNff.Ai.LE-n.

NITELLA AXILLA R IS, A. BR.
NITELLA MORONGII, ALLEN.
NITELLA ANNULAR IS, SP. NOV.

ISSUED DECEMBER 1894.

Synopsis, revised and continued from page 2.

* * GLCEOCARP.'E

§ DlOlC^E, Habit diffuse, fruit mature in early spring or summer, membrane of
spore covered with coarse granules, 9, Capitata, (N. ab. E.), Ag.

— Habit strict, rather rigid, fruit in late summer or fall, membrane of

spore delicately reticulated, 10, N. Bastini, Allen.
§ § MONOIC^E,

11. N. praelonga, A. Br.

aa. HETEROPIIYLL/E (verticils composed of dissimilar leaves, some

simple, others divided),
Verticils truly heterophyllous; membrane ofoospore granulated,

12. N. clavata, A. Br.

Verticils not truly heterophyllous (sterile leaves only simple or at
times divided); oospore smooth.

13. N. dilatata, Allen.

aa. FLABELLATA (leaves repeatedly divided).

14. N. Macounii, Allen.

B. DIARTHRODACTYL^: (ultimate segments of the leaves two-celled, the terminal
cell mucroniform).

a. HOMCEOPHYLLL/E.

§ DIOIC/E (no species yet known in America).

\ MACRODACTYL/E (leaves divided once, twice of thrice ; ultimate divi-

sions not disproportionately abbreviated).

X SUB-FLABELLAT.« (leaves once or twice divided, compare " XX ")•
* GYMNOCARP/E. Fruit not enveloped in mucus.
! CONGESTS (fertile verticils contracted, in axillary and terminal

" heads."
-(- Sterile leaves terminating in a single mucronate cell (?).

15. N. Morongii, Allen.
_| — [_ Sterile leaves surmounted by a crown of two-celled leaflets.

1. Small, fertile verticils terminal and axillary, lower
cells of the terminal leaflets inflated, short.

1 6. N. axillaris,

2. Larger, fertile verticils terminal, lower cell of the ter-
minal leaflets elongated, not inflated.

17. N. annularis, Allen.

NITELLA CAPITATA (N, ab. Es.) A., 1824.

Synonyms, Chara capitata, N. ab es, 1818: (Chara capillaris
Krocker, Fl. Siles, 1814; name and species uncertain, name applied
to different species). Chara botryoides, Krocker; Chara elastica,

10

Amici, 1827; Chara flexilis vars. acarpa and ramentacea, Wallr,
1833; Ch. syncarpa var. capitata Gant, 1847 ; Chara glomerata, Bis-
choff, 1828; Chara gracilis, Wahlenberg, 1826; Chara gracilis vars.
epicarpa and syncarpa, Wallr; Nitella syncarpa var. oxygyra, A. Br.,
1847 ; N. syncarpa vars. capitata and gloeocephala, Kuetzg. .

This plant usually attains a length of 20 to 30 cm., is much
branched, very flexible, bright green, rarely incrusted. Fruiting as it
does early in the spring, it disappears early in the season ; it is
found in clear spring water. The leaves, usually eight in each verticil,
are once forked ; the terminal segments are one-celled and abruptly
pointed. The fruit develops at the nodes of the leaves. The oogonia
are aggregated, usually two or three. The coronula is evanescent.
The oospore is nearly round, marked when mature by six prominent
and sharp ridges, 280 to 360 long, the surface coarsely granulated.
The antheridia are about 600 in diameter. All the fruiting organs are
thickly enveloped in jelly.

This species, which is common and very variable in Europe, has
been met with in America only in Cambridge, Mass., 1867 (Boot),
and on Long Island, New York, in 1870, by the writer. Repeated
search in the cold streams near Hempstead, L. I. (the original locality),
has failed to re-discover the plant. The form then found was long-
leaved, slender and immature. It is to be looked for in May in clear,
cold brooks.

NITELLA BASTINI, sp. nov. — Nitella monarthrodactyla, fnrcata,
homtvophylla, glceocarpa, dioica.

Plants 2 to 3 cm. high, quite rigid, with verticils of rather short
leaves, 8 to 12 in a verticil. Leaves all once — divided. In the female
plants the leaves are rather longer and larger than in the male ; in the
female the first segment averages 2675 long by 320 broad; in the male
1500 long, 215 broad. The terminal segments, two in number, are
150 to 400 long, 120 broad, rather abruptly acuminate.

The fruit of both sexes is enveloped in mucus and in some cases ap-
pears to be stipitate, especially when, as often noticed, it is found within
a verticil, at the base of the leaves.

Antheridia 600 to 625 in diam. ; oogonia aggregated, oospores 265
to 300 long, 235 to 250 broad; ridges 7 to 8 ; surface beautifully re-
ticulated.

This new and very distinct species was gathered by Prof. Bastin, of
Chicago, near that city, on the site of the World's Fair (the original
locality is destroyed).

The plants seem quite rigid, sometimes encrusted and even brittle.
While the synopsis associates it with the preceding species, it has no

II

I

apparent relationship to it, being similar chiefly in being dioecious and
having fruit enveloped in jelly.

Explanation of Plate. — Fig. I, female plant more elongated and diffused than
Fig. 2, a male plant more contracted ; Fig 3, male terminals x 25 ; Fig. 4, female
terminals x 25 ; Fig. 6, oospores x 50 ; Fig. 5, surface of same highly magnified.

N. PR^LONGA, A. Br. — Die Characeen Afrika's, Berlin, 1868
(name only); description in Braun-Nordstedt " Fragmenta " etc.,
1882, with figures. (N. gelatinosa v. gigantea, Halsted, Charac.
Americ. p. 174, 1879).

This species appears to be the largest known Nitella, collected by
Dr. Ravenel in the " Santee Canal" South Carolina, in 1853, a few
specimens of which exist in the collections of Engelmann (Missouri
Botanical Garden), Gray, at Cambridge, Mass., and of Braun, in Ber-
lin ; also collected by Lindheimer in Texas, summers of 1847 ar>d
1848, "in three creeks between the upper Guadaloupe and Pierde-
nales, often at a depth of ten feet."

