CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE RETURN TO ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY ITHACA, N.Y. The student’s handbook of British mosses Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924001800931 [All Rights Reserved.] THE STUDENT'S HANDBOOK OF BRITISH MOSSES — BY — H. N. DIXON, M.A,, F.LS.; WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, AND KEYS TO THE GENERA AND SPECIES, — BY — H. G. JAMESON, M.A., AUTHOR OF “SILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO BRITISH MOSSES.”’ Gusthourne : PrInTED AND PusiisueD By V. T. SumFiecp, “ Stanparp ” Orricr. Honvdon: Sorp By Joun Wuexpon & Co., 58, Great Queen STREET. 1896. & Price 18s. 6d. Eastbourne : Printed and Published by V. T. SUMFIELD, “ Standard ” Office, Station Street. PREAFACH. The object of the present work is to provide a practical handbook of the mosses of our Islands in such a form as to be as far as possible accessible to the considerable, and I hope increasing number of students of these plants, many of whom find the larger and more expensive works on the subject beyond their means. Most bryologists have doubtless been asked to recommend the most suitable book for the student, and have probably experienced considerable difficulty in answering’ the question. Wilson’s Bryologia Britannica—the prince of bryological books— is out of reach of many on account of its price, and is, after the lapse of forty years, far from covering the whole field of British mosses as they are known to us. Berkeley’s Handbook is similarly out of date (about 465 species are there described out of some 600 as at present recognised) ; besides which some parts of that work, the plates especially, leave much to be desired. Hobkirk’s Synopsis, though containing much valuable information in a small compass for one already well versed in bryology, is somewhat too compressed to be of great service to the less practised collector, nor has it the advantage of illustrations. Braithwaite’s splendid and elaborate work, still in the course of publication, which has done so much to stimulate the study of these plants in our country and which will doubtless remain our standard work for many years to come, is of necessity published at a price which puts if out of the reach of many. There is therefore, unquestionably, a demand for a modern book which may serve to take the place of the older works in the hands of the student, and which, while of modest pretensions in comparison with such a work as the British Moss Flora, may be sufficiently detailed to serve the purpose of the beginner as well as of the more advanced bryologist. How far the present work fulfils these requirements must be left to others to decide. With the above object in view it has been necessary to compress the work into as small a space as is compatible with clearness, in order to keep the price as low as possible. I have therefore omitted many critical discussions which might properly have found a place had the space at my command been larger ; iv and I have felt obliged to treat the varietal forms, especially of some of our more polymorphous species, in what may perhaps be deemed an eclectic rather than an exhaustive fashion. I have also endeavoured to describe the species in language as free from technicalities as possible, knowing that one great deterrent from a more general study of plants, especially of cryptogams, is the difficulty presented by the nomenclature and the descriptive terms. It is impossible, on the grounds of both brevity and accuracy, to avoid the use of technical terms, but I have endeavoured to use only such as seemed really necessary, and I believe that, with the aid of the Glossary, there is nothing in the work which will be found unintelligible by the ordinary student. The Plates have been drawn by the Rev. H. G. Jameson, to whom also I am indebted for the Keys to the Genera and Species, and for advice and suggestion throughout the work, the MS. of which has all passed through his hands. The responsibility, however, for the contents of the book must rest upon my shoulders, and any names or combination of names published here for the first time must be cited with my name alone. Of the short-comings of the book no one can be more conscious than its authors. It would be inevitable, in dealing with a subject of this kind, even with the greatest facilities for attaining accuracy, that errors should creep in, and facts be overlooked ; and when the whole of the work has to be done in the scanty leisure snatched from exacting professional duties, the obstacles in the way of accuracy are greatly increased. I can only ask the student to bear this in mind in passing his judgment on the present work, and to be assured that any suggestions, corrections or additions will be exceedingly welcome. H. N. DIXON. EAST PARK PARADE, NORTHAMPTON, May, 1896. TABLEH OF CONTENTS. PAGE, INTRODUCTION ... ae wi oe bes es nee vil GLOSSARY eee i so ey ie “ak we XXIV ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE TEXT es cae ws XXXI KEY TO THE GENERA... ae ae wa ae we) XXX ADDENDA AND CORRIGENDA a nae oa Fide 500 INDEX... 8 as it iy 6 ss ails 503 EXPLANATION OF PLATES... a a i ak 519 PLATES ... sae sid a a ee bes ize 521 INTRODUCTION. I. GENERAL SKETCH OF THE STRUCTURE OF MOSSES. In a work the primary aim of which is to enable the student to identify and thence to classify mosses there is neither the need of nor the room for a detailed account of their Morphology; this will be readily obtained from works specially devoted to the subject. A short sketch of the structure of mosses is not, how- ever, out of place, and will if carefully read serve to familiarise the student with the botanical terms necessarily employed in the body of the work. In the following sketch my aim is to describe the moss plant as it presents itself to a student examining it with a view to its identification, with as little reference to microscopical detail and to physiological and functional study as can be helped. General Characteristics of Mosses. The student is not likely to have any difficulty in recognising a moss, as such, from any other class of plants, with the exception of the very closely allied Hepatic or Liver-worts. Apart from the fructification, which in the latter plants is of a widely different structure (usually consisting of a dark globular capsule tipping a slender, delicate, white fruitstalk and ultimately splitting into four segments which spread horizontally into a cross), the Liver-worts may asa rule be easily known by their vegetative structure, which is generally of a more flaccid, delicate texture, the leaves when present always very regularly imbricated, in the greater number of species in two rows, one on each side of the stem, frequently bifid or multifid, which is never the case with mosses; always nerveless, and always with a more or less hexagonal