FRESHWATER ALGAE OF THE CENTRAL

The Central Death Valley desert was investigated at seasonal intervals between 1959 and 1961 to determine the algae indigenous to its freshwater ponds and streams. Myxophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Bacillariophyceae were represented by substantial populations throughout the year. Blue-green algae were especially predominant under the thermophilic conditions. Thirty-two previously unrecorded species were also found in the survey. Deserts are not often considered suitable habitats for an algal flora. Because of the severe environmental conditions of Death Valley National Monument, California, therefore, it would seem almost impossible to find very many, if any, algae, especially those indigenous to an aquatic habitat. However, in March, 1959, I found a substantial bloom of algae, macroscopically identified as belongin