The stems attain a diameter of 2 to 3 mm. and a length of
several feet (4 to 6 or more). The internodal cells are often 6 to 8
inches long, the nodes bearing verticils of long sterile leaves, which
below are nearly as large and long as the stems, becoming smaller
above. The leaves are simple and terminate abruptly in a mucroni-
form point. Braun in his "Fragmenta " states that the young leaves
terminate in a cluster of minute short leaves which are not readily
noticed, and which fall off when old ; the accompanying cut is copied
from his figure. I have not observed these
minute terminal leaflets, partly due, perhaps, to
a desire to avoid mutilating the few specimens
I have been able to examine. From the upper
verticils, pedicils arise which bear verticils of
minute leaves which are once divided and bear
both antheridia and sporophydia ; the pedicil
abruptly diminishes as the first verticil of fertile
leaves appears, and from that point to the tip

of the fruiting part the plant is enveloped in jelly; see Fig. 2. The
fertile verticils are usually four in number, and each consists of eight
leaves which are once divided ; the first segment is quite short, about
150 in diameter; the terminal segments, three in number, acuminate
and sharply pointed, overtop the fruiting organs ; there is an antheri-
dium and a single sporophydium at the node of each leaf. The oospore
is black with 6 or 7 rather prominent and sharp ridges, 500 to 560
long and of the same breadth ; it surface is covered, when mature, by
fibres, matted like felt. The antheridia are 360 in diameter.

12

In addition to the localities named we must mention Mobile Bay, at
the mouth of the river, from which some sterile fragments have been
sent by Mr. Chr. Mohr : it is presumed that they belong to this species,
for no other large species belonging to this division is known. This
species is to be looked for in our Southern fresh waters; the old
station, " Santee Canal," is destroyed by the closing of the canal;
Lindheimer's station is to be examined again shortly, we trust.

Explanation of Plate. — Figs. I and 2, plant reduced ; Fig. 3, a section of the
fruiting "spike," showing a fertile verticil with young fruit; Fig. 4, a mature leaf-
tip; Fig. 5, an oospore ; Fig. 6, a section of the shell of a mature spore (diagram-
matic), highly magnified.

NITELLA CLAVATA (Bertero) A. Br., Char. Aust. Hook. Journ. \, 1849; name
only; Chara clavata Bertero, Coll. No. 117; also, Gay, Hist, fisica y politica
de chile, par Claudio g., Botanica, tomo sexto p. 551, 1853. N. clavata Kuetz.
Tab. phyc. VII. t. Si, 1857.

This species, first founded on South American specimens, has be-
come fully elucidated by means of its many forms, which have been
found from Uruguay, Chili, Mexico and California, to British America.
It is essentially a Pacific Coast species.

Stems, usually densely tufted, varying from a few inches to over a
foot in length ; the lower portion elongated, while the upper verticils
become crowded and densely tufted.

The verticils consist of two sorts of leaves (see Fig. 2) the one, 3 to
6, or even 8 in number, once divided into 3, rarely 5, terminals and
bearing, when fertile, fruit; the other sort of "leaves" (consult Part
i, p. 23) consists of simple, .undivided leaflets, situated between those
of the first sort, not always of the same number.

The leaves of the upper verticils become fertile and bear an apical
antheridium and lateral oogonia, usually three in number. The oospore,
from 300 to 470 long and from 300 to 420 broad, is marked by 6 or 7
prominent and sharp ridges ; the surface is minutely roughened, gran-
ular (in some specimens the roughened surface can be distinguished
only by the best lenses, for example, a -^ oil immersion is sometimes
required.) Antheridia 300 to 400 in diameter.

VAR. INFLATA, A. Br., Herb. 1863; N. Pottsii, Seeman in lit.,
1855 (N. capitata Potts); N. clavata var. Muclleri, Schaffner, in
seed. 1856, flor. mex. ined.

This variety is characterized by the enormously inflated leaves, so
that the fertile verticils look like small balls 5 mm. in diameter, the
leaflets about 2 mm. long by i^ mm. broad; the supplementary,
sterile leaflets are often wanting and the oogonia often stipitate ; the
oospore may have eight angles.

This typical Pacific coast species is met with from Uruguay and
Chili to British America. It is very variable as to size and size of the
oospore. There seems in most forms to be a decided tendency to
dilatation of the leaves, but in all forms wherever found the surface of
of the oospore is very minutely granular. The stations reported in the
Braun-Nordstedt " Fragmenta " are Orizaba, Mexico, Mueller, 1853 ;
Big Sandy River, Missouri Plains, Fendler, 1849; Monterey, Cal.,
Bolander, 1865 ; Basin San Francisco Water Works, Bolander, 1865 ;
Mexican boundary, Coppermine Creek, southern New Mexico, west of
the Rio Grande, Wright, 1851-2; the var. inflata, near Tacubaya,
near the City of Mexico, Schaffner, 1854, and in ditches near Chapul-
tepec, Potts, 1854.

In addition I have received specimens from Sau vies Island, Oregon,
J. and T. J. Lowell, 1882 ; San Catalina Island (var. inflata), Brande-
gee, May, 1890; Sand Coulee, Montana, August, 1891 ;

Lake Merced, near San Francisco, ; San Luis Potosi, Mexico,

September, 1890, Pringle.

In Uruguay the species was collected in 1839 by Gaudichand and
Twedie; in Buenos Ayres; in Argentina; in Cordova ; Bolivia, etc.
Spegazzini reports a var. laguroides from Uruguay, but the speci-
mens distributed by Migula, Sydow and Wahlstedt, No. 26, do not
differ from other collections, notably those from Mexico by Pringle ;
the verticils are remote and contracted, a not uncommon form hardly
characteristic of a variety. His "var." zonata, also from Uruguay, is
a form with zonular incrustation, frequently noticed in collections of
many species of Nitella and naked-stemmed charge.

The specimens from Oregon bear oospores averaging 440 long by
410 broad ; those from Montana 340 long by 306 and even 260 broad ;
from Oregon, 7-8 ridges ; from Montana, 6 ridges — all minutely
granular.

Plate. — Fig. I, portions of fertile verticil >( 25 ; Fig. 2, copied from Braun-
Nordstedt Fragmenta an upper view of a verticil, showing two sorts of leaves; Fig.
3, an oospore >( 50.

NITELLA DILATATA, sp. nov.