areolation— characters which are rarely if ever found combined in any of our mosses. There is a certain hardly describable facies about the Liver-worts which serves to identify them better than any description, and by which with a very slight experience the student will be able to recognise them, with perhaps one or two exceptions, at sight. il Vili INTRODUCTION. Mosses are found in various situations, and may be déscribed as terrestrial, rupestral, arboreal, aquatic, paludal, etc., according to the matrix or the locality which they prefer. These terms, however, must not be taken too strictly, for while almost every species manifests a decided preference for one kind of matrix or environment, and whole classes of allied mosses are often linked together by a common preference of the kind, yet it rarely happens that a given species, whatever its natural habitat, may not occasionally be found in some other, more unusual situation. As a general rule, however, the habitat of a moss may be looked upon as an important aid in determining its identity, and in all doubtful cases the soil or other matrix should be entered upon the label, with the locality. The habit of the moss and its manner of growth, whether the separate plants are scattered singly, clustered or gregarious, or more or less densely tufted, are also points of importance and should be noted at the time of collecting. The Vegetative Organs. Mosses always consist of a stem and leaves, though either of these structures may be so reduced in size as to be inconspicuous. A certain ambiguity in the use of the terms ‘ stem,” “branch,” should be here pointed out. They are frequently used, and are employed in this work, in a double sense, either as designating the actual solid cylinder upon which the leaves are arranged, or as embracing the whole visible structure, leaves included. Thus in speaking of the cuticular cells of the stem of Sphagnum, the first and more restricted meaning of the word is understood; whereas when a stem is spoken of as tumid or inflated, it is the whole structure, stem and leaves together, that is referred to. The absence of any convenient term to express the latter con- ception renders this extension of the words somewhat desirable, and they will, I believe, in no case give rise to confusion. The different modes of branching in different mosses are perhaps among the first things to strike the beginner, owing to the very different results they produce in the general appearance of the mosses. There are two main types of branching by which all mosses may roughly be divided into two classes. In the one the stem is typically erect, simple, slightly forked, or with more numerous lateral branches, but producing the flowers and later the fruit at the apices of the stem and of at least the principal INTRODUCTION. ix branches ; by this the apical growth of the stem is terminated, and further development can only take place by new branches, usually termed innovations, which are most frequently produced, singly, in pairs or in whorls, immediately below the flower. The tendency is therefore to grow upwards, and gradually to increase the number of branches from an originally simple stem, and this naturally conduces to the greater density of the tufts or cushions. Mosses of this type are termed Acrocarpous (Tab. I. 5, 14; Tab. II. 6). In the second type the stem whether little, or, as is usually the case, much branched produces its flowers on the side, not at its apex nor at that of the branches; consequently the apical growth of the stem is not terminated by the production of the fruit, but becomes indefinite, and the stems frequently attain a very con- siderable length. The natural consequence of this is that the stems are rarely erect, but usually more or less prostrate or at least arched. This gives a wider, less dense and less elevated character to the tufts, which are often straggling. This is the type of the Pleurocarpous mosses. (Tab. I. 4, 9, 10, 12). The beginner will very speedily recognise these two types in the field; they are indeed so distinct that it has usually been the practice to make the distinction between Acrocarpous and Pleuro- carpous mosses the primary division of the whole class; this cannot now be maintained, but the distinction between the two types is of considerable practical assistance in the identification of mosses, if of less theoretical importance than has sometimes been held. In the Pleurocarpous mosses the branching is frequently regularly pinnate; sometimes the branches in these cases are again branched, when the stem is bipinnate, and in a few cases the process is again repeated, resulting in a tripinnate arrange- ment; this is never the case with the Acrocarpous mosses, where the branching is either irregular, or more or less alternate, or imperfectly dichotomous, sometimes, but rarely, distinctly whorled. The innovations formed below the fertile flower frequently develope so rapidly as to equal or overtop the capsules, which then appear, but falsely, to be laterally produced. Mosses are not attached to their substratum by true roots, but there are usually present rootlets or radicles which perform the functions of roots, and are often produced throughout the whole length of the stem, or over the greater part, frequently in very great numbers so as to form a felt-like covering or tomentum ; they are usually of a reddish brown hue, but may assume other x INTRODUCTION. colours. They may be produced, sporadically, upon the leaves or other parts of the plant, and they hardly differ morphologically from the chlorophyllose threads of the protonema ; this is the branched network of conferva-like filaments produced by the germination of the spores, and from which is developed the moss plant: the protonema usually disappears at an early stage in the life of the moss, but in some of the smaller species it is persistent for a considerable period (Tab. V. 3). In addition to the radicular fibres and the leaves, the stem is occasionally clothed with appendages of another kind, intermixed with the leaves; these are called paraphyllia, and are green, multiform, leaf-like or thread-like structures, sometimes formed like miniature leaves, at others deeply cut, fringed, or so slender as to resemble branched threads (Tab. I. 11, 13). The leaves of mosses are of various forms, and the shape of the leaf affords, all things considered, one of the most important specific characters of mosses ; a reference to the glossary and to the figures will illustrate the various forms and explain the terms used, which need not be recapitulated here; but it may be remarked that the leaves are always sessile, never stalked, and in outline range from subulate to orbicular, with almost every intermediate form; that they are never compound, nor even lobed, though frequently serrate in various degrees, or sometimes laciniate. There is no epidermis or cuticular tissue, and