1938 - The Vasculum

35
MARINE ALGAE. Sea weeds.
This group has been extensively studied in the past and we have good local lists in
the "Catalogue of the Marine Algae of North-umberland and Durham" by G. S.
Brady (Tyneside Naturalists Field Club, Vol. IV, 1860) and in "A List of Marine
Algae of Berwick-on-Tweed " by A. L. Batters (Hist. Berwicksh , Nat. Cl. Vo!. XII
(2), 1888). These lists are very full and accurate but rather old. A modern "Handbook
of the British Seaweeds " by L. Newton, published by the British Museum, is a great
help in identifying these plants. A group of us are attempting to bring the lists up to
date and we should welcome more helpers. The following list of new records is the
work of Miss R. Harries and myself.-K. B. BLACKBURN.
MYXOPHYCEAE. Blue-Green Algae.
Xenococcus Schousboei Thur. (=Dermocarpa Schousboei (Thur.) Born.). 66
This is recorded by Batters for Berwick-on-Tweed . It has now been found at
Marsden , epiphytic on small filamentous algae.
Dermocarpa violacea Crouan. 67
On Laurencia at St. Mary's Island.
Spirulina subsalsa OErsted (=S. tenuissima Kütz.). 67
This animated spiral spring is a fascinating microscopic object. Brady recorded it as
green from an aquarium in County Durham but some brought from a Cullercoats
tank by Dr. Day was purple. We have seen it green from the shore at St. Mary 's
Island and at Cullercoats.
CHLOROPHYCEAE. Green Algae.
Chlorochytrium immersum Massee. 66,67
This occurs sunk in the gelatinous sheath of the colonial diatom Schizonema and has
been seen at Marsden and St. Marys Island.
Endoderma Wittrockii Wille. 67
Newton's reference to 1\orthulllberland probably refers to Batters' list, if so St.
Mary's Island provides a new Vice-County. The plant is epiphytic on Ectocarpus.
Chaetomorpha melagonium Kütz (=Conferva melargonium Web.). 66
Brady records for Northumberland only; we have found it also in Durham at
Whitburn. The solitary stiff green bristles are easily overlooked.
PHAEOPHYCEAE. Brown Sea weeds.
Ectocarpus Hinksiae Harv. 67
Epiphytic on the stipes of Laminaria Cloustoni (Rough stalked Oar-weed) at Seaton
Sluice and St. Mary's Island.
Litosiphon Laminariae Harv. 66, 67
This parasite on Alaria is only recorded for V.C. 68. We can now add the localities
Roker and Seaton Sluice.