Plants diffusely branched 6 to 10 inches long; stems i to 2 mm. in
diameter ; lower verticils consist of 6 leaves which are at times simple,
at times once divided ; but without any "adventitious" leaflets, hence
falsiy heterophyllus ; fertile verticils contracted to dense masses, like
' ' heads, ' ' long over-topped by the more slender fertile leaves ; leaves
of the fertile verticils all once divided, the terminal leaflets, in number
2 to 5, usually 3, somewhat inflated below, tapering above to a sharp

14

point rarely inflated above and abruptly pointed. Fruit at the divi-
visions of the leaves, oogonia single or aggregated ; terminal cells of the
coronula elongated; coronula evanescent; oospore
440 to 480 long, 360 to 375 broad with 6 or 7 angles
which are not prominent, the surface perfectly smooth
(even under the highest lenses). Antheridium 530-
580 in diameter. The first division of the leaves
is about 400 in diam. ; the dilated terminals are from
800 to 900 in diam. at the widest part.

This unique species, of which but few specimens
exist, was sent by Prof. Macoun, of Canada, as having
been collected by Mr. John Moser, at Canaan Forks,
New Brunswick. Mr. Moser, however, when applied
to had no recollection of having collected it, and has not been able to
re-discover the plant, after careful search in that vicinity. It is possi-
ble that the locality may be wrong, since its appearance associates it
with N. clavata, A. Br., and the explorations of the route of the Cana-
dian Pacific may have brought the plant to light.

It is, however, quite distinct from N. clavata, A. Br., not only by
apparently, but not truly belonging to the helrophyllce, but by the pecu-
liarity of the coronula of the sporophydium and the peculiarities of the
mature spore, which is larger and has a perfectly smooth surface (never
seen in N. clavata, A. Br.).

NITELLA MACOUNII, Allen ; Tolypella Macounii, Allen. Bull.
Torrey Bot. Club, XIV., p. 212, plates 72 and 73, Nitella Macounii,
Allen, idem XV., p. n.

Plant small, 2 to 4 inches long, densely tufted and much branched.
Stem about 250 in diam., bearing verticils consisting of about eight
leaves. Leaves all divided, but dissimilar, part bear fertile nodes and
are twice divided, the terminals being one-celled, a few do not bear
nodes and consist of a long two-celled terminal. This same dissimi-
larity pertains at the first node of the leaf, which bears leaflets with a
secondary node, and then a simple two-celled terminal. These two-
celled terminals, whether springing from a stem-node or a leaf-node,
are usually as long as or even longer than the other terminals. The
first segment of the leaf is 190 to 200 in diam. ; the second, about 140
to 150 in diam. ; the terminals 120 in diam. ; and terminate abruptly
in a sharp point. The last node of the leaf bears generally 3 to 4
terminals with an antheridium and two or three oogonia. The fertile
leaves are usually but once or twice divided, while the sterile leaves are
usually 2 to 3 times divided. Some ultimate nodes, especially the sterile
leaves, bear four long terminals, all of which are two-celled, but the

ultimate cell is never a mucro. Oogonia aggregated, oospore 210 to
2I5 long> 20° to 2I° broad, with 7 to 8 ridges, surface peculiarly
marked by short elevations (see plate) ; these elevations are clearly seen
with moderate lenses ; they show on the edge of the spore like minute
mountain peaks ; they extend from the ridges at right angles a short
way, and are irregularly distributed over the surface, but are always
short.

This species was collected by Prof. John Macoun near Niagara
Falls, and subsequently in Lake St. Clair.

Explanation of Plate. — Fig. I, plant natural size; Fig. 2, fertile verticil X 25 '>
Fig. 3, sterile verticil X 25 i Fig. 4, oospore X 5°; Fig- 5, surface of oospore highly
magnified.

NITELLA AXILLARIS, A. Br., Characecn aus Columbien, Guyana und
Mittelamerika, 1858.

Flexible, small ; sterile verticils usually consisting of eight leaves,
quite simple, elongated, their apices terminating in a minute crown of
4-5, very short, two celled leaflets; fertile verticils contracted in mi-
nute, sub-sessile axillary " heads," the leaves of which are mostly twice
divided, the terminal segments two-celled, bearing an antheridium and
oogonia which are often aggregated ; coronula of the oogonium short
and obtuse, nucleus ovate, sub-globose, fuscus, y-striate 290-320 long ;
"membrane of oospore reticulated" Nordstedt. In stagnant pools
near Caracas, March, 1854, legit Gollmer (Herb. A. Br.). The same
species was collected by F. Mueller, near Orizaba, Mexico ; in this
form the stem is simple, or with only a few branches, about i mm, in
diameter; the fruiting "heads" i^ to 2 in diam., the terminal seg-
ments of the leaves 60 to 120 in diam. ; the mucro 40 to 50 diam. at
base, 100 to 120 long. A variety was collected in Java, near Batavia
(Herb, van den Bock.), mixed with acuminata v. Javanica and polyglo-
chin v. Javanaca, which varies from the American form in being more
delicate with smaller, more completely sessile "heads" and smaller
oogonia. This form carries also the minute crown of small terminal
leaflets on the apex of the leaves.

The above description has been quoted from A. Braun, and the
figures have been copied from the Braun-Nordstedt " Fragmente."
The plants have not been seen by me.

NITELLA MORONGII , Allen, Bull. Torr. Bot. Club, XIV., p. 214.

Slender, 2 to 6 inches high ; lower verticils consisting of long
sterile leaves once or twice divided, terminating in a single mucronate
cell ; some of the sterile leaves appear to terminate in a node, as
though terminal cells had dropped off, but we have not been able to

i6

detect any cluster of terminal cells, as in the preceding species ; and
as some apices of the sterile leaves certainly terminate in a mucronate
point, we take this to be a distinctive difference between these allied
species; fresh plants must be examined to determine this matter with
certainty. Upper verticils are fertile and condensed in terminal and
axillary " heads, "some of which are very minute, others forming dense
clusters, 6 to 8 mm. in diameter. Leaves of the fertile verticils, 6,
very short, once or twice divided (occasionally a third division will be
noticed), first division 95 in diameter, terminals usually 4, or when
the ultimate node bears fruit 3, consisting of two cells, the lower 460
long, 80 in diam., not inflated, the terminal cell, mucro, 45 broad at
base, 140 long, tapering to a sharp point. Oogonia, usually on the
ultimate nodes, solitary, coronula persistent. Oospore 250-260 long,
240-245 broad, with 5 prominent spirals ; surface minutely granulated,
according to Nordstedt " grumous like felt with knotty fibres" like
pralonga. Antheridia 1 70 in diameter. The only collection of this
species was made by the late Dr. Thos. Morong on the 'island of Nan-
tucket, in July, 1887.