the whole leaf is almost always formed of a single layer of cells (v. section, Tab. III. 19, 20), rarely in part or altogether of a double layer (Tab. III. 24), with the exceptions of the nerve (or mid-rib) which when present is composed of narrow and elongated cells often of several layers in thickness and frequently showing some differentiation in structure, and of the marginal border which in certain groups of mosses is formed of different cells from those which compose the rest of the leaf, usually, in such cases, being more like those of the nerve (Tab. III. 10, 2r). The leaves may be more or less decurrent at the base, the lamina running down the stem for some distance on each side below the insertion or line of juncture of the leaf-base with the stem ; this is sometimes so conspicuous that the stem is distinctly winged (Tab. Il. 7) ; in certain groups it is a character of great importance, and in such cases the leaf should be separated with great care from the stem, in order that the decurrent part, or a portion at least, may be detached also. As a rule however the degree of decurrence can best be observed by stripping the INTRODUCTION. Xl greater number of leaves from a stem and examining the remaining ones under the microscope, while still attached. It should be borne in mind that the lowest leaves on a stem, and sometimes too on a branch, are often very small or in other ways far from typical, and these should never be selected for examination; the same objection frequently applies to the uppermost and youngest leaves, which may not be fully developed, though occasionally they are the only ones in which certain structures, of a very fragile nature, can be observed. In the Pleurocarpous mosses the leaves on the branches are usually smaller and less highly developed than the stem-leaves, and unless otherwise mentioned the latter are always the ones described. A similar difference is sometimes, but more rarely, found between the leaves of the fertile stems and those of the barren branches in the Acrocarpous mosses. The position of the leaves when moist, and also when dry, is of great importance, and in many species affords a clear and sufficient specific character recognisable at once even in the field. When the leaves are not otherwise described they are to be taken as arranged equally all round the stem (Tab. I]. 5); in some cases they are regularly distichous, 7.e., springing from opposite sides of the stem in two rows, in which case they are usually, though not always, complanate, 7.e., flattened out in one plane like the frond of a fern (Tab. II. 1); this latter arrangement is even more frequently the case when the leaves are not truly distichous, but spring from all sides of the stem, the flattened or complanate arrangement giving them however a close resemblance to truly distichous leaves (Tab. II. 2). When a leaf instead of spreading out directly from its base is turned towards another side of the stem it is said to be secund; it usually happens that all the leaves in such cases are turned towards the same side, when they are termed homomallous (Tab. II. 4); when, as very frequently occurs, they are also curved, they are said to be falcato-secund (Tab. II. 3). The leaves are frequently undulated or plicate; to observe this in the moist state it is best to separate the leaves and examine them under the microscope, taking care to submit them to as little pressure as possible; but when it is desired to observe this fact in the dry state it is almost invariably better to do so by means of the lens while still attached to the stem. The same remarks apply to the degree of concavity of the leaves, which is sometimes of importance. The cell-structure, or areolation, of the leaves is a character of the highest value. It must be remembered that the cells at the xu INTRUDUULION. base of the leaf and frequently those at the apex also are more or less modified, and the normal type of areolation of any species must be considered that of the median part of the leaf; and it is safest to take for examination a point about one-third of the length of the leaf from its apex; the figures of cells in the Plates, marked 1 c., are all taken at this point. It is however often of importance to examine also the basal cells; in this and indeed in all cases it is of importance to examine those of fully matured leaves. In addition to the form of the cell, it is necessary in certain cases to note also the thickness or otherwise of the cell-wall. It is hardly possible to define a limit at which a cell-wall becomes incrassate, but a consultation of the figures referred to in the Glossary under that term will give a very fair idea of its signification. The cells figured in Tab. III. 3, 8, may be taken as typically thin-walled cells. The presence or absence of papille on the surface of the cells is another point requiring observation ; this is best done, not by examining single leaves, but by placing a stem or branch under the microscope, so that the papilla may be observed as it were in profile. In a few cases, more especially where they are confined to the front or upper surface, it is necessary to cut a thin transverse section of the leaf (Tab. III. 19, 20). This is also desirable in a few other cases, when it is required to observe the structure or form of the nerve or its appendages, as in Campylopus, Dicranum, and Polytrichum (Tab. II. 10, 12, 14, 18). When it is desired to observe the basal cells, and especially those of the basal angles or auricles, it is especially necessary to remove the leaves carefully and gently, as otherwise these special cells are liable to be left adhering to the stem. Reproductive bodies, termed gemma, are not unfrequently produced on or among the leaves; these are of various forms and colours, but are usually green or brown, globular or club-shaped, articulate structures, resembling to the naked eye grains of dust or pollen; in certain cases their presence is of great assistance in the determination of species. The Reproductive Organs. The reproductive organs of mosses are usually situated among specialised leaves, forming the so-called flowers. They are of two kinds, the antheridia, or male organs, and the archegonia, or INTRODUCTION. xii fertile organs. Besides the specialised leaves or bracts they are usually surrounded by numerous, hyaline, jointed hairs, called paraphyses. The leaves composing the fertile flower are called the perichztial leaves or bracts; those surrounding the antheridia, when these are separate from the archegonia, are termed the perigonial leaves or bracts. These bracts, of either kind, are often highly differentiated, and important to observe; but in many groups of mosses they are hardly distinct from the ordinary leaves. The antheridia (Tab. V. 18) are small elliptic or clavate bodies, usually of a thin, loosely areolated texture and pale brownish colour, more or