The microflora from diverse terrestrial and freshwater habitats in the Antarctic was sampled aseptically. The habitats from which the algal samples were obtained (Ross I. and Victoria Land) included a large fresh-water lake (Lake Vanda), shallow fresh-water ponds moist sand and rocks, dry sand, and dry rocks. From these samples, 19 algal species were obtained in unialgal culture in synthetic nutrient medium. The methods of sampling and culture preparation are described. The isolated species were identified and found to include representatives of the Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, and Xanthophyta.