Explanation of Plate. — Fig. I, plant, natural size; Fig. 2, portion of a fertile
verticil X 25 5 Fig- 3> UP °f a ^ea^ X 5° > Fig. 4, oospore ] ( 50 ; Fig. 5, sections
of membrane of spore, schematic, highly magnified. The Figs. 6-9 belong to N.
axillaris.

NlTELLA ANNULARIS, Sp. 11OV.

Plants 6 to 8 inches long, branched and forming intricate masses ;
lower verticils consist usually of six sterile leaves which in the middle
of the stem are often quite elongated, even exceeding the length of the
stem ; these are divided once oT twice into two or three elongated seg-
ments, the tips of the sterile leaves are surmounted by a crown of three
leaflets which are elongated and two-celled; the lower cell about 610
long, 290 broad the terminal (mncro) 200 long, 116 broad at base,
tapering gradually to a sharp point. The fertile verticils are very much
contracted and appear to terminate branches or peduncles from within
the sterile verticils in the middle portion of the stem, or terminate the
stems at the upper part, so that these " heads " are terminal. The fer-
tile verticils are usually somewhat branched and consists of an axis
with numerous whorls of fertile leaves ; these fertile leaves, though short,
are longer than the internodes of the axis, so that the fertile verticil
appears quite dense ; additional branches often arise within a fertile
verticil, so that it becomes compound and often unilateral in appearance
(see upper part of Fig. i). The axis stem is here about 500 in diam.
The fertile leaves are usually six, once divided, terminating in two or
three ultimate, two-celled leaflets ; the first segment of the leaves is 600

to 750 long, 200 to 225 broad; The terminal segment, including the
mucro, 750 to 975 long, TOO broad; the mucro, or terminal cell, 170
long, 50 broad at base, tapering and sharp-pointed.

The most remarkable feature of this Nitella is the swollen and thick-
ened nodes, both of stem and leaves. Owing apparently to this pecu-
liarity the various segments of the leaves drop off very early, the mucro
can be fonnd only on the youngest leaflets, the terminals of the leaves
drop from the node of the leaf, leaving three (usually) prominent and
thickened nodal cells (see Fig. 2), the leaves drop from the axis leaving
a ring of thickened nodal cells, as at Fig. 2 (hence the specific name),
these nodes persist on many of the older, almost naked stems, looking
like thickened nodes in some species of Polygoiuim. In the younger
parts of the plant the leaflets seem to tear off, leaving shreds of tissue
around the swollen nodal cell, (see Fig. 4), in which the leaflets have
dropped leaving a somewhat stipitate antheridium and a ring of tissue
of the base of the leaflet around each nodal cell. It would seem that as
the nodal cells thicken and enlarge the bases of the leaves become torn,
not inflating as the cells swell. The same peculiarity is found in the
sterile verticils, and it is rare to find a persistent crown of terminal
leaflets on a sterile leaf.

The fruit is borne on the node of the leaf; the antheridium is
somewhat stipitate and persists after the subtending leaflets have fallen,
520 in diam. ; the oogonia, generally three in number at each node,
seem to arise on one side of the leaflet ; the coronula is evanescent ; the
oospore is nearly round, 280 long, 260 broad, with five striae, and is
minutely granular like that of N. Morongii, A. I have not been able
to observe whether the surface is or not covered with " felted fibres."

This species was collected by Mr. Pringle in a " cold pool, Arroyo
Ancho, Sierra Madre, of W. Chihuahua, October 8, 1888," in Mexico.

Niteila capitata ( N.ab E.), Ag.

gg*- •'•^""••^3

Nitella Bastini. Allen

Nitella prelonga. A.Br.

Nitella clavata, A.Br.

Nitella dilatata, Allen.

Nitella Macounii, Allen,

Nitella Morongii, Allen Fi£. 1-5.
Nitella axrllaris. A.Br. - 6-9.

Nitella annularis, Allen.

The Characeae of America.

By Dr. T. F. ALLEN.

PART II.

FASICLE III.: CONTAINING DESCRIPTIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

NITELLA LElBERGIl*. NOV.

NITELLA MUCRONATA A. BR.

NITELLA CAPITELLATA A. BR.

NITELLA GRA CILIS (SMITH) AG.

NITELLA TENUISSIMA (Dssv.) Coss. ET GERM.

NITELLA TRANSILIS SP. NOV.

NITELLA PYGMAEA A. BR.

NITELLA MINUTA ALLEN.

NITELLA INTERMEDIA NORDST.

NITELLA ASA-GRAEANA SCHAFFNER.

ISSUED APRIL, 1896. ^

Synopsis, continued from page 9 (and completing the "Macrodactylte" group.)

! ! DIFFUSA, fertile verticils not contracted '< in dense axillary and terminal
masses." N. Leibergi, Allen.

X X FLABELLATAE folise twice or more divided.

GYMNOCARPAE.*

1. Fruit in all divisions of the leaves, the last division sometimes excepted.

-(- Cospore (nucleus) 270 to 380 long. N. mucronata, A. Br.

-j- -)- Oospore 220 to 280 long.

a, with five ridges, prominent. N. capitellata, A. Br.

b, with six ridges, not prominent. N. gracilis (Smith), Ag.

c, with seven or eight ridges, prominent. N. transilis, A.

2. Fruit in all divisions of the leaves, except the first division, which is sterile,

usually.

a, folise as long as or longer than the internodes, spreading.

N. transilis, A.

b, folia short, verticils compact, often moniliform.

N. tenuissima (Desv.) Kiitz.
* * GLOEOCARPAE. Fruit enveloped in mucous.

1. Plants minute, stem 130 in diam. N. minuta, A.

2. Plants larger.

a. Diffusa, stem 300 to 450. N. intermedia, Nordst.

b. Congest a, stem 400 to 750. N. Asa-Graeana, Schaffner.