less wide and obtuse at the apex; they contain the antherozoids which, escaping, enter the archegonia and fertilise the oosphere, the cell which ultimately developes into the mature fruit. The archegonia (Tab. V. 19) are narrower in shape, resemb- ling a narrow, long-necked bottle, and are almost always of a deep red colour; they usually occur in some numbers in each perichetium, but it is as arule only one which is fertilised and produces fruit. The relative position of the antheridia and the archegonia is of great importance, and different terms are applied to the in- florescence in accordance with these different relationships; as they are somewhat difficult to grasp these terms are here tabulated. The antheridia and archegonia may occur only on separate plants; the inflorescence is then termed dzozcous (Tab. V. 20 & 21). If they occur on the same plant it is termed monoicuus. This includes several distinct forms, according to the positions of the two organs; they may occupy two different positions on separate parts of the stem, the antheridia then being usually enclosed in distinct perigonial bracts; the inflorescence is then said to be autoicous (Tab. XVII. E. 10). Or the antheridia and archegonia may be mixed together in the same flower, which is then termed synozcous (Tab. V. 22). Or, finally, the antheridia may be placed just below the fertile flower, without special perigonial bracts, simply in the axils of the lower pericheztial bracts ; this form of inflorescence is termed paroicous (Tab. V. 23). Occasionally two of these forms of inflorescence are found side by side in the same species. It may be mentioned that the paroicous form of inflorescence appears to be confined to Acrocarpous mosses, and the synoicous XIV INTRODUCTION. very nearly so, occurring very rarely, perhaps exceptionally, in the pleurocarpous species. The tertile flowers are always more or less gemmiform, z.e., bud-shaped; the male flowers are occasionally wider, with open and more or less spreading bracts; in this case they are termed discoid. Upon fertilisation the archegonium and its contents undergo great development ; the oosphere becomes the capsule or sporan- gium, the outer part of the archegonium itself simultaneously developing up to a certain point, but ultimately rupturing midway so that the upper portion is carried up with the fruit, the lower half remaining fixed at the base and forming a minute sheath round the base of the fruit-stalk, termed the vaginula; this is occasionally covered with short, erect hairs (Tab. V. 12). In very few cases the capsule remains sessile; in the vast majority of species it is elevated on a seta, or fruitstalk, of vary- ing length; and it is by this process of elevation that the arche- gonium is ruptured. The upper half as has been mentioned is carried upwards with the fruit, and is known as the calyptra or veil; it is usually ot a thin membranous texture, more or less completely covering the capsule, and either falls off before the capsule is fully ripe or in other cases remains till maturity; the increase in size of the capsule usually causes it to split from the base upwards ; when the fission takes place on one side only, or conspicuously on one side most strongly, the calyptra is said to be cucullate, 7.e., hood-shaped (Tab. IV. 2,6); when it splits equally on two, three or more sides it is termed mitriform (Tab. IV. 1). The calyptra may be smooth or plicate, glabrous, papillose or hairy, the hairs either erect or pointing downwards. The seta is variable in length and stoutness, occasionally rough with warts or papilla, usually twisted when dry. It is straight, flexuose, or arcuate, z.e., curved like a bow ; the curving is sometimes even more pronounced, when it is said to be cygneous, 7.e., curved like a swan’s neck. In the latter cases it frequently becomes erect when old, and in some species it always takes an erect position when dry, while regaining its curved form when wetted. When dry the seta is usually spirally twisted, and the twisting may be either to the right (z.e., the spirals ascend towards the vzgh¢ to an observer supposed to be standing within the spiral ; from the outside they appear, on the side nearest him to ascend to the /eff), or to the left. It is rarely, however, I INTRODUCTION. XV believe, that the direction is sufficiently constant in any species to afford a good character of distinction, and it is only in a very few cases that I have relied upon it. When the calyptra falls off or is removed the capsule is exposed; it is usually more or less elliptical, but is frequently elongated and cylindric, equally often shortened and even globose, or it may be pyriform ; it is often striated (Tab. IV. 11, 18), more rarely angular (Tab. IV. 14); it is erect (Tab. IV. 9), inclined (Tab. IV. 12), cernuous (Tab. IV. 14), or even pendulous (Tab. IV. 13), and it is often more or less curved, or asymmetric. There are other forms which it less commonly assumes. The capsule may be cleistocarpous, that is without any regular orifice or lid, but bursting irregularly; rarely it opens by valves (Tab. IV. 7). Usually, however, it opens with a lid, resembling the lid of an urn; this falls off at maturity, its rupture being often assisted by the unrolling of the annulus, a very highly elastic ring of cells surrounding the orifice at the point of juncture with the lid, and rolling back with considerable force and rapidity when the capsule is fully ripe. The annulus is however not always present. The spores are usually produced in great numbers, and are green or brown; they are either smooth, or papillose or tuberculate; almost always more or less globose, rarely angular. They range, in point of size, with a few exceptions, between 10 and 25 win diameter. They usually surround a central column of tissue, called the columella, which is sometimes long enough to be distinctly visible above the mouth of the capsule after the fall of the lid, and occasionally is united to the interior of the lid, retarding its fall for a time and finally falling off with it. The mouth of the orifice after the removal of the lid is in some mosses a bare rim, when the capsule is termed gymnostomous ; but more frequently it is furnished with a fringe surrounding and in part closing the mouth; this fringe is termed the peristome, and affords, owing to the numerous forms and degrees of development it assumes, and its constancy throughout large groups of mosses, a very important basis of classification, especially as regards Orders and Genera. The researches of Philibert and others have recently brought into clearer light the great importance of this organ from a systematic point of view; and as the main divisions in the present work are based upon its structure, the student will do well to become familiarised with its general character and the terminology employed in its description. xvi INTRODUCTION. The peristome may be single, 7.e., may form a single circle or fringe (Tab. V. 6, 17); or it may be double, consisting of two concentric circles, an outer and an inner (Tab. V. 7, 12); very close however to one another, and sometimes even partly united. Taking the single peristome first, it sometimes consists of a thin membrane, rising conically over the mouth of the capsule, leaving only a minute aperture at its apex; much more frequently however, indeed in the vast majority of cases, the membrane 1s as it were split from top to bottom into a number of filaments, called the peristometeeth. These teethare always produced in multiples of 4, indeed there are always either 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64, the median numbers being by far the most frequent. They vary very greatly in length, form, colour, and other characteristics, red being the predominant tint. They are usually very thin in texture, in most cases consisting of a double layer of very thin plates, divided transversely into segments, with more or less distinct lines at the points of division, sometimes forming very strong trabecules, or bars, standing out prominently on the face of the tooth like the rungs of a ladder (Tab. V. 10). The double peristome is more complicated in structure. The outer fringe superficially resembles the single peristome already described, although differing in minute points of structure; the inner peristome is always more delicate in texture, usually paler in colour ; occasionally it consists of 8 or 16 delicate filaments or processes alternating with the outer teeth, more rarely opposite them; in other groups these processes are wider, meeting one another at their base; while still more often they are more or less united below, so as to form a continuous basal membrane surrounding the orifice, while their upper portions remain free ; these upper portions being frequently more or less split or pierced along the median line. The spaces left between these free upper portions are often occupied by still more slender prolongations of the basal membrane, termed cilia, singly, or grouped in twos or threes; these are extremely delicate and thread-like, and frequently in the most highly developed forms bear short transverse appendages at intervals (Tab. V. 15, 16). All these different parts exhibit much variation in the degree of their development, and the whole peristome is often reduced to a fringe of short rudimentary teeth around the orifice; the teeth are often, also, on the one hand cleft, to a greater or less extent, into two or three branches, or again, more or less approximated or even united in pairs (Tab. V. 17), or in fours, or they may be connected, in various degrees, by transverse bars, so as to form a INTRODUCTION. Xvil kind of lattice-work. The numerous and delicate forms, as well as the perfect regularity and the rich colouring of the peristome render this organ a most beautiful microscopic object. The teeth are strongly hygroscopic, usually, when mature, spreading more or less widely in the dry state, but rapidly converging so as to close the mouth of the capsule when moistened, or even when merely breathed upon. The wall of the capsule frequently exhibits stomata, usually not very numerous, and as a rule arranged more or less distinctly in one or two rings round the capsule most commonly towards its base or upon its “ neck,” z.e., the portion intermediate between the seta and the base of the spore-sac, or inner membrane containing the spores, which as a rule does not reach quite so low as the base of the outer case. The stomata are sometimes superficial, z.e., on the surface of the wall of the capsule (Tab. V. 1), sometimes immersed, z.¢., sunk in its substance (Tab. V. 2). This distinction is of great importance in the genus Orthotrichum, in which both forms of stomata occur, and afford a safe and useful character for the separation of species and even of groups of species. II, CLASSIFICATION, NOMENCLATURE, ETC. The primary object of this work being to simplify the determination of our British mosses for the student, and to make it available, as far as possible, for a beginner, it has been my chief aim throughout to introduce as little novelty and to employ as few technicalities as appeared compatible with accuracy and clearness. For this reason | have preferred to keep as closely as possible to the system of classification which prevails in the greater number of those works which the student is most likely, at the outset, to consult, and of which that employed in the second edition of Schimper's Synopsis Muscorum Europzeorum may be looked upon as the basis. The researches and critical writings of recent bryologists have added much to our knowledge, and have led to the proposition of new schemes of classification ; but great as was the temptation to follow, more or less closely, on these new lines, it appeared to me that the difficulties put in the way of the student, in a more or less elementary work, by a novel classification and order, were likely to outweigh the advantages they might confer. Xviil INTRODUCTION. On the other hand the researches of Philibert and others into the structure and development of the peristome have necessitated acertain amount of reconstruction. Schimper’s system, and those of most other authors, have been to a very great extent founded on characters derived from this organ; and where groups have been united on the ground of supposed affinity between types of peristome subsequently shown to be remote from one another, and vice versa, it is clear that it would be wrong to ignore the later conclusions, and I have felt obliged in some degree to modify the classification in accordance with this conviction. The chief deviations from the usual order and grouping, and indeed almost the only ones of importance, will be found in the separation of the Grimmiacee from the Orthotrichacez, with or near which they are usually placed, and their removal to the Aplolepidez, where, undoubtedly, they belong; and the separation from the rest of the Bryales of the Nematodontoid group, including the three Orders Tetraphidaceze, Polytrichacez, and Buxbaumiacee. I have also discarded the usual division of the main group of mosses, the Bryales, into Acrocarpi and Pleurocarpi, believing that the characters involved in this division are far subordinate to those which separate them, according to the nature of the peristome, into the great groups of the Nematodontez and the Arthrodontee. It will be found, however, that this view does not entail any alteration of the usual arrangement, the pleurocarpous mosses following the Bryacez in the same order as is found in most works. One point that it is as well to bear constantly in mind is that differing degrees of development between peristomes are of slight systematic importance compared with dissimilar ‘yes. Thus the difference between the gymnostomous capsule