NITELLA LEIBERGI, sp. nov. — Nilella, diarthrodactyla, homoeophylla,
monoica, macrodactyla, sub-flabellata (furcata) gymnocarpa, diffusa.

Plants small, 3 to 4 cm. in height, diffusely branched. Stem 400
to 425 in diam. Verticils consist of six "leaves." The leaves, often
heteromorphous (some simple undivided, others divided) once or
twice divided ; first segment 340 to 360 in diam. ; first node, rarely fer-
tile ; second segment 220 to 268 in diam; second node usually fertile;
third (terminal) segment 164 to 176 (125 to 135) in diam. ; two celled.
Terminal segments are usually four in number, as a rule undivided, but
at times part or all of the terminals are again divided, the extra node
bearing in turn four terminals. The ultimate cell, a mucro, is about 50
in diam. at the base, by 175 (135 to 185) long. The penultimate cell
generally tapers somewhat from about its middle to the base of the mucro.

The antheridia are about 225 in diam. (vary from 200 to 300).
The oogonia are isolated about 390 long, including the small and per-
sistent coronula. The oospore (nucleus) averages 272 long by 175 to
240 broad, with six strong ridges; its surface is marked with fine gran-

2O

ules (though, being immature, the character of the "Nordstedt mark-
ings " is somewhat doubtful).

These plants exhibit a marked tendency to the " congestae " section,
though in but few of the plants are found decided condensations of the
fruiting leaves.

This species was collected for the United States National Herbarium
by J. B. Leiberg on June 30, 1894, in ''shallow pools which dry up in
middle summer, under and among the submerged Artemisia shrubs,
near Button Springs, Lake Co., eastern Oregon. Alt. 1470 meters."

Explanation of Plate. — Fig. I, plant, natural size; Fig. 2, a verticil and leaf
X 25 ; Fig. 3, a spore X 5° > Fig. 4, surface of spore, highly magnified.

N. MUCRONATA. — A. Br. (N. flabellata Kg. ; N. exilis A. Br.).

Plants about medium size, strong and erect, freely branched, almost
bushy in habit; color dark green, or even brownish; stems, numerous
from a single root, 0.8 to i mm. in diam. Leaves six in a verticil,
twice — or, when fertile, thrice — divided ; terminal segments two (rarely
three) celled, the ultimate cell consisting of a slender mucro. This ter-
minal mucro is much smaller (three to eight times) than the preceding
cell. In fruiting the plant is monoecious, and the fruit is not enveloped
in mucus. The oogonia are usually single, rarely aggregated ; the
oospore (nucleus) is dark-brown or nearly black, with seven rather
prominent and sharp ridges (spirals), 260 to 360 long; its surface is
reticulated.

This plant has been found occasionally in this country, but it seems
to be much more common in Europe. It is quite variable ; in its
slender and more delicate forms, approaching N. gracilis Ag., A.
Braun distinguished three sub-species found in America, var. tenuior
{N. flabellata Kuetz, N. exilis A. Br.), a slender form with isolated
oogonia, with prominent striae on the nucleus, Cambridge, Mass., and
Texas. Var. virgata, " robustior, longi-furrata," oospores aggregated,
Merrimac River, N. H., "in Herb. Decaisne, coll. by Green" (JV.
virgata Wallm.): var. pachygyra from North Carolina and Texas. In
Herb. Engelmann is the following note by A. Braun: "I considered
this formerly as Ch. Elliotti (same as Ch. capitata Ell.), but find now
that it is somewhat different from the Schweinitz specimen from Caro-
lina, and Le Conte's from Georgia; it cannot be distinguished from the
European Ch. flabellata A. Br.

Another specimen, "A7. Braunfels Tex., collected by C. Wright,
1850, and also running water of the Leona," is labelled N. flabellata
Kuetz, Ch. exilis A. Br., and subsequently re-named N. oligospira var.
Wrightii A. Br. "near N. mucrona-temiior or flabellata" A speci-

21

men from North Carolina is labelled by A. Br. " N. miicronata-tenuior
(N. flabellata Kg., same as Ch. Nidifica Schw."

Var. leiopyrena (striae on the nucleus not prominent), reported
from Virginia and from Mexico.

Migula, having studied the variations of this species, both wild and
in cultivation, in Europe, concludes that they cannot be maintained as
permanent sub-species.

The species seems to be hardy and to produce fruit early and freely.
It is reported from scattering stations from Cambridge, Mass., to
Oregon, and south to New Mexico.

Description of the Plate. — The drawings were made from a specimen (var.
temtior') gathered in Cambridge, Mass., and show rather long terminals. All the
antheridia had fallen ; the figures speak for themselves ; Fig. 4 shows the reticula-
tion of the surface of the spore- membrane. The mucro is larger than usual in this
species ; usually it is very slender.

NITELLA CAPETELLATA. — A. Br. in Sill. Jourji., 1844, p. 92, name
("sub-species, N. Gracilis vel potius mucronatael"'}, Ch. tenella A. Br.
olim (1836?) Ch. Ellioti A. Br. olim (1846), Ch. capitdlata "Ell." in
Herb. Martii (with no locality) ? Ch. capitata Elliot, " Sketch of the
Botany of South Carolina and Georgia," Vol. II. (1824), p. 516. As a
matter of courtesy, by Schweinitz, this species was called Ch. capitellata
Elliot, by which name it is recorded in my notice of the North American
Characeae in Sillimari! s Journal. It transpires, however, that in Elliot's
" Flora " there is no capitellata, but a Ch. capitata Elliot, a name which
must be changed on account of the Ch. capitata of Nees, Meyen and
others. Elliot describes it, on p. 516, as follows:

" Ch.? caule ramulisque teretibus, glabris, articulis foliosis, fructibus capitatis,
bracteis bacca paulo longioribus. Stem submersed, floating, terete, glabrous, some-
what diaphanous ; leaves in whorls, generally six, terete, very acute. Flowers (?) very
numerous, collected in axillary heads, at first sessile, afterwards pedunculate. Brae-
teal leaves 4 (?), transparent, acute, a little longer than the fruit. Berry smooth, yel-
low. In this plant I have not been able to distinguish the anther nor any spiral striae
around the fruit.

" Dr. Schweinitz sends me from Salem, N. C., under the name of Ch. nidifica, a
plant closely allied to this. It appears to be more lucid and to bear leaves more
numerous and more slender.