of Funaria fascicularis and the highly complex peristome of F. hygrometrica represents but a slight divergence in relationship, whereas the peristomes of a Splachnum and of a Grimmia, though perhaps almost indistinguishable except under a close microscopical examination, are fundamentally different in their structure and indicate a wide divergence of type. Carrying out this principle it is undoubtedly the soundest method of classification to group the cleistocarpous genera and species of mosses with those to which upon the ground of vegetative and other characters they appear most nearly allied, not to unite them together in a separate group; and although this method entails a slightly greater difficulty in the identifying of the species in question, it undoubtedly presents to the student a more natural and therefore more scientific arrangement. INTRODUCTION. xix The following is a conspectus of the system of classification followed in this work, so far as relates to the main sub-divisions and the Natural Orders. Order I. Order II. Sus-CLass I. SPHAGNALES .........p. I S Phas ace de abies dees cassscganaas seus sdaeu tones Sus-Ciass I]. ANDREAFALES...............p. 23 And rex acezs | ccommmavaieneantsvante taccoummeeeenseen. 49 Sus-Cxiass III]. BRYALES 2. p. 30 Group A. NEMATODONTEZ ....... cece eee oy Order III. Order IV. Order V. Teétraphidacest:.....isavncaiacverssstateenccsattetece gf POly EriChaCeae quencies saesinubidiveusakineennoas’ Pp. 32 Buxbaumiates s.o.. ccc scssreecsneveeaes on oneaeas ene Ds AT GROUP B. ARTHRODONTEA......ccccec cee ceeueeees Sub-Group I. Aplolepidez ........... eee Order VI. DIVEPAN ACER) oe ca ashis vaisecoeeaseinaevasiccngawa sesetewaedes Order VII. HissidentaceS -iavecessicccnvedaiedwomuniuesmedenectrans Order VIII. Grimmiacez Order TX. — Portulacese sxcceccusseusui ont sannovensceasmemeresr Order X. EinGal y pte G20 scenic iin docesvss or eeeadypeennua deals Sub-Group II. Diplolepidee 1.0.00... * Diplolepide® ACTOCATPE vovcecieccecsvecrvess Order XI. Orthotrichaced ........ccce ccc cee cee eee see cee ese eens Order XII. Schistoste pac ele sense denasy dad vecteunentnce vanes Ofder ML: “Splachnacese ci cacciicesnanraveicarveasenvecsndeas Order XIV. Funariaced 20.0.0... ccc ccc ccc cce cence cece eee cne sens Order XV. Meesiacede wcx-aievsnsteeeanersaneneearcirieutmeeees Order XVI. ——- Timmmiaced ...... 0... ccc cce eee eee ee eee eee enes Order XVII. Bartramiaced ......... ccc cec ccs cee eee cee cee ee eee enees Order XVII. Bryacea®: stesestesciouesuarvons adver taaaearssees * * Diplolepidexr Pleurocar pz .......6600066-Ps Order: XIX, Hoptinalacess: csiccciicvns nonweiedewnecassermegnevens Order XX. Cryphzeacez ecerGL. Nero eictaceesesessecossioattantnianiacesenamaenn Order XXII. Hookeriaceze ......cec ccc cecc ec cec cee cee see eee eee seeees Order XXIII. Leucodontace® ........cccecec cee cce cee eeeeeeeeaeees Order XXIV. Leskeaceze ter MON, Hygnse a seccegcets re gece misc oS tS XX INTRODUCTION. As to the choice of nomenclature I have been guided by very similar considerations to those which prompted the selection of the above classification. The principle of priority in nomenclature may be considered as universally accepted; but the acceptance of the principle is far from having produced, at present, that uniformity which is one of the most important objects it sets out to attain; nor can uniformity be hoped for until there is a general acceptance, not only of the principle of priority, but of the rules by which the principle is to be carried out; the limits, for example, of its retrospective action. Following out the principle in question, Lindberg has arrived at a system of nomenclature very widely differing from that of most works on bryology, and he has been followed very closely by Braithwaite in the British Moss Flora. I have not felt it desirable to conform to this nomenclature however; partly on the grounds above given, that it would tend to confuse beginners who might be expected to have in their hands chiefly such works as the London Catalogue of British Mosses, Hobkirk’s Synopsis, etc.; partly because of the extreme doubtful- ness as to the finality of the nomenclature in question; and this even apart from the question of the general acceptance of those particular rules upon which the principle of priority has been carried out by Lindberg. For it is seen that these rules them- selves involve the almost indefinite impossibility of finality, since there is always the chance of an earlier name being discovered for a given species than the one whose priority is (for the time) established; a possibility exemplified at the present time in the literature of the Sphagnacez in a very striking manner. I have therefore maintained the nomenclature employed by Schimper (Synopsis, Ed. //.) as far as is compatible with the somewhat different classification here adopted, except in the following cases. When a name is pre-occupied for a phanero- gamic or other class of plant (as in the case of Thamnium and Homalothecium) I have, of course, dropped it and employed the earliest alternative name. And in a few cases where Lindberg’s nomenclature has been used also in standard works of modern or comparatively modern date (as in the case of Catharinea Ehrh. = Atrichum P. Beauv.) I have taken it as an indication of a general acceptance of the name and have employed it here. I hope that these few changes, while insufficient to cause any great difficulty to the student, may in a measure bridge over the difference between the “old” and the “new” nomenclatures, and prepare the way for the latter, without introducing any unaccustomed names but such as it may be anticipated will be finally adopted. INTRODUCTION. Xi The limits of the work precluded any full synonymy being given ; nor, in a work of its scope, did it seem necessary to give, for instance, any such full and complete synonymy as that which forms so valuable a feature of the British Moss Flora. I have, with few exceptions, given merely the original authority for the specific name—when that differed from the authority for the binomial—and also the names employed in Schimper (Syzopszs, Ed. 7.) and in Braithwaite (British Moss Flora), when these differed from the name here employed. In the case of the pleuro- carpous mosses, I have given the name (where different) employed by Lindberg, understanding that, in the main at least, his nomenclature will be followed in the remaining parts of the British Moss Flora dealing with these, which at the time of writing have not been published. I have not attempted to give any full list of localities, nor, indeed, to indicate the distribution of the species in our islands, except in the case of the rarest ones. An incomplete list of localities is, I hold, for this purpose not only useless but misleading, and I have not the materials for anything like a complete list even for the more uncommon mosses; nor would the size of the volume allow of it. I have therefore given no localities except for the very rare species, but when these are given they are intended to be, so far as I could make them, exhaustive. The notes to the species are for the most part descriptive rather than critical, and will, I hope, be found of assistance ; in many cases- two species may be distinguished, especially in the field, by some slight difference in habit or mode of growth, very difficult to define in set terms, but of more practical value, for this purpose, than many a clearly-defined but less easily observed structural character. The value of such notes will of course depend upon and be proportional to the degree of the writer’s acquaintance with the plants themselves, especially in their growing condition, and in many cases this must of necessity be but small. While, however, making full use of other works on the subject, I have endeavoured, whenever possible, to describe each species from personal acquaintance with the plant itself, and, so far as might be, from a knowledge of it in the field. In the case of every species, and in the greater number of the varieties described, I have examined specimens, and in most cases British specimens, of the plant. I have introduced the plan, which is adopted in many continental books, but which has not, I believe, been hitherto XXii INTRODUCTION. employed in any of our British works on the subject, of giving in italics the salient and most distinctive generic and specific characters. This will, I believe, be found a help by the student, but it must be remembered that it is intended rather as a practical assistance in identification than as an indication of what are, from a systematic standpoint, characters of importance ; for though as a rule the two run side by side it not unfrequently happens that a feature of such slight structural importance as colour or size may separate two species at a glance, but the italicising of these characters must not be looked upon as necessarily implying that they form the most important distinction between the two. Another feature of the work which is undoubtedly in the bryological literature of our islands something of an innovation, is the introduction of sub-species. Ihave not employed this method of classification without considerable deliberation and some hesitancy ; nor am I unaware that it has its disadvantages, and perhaps its dangers. The temptation to subdivide genera into sub-genera, and species into sub-species, varieties, sub-varieties, forms and sub-forms, becomes increasingly great with the growth of more accurate knowledge and the closer study of forms. That these terms represent actual and existing degrees of affinity there can be no doubt, nor can there be any as to the importance of a recognition of the fact ; but I hold that such minute sub-divisions are quite out of place in a general work of this kind, and are only justified in works dealing with special and limited groups, and even then only when they are dealt with from a somewhat different point of view, in short when the object of the work is of a theoretical rather than of a practical nature. I should therefore greatly deprecate the introduction of such a chain of terms, and their inevitably greatly multiplied nomenclature, into works intended primarily as hand-books for the student, and secondarily only as text-books for the systematist. Ido not however think that the introduction of sub-species alone is open to the same objection, while it certainly meets some of the difficulties which constantly present themselves to the classifier who has no middle choice between species and varieties. While the method pursued here gives, I believe, a truer view of the relationships of the plants in question than if they were treated either as independent species or as merely varieties, I do not think it will be found to render the classification in any way more complex or more cumbersome. I have retained the ordinary binomial designation as in the case of full species, and the only practical difference will be found to be that the sub-species are not numbered in the headings, but indicated by an asterisk. INTRODUCTION. Xxili I have ventured to revive, in the case of generic names, what was I think a feature of considerable assistance to beginners in some of our older works, viz., the indication of their correct pronunciation, by an accent placed over the vowel of the accented syllable. The Key to the Genera and the Keys to the species under each genus have been re-written, to suit the arrangement of the work, by the Rev. H. G. Jameson, from his “Illustrated Guide to British Mosses.”” They will, I have no doubt, be found of material assistance to the beginner, especially in the larger genera; but it must always be borne in mind that they are intended as a guide to, not as a substitute for, the fuller descriptions. The Plates are based upon those published by the Rev. H. G. Jameson in the above-mentioned work; they have however all been re-drawn and in many cases have been improved and added to, while between 20 and 30 species and sub-species are here figured which were not included there. They have all been drawn direct from nature by means of the camera lucida, and against each figure will be found the scale of magnification used, the sign x1 being employed for unmagnified figures. The scale has been kept uniform throughout the entire series in the figures of the leaves (x 15), the leaf-apex ( x 60), and the leaf-cells ( x 180), so that the figures show not merely the form, but the comparative size of the structures. The advantages derived from this are too obvious to need pointing out. Each species and sub-species described is represented, and the five introductory plates will be found very useful by the beginner, as illustrations of the technical terms used in the body of the work; references to these will be found in the Glossary. ili GLOossARY- Acrocarpous, having the fruit terminal on stem or branch (Tab. I., 1, 5). «icumen, a gradually tapering, narrow point. Acuminate, with an acumen (Tab. II., 8, 12). Acute, with a shorter, sharp point (Tab. II., 7, 14). Ageregate, clustered. Alar cells, the cells at the basal angles of a leaf (Tab. III., 25). Amentula, the special branches bearing the antheridia, in Sphagnum. Amphithectum:, the outer layers of cells of the sporogonium. Amplexicaul, clasping the stem. Angular cells, v. alar cells. Annulus, a specialised ring of cells between the mouth of the capsule and the lid ; usually separable, and often highly elastic. Annular, like a ring. Antheridium, the male reproductive organ (Tab. V., 18). Aptculus, a short, abrupt point. Apiculate, ending in an apiculus (leaf, Tab. II., 11). Apophysis, a swelling of the fruit-stalk immediately under the capsule (Tab. IV., 9, 14, 15). Appendiculate (cilia), with short transverse bars at intervals (Tab. V., 