" Grows in ditches. Common in the rice fields on the Ogeechee river, Georgia
(collected by Le Conte, Herb. Richard, labelled Ch. nidifica, and herb. Zeyher,
without locality.

" This plant is intermediate between N. gracilis and syncarpa. The branching
is similar to syncarpa ; it even forms " nests," but is much thinner and more deli-
cate; even the main stem is very fine. The verticils consist of six long leaves, di-
vided into 4-5 long terminals, each of which is divided above its middle. The leaves

22

of the nest-like fertile verticils are twice divided, first into 5 to 3 segments, then into
3 segments, the central portion often again divided above its center, the others undi-
vided. The tips of the leaves are similar to gracilis, but gradually diminishing to
the point, which is very sharp; oogonia single, about the size of the oospores of
syncarpa, with fewest striae of all ; oospores black.

" Herb. Martius. L. v. Schweinitz sent a specimen in 1829 by the name of Ch.
capitellata Ell., without locality. The small specimen is so similar to the one in
Richard's collection, showing the same lack of the lower portion, that I believe i*
came from the same locality.

"The old specimens have been re examined, July, 1858. The terminal segments
90 to in in diam., mucro 100 to 120 long, 30 to 40 in diam. Entire oogonia 360 to
420 long, 270 to 300 broad, oospores 230 to 250 long, 190 to 200 broad, dark brown,
with sharp angles. The size of the oospores corresponds rather to N. gracilis than
to miicronata v. flabellata, but the oospores have fewer and sharper angles. The
Brazilian gracilis collected by Weddell corresponds perfectly as to the oospores.

" A specimen from Texas, in Engelmann's herb., ' in clear springs and creeks
west of Brazos on Mill creek (?), Lindheimer, March, 1844,' is imperfect, but quite
similar."

I have quoted thus at length from Braun-Nordstedt's " fragmenta "
that assistance may be given to the re-discovery of this interesting plant?
as well as to make the records of American Characeae as complete as
possible.

The illustrations have been copied from the figures in the "frag-
menta."

N. GRACILIS (Smith) Ag.

Plant slender and elongated (not spreading and "bushy" like
mucronata). The stems are freely branched, 8 to 12 cm. long and 3 to
5 mm. thick. The verticils consist of 5 or 6 leaves, which diverge from
the stem, thus differing widely from transilis and tennissima in appear-
ance. The first segment of a leaf is about two-thirds the entire length of
the whole leaf, 200 to 250 in diam.; it stands almost at right angles from
the stem in the lower verticils ; first node divides into 4 to 5 secondary
divisions, which are half the length of the first, 170 to 200 in diam.;
the second node (fertile) bears four tertiary divisions (terminals) short-
est of all, 100 to 140 in diam.; these are more frequently three-celled ^
the lowest cell being usually about two-thirds the length of the entire
segment. These terminals sometimes are again divided, the extra nodes
bearing four long terminals. The terminal cell (mucro) is at base
about two-thirds the diameter of the preceding cell at its end next the
mucro, 25 in diam., 25 to 40 long. The penultimate cell seems to taper
from its base to the base of the mucro.

Antheridia 220 to 250 in diameter. Oogonia isolated, at every node
of the leaf ; ocspore 220 to 275 long, 200 to 250 broad, with 6 to 7

23

striae not very prominent, its surface covered with a close felt "of
knotted fibres" (Nordstedf).

The stem of this species is fine, 300 to 400 in diam. The leaves are
longer and the verticils looser than in tenuissima, though in some of its
contracted forms it resembles that species. In its diffuse, much branched
habit, with open spreading verticils, it resembles N. mttcronata, and
differs from N. tenuissima. In the series of connecting forms standing
between those species this (gracilis) stands next to mucronata.

It is not common in America. The specimen from which the draw-
ing was made was gathered in Gorham, New Hampshire, by Prof. Far-
low; it is reported also from Canada (Engelmann) and Texas (Lind-
heimer).

A form collected many years since in Louisiana by Josiah Hale and
found in the herbaria of Engelmann, St. Louis, and Gray, Cambridge,
bearing the name " Chara foliosa," must be referred to this species
as forma divaricata Migula. It has the following characters: Stem
elongated, 415 in diameter, simple, bearing remote verticils. Verticils
consist of six leaves, the first segment of which is half the length of the
whole leaf (entire leaf about 15 mm. long, to tip of mucro), 150 to 170
in diameter. Thejfirsf node bears six divisions, and is usually sterile ;
second segments 75 to 85 in diameter. The second node bears 4 or 5
divisions and is fertile; the third segments are 55 in diameter. The
third node bears 4 divisions and is fertile ; the fourth segments are 40
to 45 in diameter, and taper to about 35 at the upper end of the penul-
timate cell. The terminals, 2 or 3 in number, are quite long and usu-
ally 3-celled ; they bear sometimes a fourth node, which is rarely fertile
and in turn carries 2 to 3 secondary terminals. The terminal cell, a
mucro, is about 25 in diameter at base and 60 to 65 long.

The oogonia are isolated at the second and third nodes of the
leaves, the oospore 260 long by 220 broad (those seen were too imma-
ture to determine the character of the Nordstedt markings). Antheridia
180 in diam.

Transitional forms between gracilis and tenuissima.

Several collections have brought to light forms which, while very
similar to each other, cannot be referred either to gracilis or tenuissima.
Like the latter, the stems are usually tufted from one root and quite
simple. Like the former, the leaves are long and delicate, not divari-
cate, at times longer than the internode and overlapping the adjoining
verticil. The characteristics of specimens from four widely different
localities are so similar that I am persuaded, for the sake of convenience,
to give them a name.

24

NITELLA TRANSILIS, sp. nov. (N. tenuissima var. lo?igifolia Allen,
in Characeae Exsiccatae Americanae. )

Plants simple, tufted, 5 to 10 cm. high, rarely branched. Stem
slender 125-130 in diam. Verticils about 8 mm. distant (in central
portions of stem), not becoming condensed above. Leaves 6-7 mm.
long (the verticils rarely overlapping, even at apex of stem). Verticils
consist of five or six leaves. Leaf, first segment 80-100 in diam; first
node sterile, of six divisions; second segment 50 to 60 in diam.;
second node fertile, bearing six divisions ; third segment 40-50 in
diam.; third node, often fertile, bears 3-4 terminals, terminals not 3-
celled like gracilis, 40-50 in diam.; mucro 20 in diam. at base, 60-70
long.

Oogonia isolated at second (rarely at third) node of the leaf.
Oospore 272 long with j—8 somewhat prominent striae (varies 2 7 2 to
285 long, 245 to 265 broad, with 8 striae). The Nordstedt markings
on the spore membrane vary. In specimens collected by John Robinson
in " Chebacco Pond," Mass., the spore membrane is perfectly smooth;
from Sparta Pond, New Jersey, T. F. Allen, mature oospores show
minute points, almost conical, on the outer membrane, while the
middle membrane is reticulated. In specimens from Rhode Island, T.
F. Allen, the mature oospore membrane is reticulated. In some features
it seems to approach the rare N. confervacea Breb., from Normandy
(which I have not been able to obtain). From N. gracilis it differs by
the presence of fruit on the second node of the leaf, never on the first
{confervacea is said to be fertile at the first node), by the simple char-
acter of the terminals and by the Nordstedt markings. From tenuissima
similar differences distinguish it, though it seems to approach this more
closely than gracilis.

NITELLA TENUISSIMA (Desv.) Coss. et Germ.

Plants very small, rarely more than a few inches high. Stems
tufted, two to five from a single root. The very slender stems, 140 to
250 in diameter, spread widely, often reclining close to the ground.
The stems bear six to eight whorls of leaves, which are remote in com-
parison with the length of the leaves, and usually are short and quite
dense, rarely reaching over more than a third of the internode ; in some
forms the whorls of leaves are so short that the stems appear moniliform.
The verticils consist of six leaves which are three or rarely four times
divided. The first segment is rarely over 75 in diameter, with quite
thick cell-walls, and about one-third the length of the entire leaf. The
first node (usually sterile) carries six or seven rays; the second seg-
ments, about 50 in diam., a little more than half the length of the first

25

segment. The second node, usually fertile, carries five or six rays ; the
third segments are about 50 in diam., and about half the length of the
second ; at times undivided rays spring from the second node (hetero-
morpha). The third node bears three or (usually) four terminal rays
(occasionally some of these terminals are again divided). The fourth,
or terminal, segments (usually four in number) are longer than the pre-
ceding, about 40 in diam., and are two-celled. The ultimate cell, a
mucro, is slender, 15 to 20 broad at base and 70 to 75 long.

The plant is monoecious, the oogonia are single at the second and
third nodes, rarely on the first node. The antheridium is 130 to 200
in diam., often somewhat stipitate; the mature spore varies between
175 and 306 long, 204 to 285 broad, reddish brown, with seven strong
thin ridges ; the surface marked by reticulae, or rather under high ampli-
fication the surface seems to be deeply pitted with irregular pits, while
the surface seems uneven ; the margins of the ridges overhang and seem
to be "jagged."

This species varies considerably. Most frequently we find long-
leaved forms more slender and with thinner cell-walls, often a monili-
form variety, and also more dense and thick-walled forms. Among the
latter is one collected by Dr. Rowlee, of Cornell University, in Mud
Lake, New York; the stems were 127 thick, the segments of the leaves
190, 102 and 88 respectively, and the mucro 30 in diam. at base and
41 long. In addition it is freely heteromorphoits, simple undivided
rays are borne on every node and extend the entire length of the di-
vided leaf; the leaves are at times only once or tivice divided, the
oospore 306 long by 285 broad. When the leaves are but once or
twice divided one may often find five undivided terminals from the sec-
ond node. The long-leaved and "major" forms of this species ap-
proach the intermediate species which I** have hesitatingly created
between this species and gracilis (trans His).

In that species, however, the oospore has eight ridges and its surface
is smooth, reticulated, or even covered with minute elevations ; the ulti-
mate node is also fertile ; the mucro is relatively much stouter and
shorter, 20 to 27 broad and 60 to 68 long; still transition forms occur
along the way toward gracilis.

A distinct variety is found in Cuba, Texas and other tropical
countries in America, var. compacta A. Br., very low and much
branched, forming a thick, turf-like mass. Leaves twice divided. The
mucro falls easily, and is usually missing from the older leaves. Nuclei
200 to 220 long by 150 or 180 broad. A. Braun also distinguished a
forma domingensis of the variety, oospore with six not prominent lines
220 long by 200 to 210 broad. In all its forms the surface of the
mature oospore is reticulated, the reticulae 4 to 10 in diam.

26

Plate. — The figures on the plate represent as follows : Fig. I, ordinary form ; Fig.
2, f. compacta ; Fig. 3, a portion of a leaf X 5° • Fig- 4. mature oospore ; Fig. 5
fragments of the spore membrane, showing reticulations like faint depressions in the
surface, the surface in general being very indistinctly roughened.

NITELLA PYGMAEA A. Br. — A small plant (one or two inches long),
dark gray.

The stems arise from one or two swollen leafless nodes, and produce,
at first, usually two spreading verticils, consisting of longish leaves ;
afterward there arises a series of several short- leaved, contracted verti-
cils. From the sterile and lower fertile whorls two (usually) unequal
branches arise, which produce similar "capitulae." A verticil bears
six leaves, equally twice divided, in fertile whorls partly thrice divided.
In the second node there is often an undivided ray (leaflet). In the
sterile leaves the first segment is twice as long as the second, the third
likewise longer than the succeeding, the second and third equal in
length. The terminal ray one-celled, except the mucro, which is
smaller than the preceding cell, similar to batrachosperma, to which it
is in its general appearance more similar than to tenuissima ; yet, in
spite of its minuteness, it is stouter than N. batrachospenna. Stem 480
to 500 in diam.; first segment of the leaf 360 to 380, second 260 to
280, third 180 to 200 (in the upper verticil 120 to 140). Mucro 60 to
70 long, 20 to scarcely 30 in diam. Antheridia and oogonia on the
first node only, aggregated (two to three, usually two oogonia and one
antheridinm). Antheridia 240 to 250 in diam. Entire oogonium 340
to 360 long, 280 to 300 broad ; oospore yellowish brown, with 7 ridges,
250 long, 210 broad (larger than tenuissima and differing from batra-
chasforma by its ridges, not prominent).

Figures (on plate, with minuta) and description, copied from Braun-Norstedt
Fragmenta ; specimens not seen.

NITELLA MINUTA A. Characeae, Amer. Exsiccatae, No. 34.

This is one of the most minute Nitellae, rivalling N. batrachospenna
A. Br. in smallness. Stem from 2 to 6 cm. in length, about 130 in diam.
The leaves of the sterile verticils spreading, very small, filiform. Leaves
of the fertile verticils condensed into small globular masses, enveloped
in jelly, long-overtopped by the sterile leaves. Fertile leaves twice
divided ; first segment 104 in diam., about 460 long; first node fertile,
bearing four rays; second segment 80 in diam., about 440 long; second
node fertile, bearing three terminals; terminals 30 in diam., about 800
long, terminating in a mucro which is 30 in diam. at base and about
120 long. Oogonia single at each node of the leaf; oospores 350 long,
285 broad with six thick and prominent ridges, its surface marked by
roundish elevations or granules. (See Fig. 5.)

27

This minute ~Nitella was collected in Green Pond, New Jersey, in
1883, and distributed in my American exsiccatae as No. 34. Its only
near relative is N. batrachosperma A. B., of Europe, from which it is
easily distinguished by many differences. A form of this species (which
I had considered to be the true batrachosperma) was collected in Nan-
tucket, Mass., by the late Dr. Morong. It is, however, essentially dif-
ferent from that species, and perhaps also from this ; for the present,
and until mature spores can be found and examined, I must consider it
a form of minuta; it differs, however, in the greater size of the stems
and leaves and the apparent partial inflation of the latter ; its oospores
are also much smaller. Its stems are 220 in diam.; leaves, first seg-
ment 150 in diam., 340 long; second segment 102 in diam., 340 long]
terminals two to four in number, 122 in diam., 850 to 1000 long ; mucro
34 in diam. at base, 122 long. Oogonia single at each of the two nodes
of the leaf, 156 long, 136 broad. Thus it will be seen that the plant
itself is larger, while the oospores are much smaller.*

The membrane of the oospore of minuta is marked by " elongated
granules," Nordstedt. If the illumination be not of the best an erro-
neous impression of the markings is obtained. It is a somewhat diffi-
cult object to determine clearly. Irregular, oval or elongated elevations
are intended to be indicated by the etching (Fig. 5).

NlTELLA INTERMEDIA Ndst.f

" Eunitella, diarthrodactyla, homoeophylla, mo/wica, gloeocarpa.
Folia triplicato-divisa, verticilli conformes, laxi. Nucleus sporangii
ater 0.36 mm. longus. Diam. antheridii 0.24 mm."

Diffuse, about 100 mm. high. Verticils loose, like N. gracilis, the
younger enveloped in mucus, and consisting of 6 to 8 leaves, the lower
leaves as long as 35 mm., the upper 15 to 20 mm., twice or in some
rays thrice divided, rays of the first division 5 to 7, of the second 4(1
to 5), of the third 3 (i to 4) ; terminal segments (of the third division
bicellular; of the second sometimes, but rarely tri-cellular) terminating,
without being sensibly attenuated, in a narrow and elongated mucro.
Sporangia, in every division of the leaf, solitary with a short coronula ;
nucleus broadly oval, blackish, with 8 striae not very prominent, the
colored membrane densely granulo-punctate. Stem 300 diam.; leaf

* February, 1896. — A new examination convinces me that the Nantucket speci-
mens are quite distinct both from batrachosperma and from minuta ; lack of good
material, however, prevents my describing a new species, for which the name
Maxceana would be selected as indicating the locality.

f This description is mainly taken from Norstedt's original in his " De Algis et
Characeis," Lund, 1889.

28

260 diam.; ultimate segments 40 to 45 diam.; mucro 20 to 25 diam. by
40 to 105 long.

This species differs from N. tennis sima by its mucus envelope, by the
larger black nucleus, sporangia in each division of the leaf, and by its
long loose leaves ; from N. batrachosperma, by its size, its long loose
leaves in many rays thrice divided, and by its larger antheridia ; from JV.
gracilis by its mucus, by the larger black sporangium with more promi-
nent striae and by the segments of the third division of the leaves not
being three-celled; from N. leptosoma, genuma, by the loose conform-
able verticils of leaves (thrice divided) and by the inferior cell of the
ultimate segments not being gradually attenuate ; it is, moreover, dis-
tinct from all the above by the structure of the colored membrane of
the nuclei of the sporangia.

In the plate the " natural size " figure was drawn from a fresh specimen, with the
younger, fertile verticils enveloped in mucus.

NITELLA ASAGRAEANA Schaffner, in Herb. Farlow.

Plant 15 to 20 centimeters long, branched; lower verticils of five or
six spreading, sterile leaves; upper verticils becoming rather suddenly
condensed into close, interrupted, spike-like masses of fertile, con-
tracted leaves, enveloped in mucus. The lower spreading leaves are
about 20 to 30 mm. long, divided first into four short leaflets (2 to 5
mm. long), each of which is subdivided into three short terminals about
half a mm. long, two-celled, terminating in sharp mucronate points.
Diameters of sterile leaves: First segment 340, first division 265, ter-
minals 125; mucro (which seems to be very evanescent, dropping
easily and rarely found in older leaves), 48 at base, 115 to 120 long,
very sharp. The upper sterile leaves are often partly fertile. The con-
tracted fertile leaves are five (rarely six) in a verticil, once or twice
divided ; the terminal segments, two or three in number, terminate in
a sharp mucro. The fruit is borne on both nodes of the leaf; isolated ;
the oospore 272 to 290 long, 175 to 190 (or even 230) broad, with five
or six sharp and prominent spiral ridges; the surface grumous.

This plant was collected by Dr. J. G. Schaffner in 1876 in stagnant
pools about Morales, near San Louis Potosi, Mexico, and appears in
Herb. Farlow as No. 6 of his Flora Mexicana (exsiccatae?). The name
is given as spelled on the original label. This original specimen is in a
tangled condition, and could not be satisfactorily studied without injur-
ing the plant (which is quite undesirable) ; new collections may possibly
change somewhat the general description in minor particulars. The
figures on the plate require no explanation further than to explain that a
mass of mucus envelops the upp^r suddenly abbreviated fertile verticils.

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