15, 16). Appressed, applied closely to the stem in an erect position. Arboreal, growing on trees. Archegonium, the reproductive organ of the fertile flower (Tab. V., 19). Arcuate, bent in a curve like a bow (capsule, Tab. IX., D. 5). Areolation, the net-work of the cells of a leaf. Arista, a fine, bristle-shaped point. Aristate, ending in an arista (perichztial bract, Tab. XIL., C. 3). Cf. mucronate, cusprdate, piliferous. Articulate, jointed (gemmez, Tab. XXXIV., I. 12). Ascending, pointing upwards or forwards (spines, Tab. IX., C. 1a). Auricle, a small lobe or special patch of cells at the basal angle of a leaf (Tab. IL, 8; XVIL., H. 1). Autoicous, having the male and fertile organs in separate inflorescences on the same plant (Tab. XVII., E. 10). Axil, the angle or hollow at the base of a leaf between it and the stem. Axillary, belonging to, or in an axil (male inflor., Tab. XX., F. 1 ,» G.I). Bicuspidate, with two short horns or points (Tab. XI., E. Ix*), mile cleft into two divisions (paraphyllium, Tab. I., 1 33 peristome teeth, Tab. +) 10). Bi-stratose, in two strata or layers (cells, Tab. III., 24). Bracts, special leaves surrounding the reproductive organs. Bulbil, a minute bulb or bulb-shaped body (Tab. XLV., E. 12). Bulbiform, like a bulb (plant, Tab. XXV., C.). GLOSSARY. XXV Cespitose, tufted. Calyptra, the thin veil or hood covering the lid of the capsule (Tab. IV., 1, 2, 3 6, 8). Campanutlate, shaped like a bell (calyptra, Tab. IV., 6, 8). Canaliculate, channelled (leaf, Tab. XVI., I. 1). Capillary, Capillaceous, hair-like. Carinate, keeled like a boat (leaf, Tab. XXV., C. 3). Cartilaginous, firm and tough. Castaneous, chestnut-coloured. Catenulate, resembling a little chain. Cernuous, slightly drooping (capsule, Tab. IV., 11, 14; Tab. I., 10). Chlorophyllose, containing grains of chlorophyll, or green colouring matter. Cilta, hair-like threads (of inner peristome, Tab. V., 15, 16). Cf. processes. Ciliate, with cilia (pericheetial bract, Tab. XII., C. 3). Circinate, curved into a circle (leaf, Tab. LVII., F., H.). Cirrate, curled. * Cladocarpous, having the fruit terminating a short, special, fertile branch. Clathrate, resembling lattice-work. Clavate, club-shaped (gemma, Tab. IV., 5, x 180). Cleistocarpous, capsule opening irregularly, not by a lid or valves (Tab. XII., E. 5). Cochleariform, concave like a spoon or ladle (leaf, Tab. LIII., G.). Columella, the central column of the capsule (Tab. IV., 15). Coma, Comal tuft, a tuft of leaves at the tip of a stem or branch (Tab. XXV., D.). Complanate (of leaves or branches), flattened out more or less in one plane (Tab. IL., 2). Conduplicate, folded together, face to face (leaf, Tab. XLVIII., D. 1). Connivent, meeting one another (perichetial bracts, Tab. XXV., C.). Constricted, suddenly narrowed (capsule at mouth, Tab. IV., 16; below mouth, Tab. IV., 19). Convolute, rolled together (leaf-margins, Tab. XVI., D. 13 perichzetial bracts, Tab. XXV., B.). Cordate, heart-shaped (leaf, Tab. LIX., L. 1). Crenulate, with fine, convex or rounded teeth (leaf-margin, Tab. VIII., G. Ic; Tab. XXI., C. Ic). Cribrose, perforated, like a sieve (peristome teeth, Tab. XXI., E. 6; Tab. XXIV., E. 6). Crisped, curled up and twisted (leaves, Tab. IT., 6). Cructform, cross-shaped. Cucullate, hood-shaped and (of the calyptra) split on one side only (leaf-apex, Tab. VI., A. 2; calyptra, Tab. IV., 6). Cf weztreform. Cultriform, curved like a short, wide scimitar (leaf, Tab. XLIX., F. 1). Cuneiform, wedge-shaped (peristome teeth, Tab. V., 5). Cuspidate, having a moderately long, stiff, acute point (Tab. II., 9). Cf. mucronate, aristate, pileferous. Cuticle, the outermost skin of the stem. Cuticular, belonging to the cuticle (cells, Tab. I., 8). Cygneous, curved suddenly downwards like a swan’s neck (seta, Tab. XXV., F. 5). Cymbiform, boat-shaped (leaf, Tab. VI., A. 2). Deciduous, falling off, not persistent. Decurrent, with the base of the leaves running down the stem on each side, like wings (Tab. II., 7; Tab. XVIII., D. 1). XXV1 GLOSSARY. Decurved, curved downwards. Decumbent, prostrate with the tip rising upwards. Deflexed, bent downwards. Dehisce, split open. Deltoid, \ike a Greek Delta, or triangle (leaf, Tab. LIV., J. 1). Dendrotd, tree-like. Dentate, sharply toothed (leaves, Tab. I., 11). Denticulate, very finely toothed, or obscurely toothed (Tab. XII, F. 3a3; Tab. XII., T, fa). Denuded, having the leaves worn off. Diaphanous, colourless and transparent. Dichotomous, repeatedly forked (stem, Tab. I., 5). Dimorphous, of two forms. Diotcous, having the male and fertile inflorescences on separate plants (Tab. V., 20, 21). Discoid, like a disc or plate (male inflorescence, Tab. NL. K.). t Distichous, in two opposite rows on the stem (leaves, Tab. II., 1). Divaricate, Divergent, spreading widely apart. Dorsal, belonging to or on the back, z.¢., the face of a leaf remote from the stem. Emarginate, having a small notch at the end (the nearest approach to this in the Plates is the leaf-apex, Tab. XXVIII., C.). Emergent, half uncovered ; of the capsule, when the perichzetial bracts reach but do not overtop it (Tah. NXX., J. 5). Cf. zwzmersed, exserted. Endemic, confined to a single country or geographical area. Endothectum, the inner layers of cells of the sporogonium. LE piphragm, a membrane covering the mouth of the capsule. Lquidistant, at equal distances from one another (peristome teeth, Tab. V., 5, 6, 7). Lquitant, having the leaf-bases conduplicate and sheathing alternately one above the other on opposite sides of the stem. Erecto-patent, mid-way between erect and patent ; z.e., spreading from the stem at an angle of 45° or less. Erose, Eroded, irregularly notched or worn, as if gnawed (perichetial bracts, Tab. XLVIIL., C. 5). Everted, abruptly turned outward. Exannulate, without an annulus. Excavate (leaf-insertion ), hollowed out in a curve. Excurient nerve, running out beyond the lamina of the leaf (Tab. II., 9, 10). Lxserted, uncovered ; of the capsule, when the perichetial bracts do not reach so high as the base (Tab. XXNX., K.). Cf. emergent, immersed. Of the columella, when it protrudes from the mouth of the capsule (Tab. IV., 15; Tab. V., 4). Falcate, curved like a sickle (leaf, Tab. II., 8). Falcato-secund, falcate and turned to one side of the stem (leaves, Tab. TD 3)s Fascicle, a bunch of leaves or branches. Fasciculate, arranged more or less in bunches. Fastigiate, with the branches reaching to the same height. Fibrillose, with fine fibres or threads (leaf-cell, Tab. TIL, 13). Filiform, Filamentous, thread-like. Fimbriate, fringed with cilia (Tab. VII., F. 1, G. 1). Flagella, very fine string-like branchlets. Flagelleform, like the thong of a whip. GLOSSARY. XXVil Filexuose, bent backwards and forwards, or waved. Foliose, Foliaceous, leaf-like, or leaf-bearing. Frondose, Frondiform, like a frond, or a broad, flat, somewhat leaf-like expansion. Fugacious, easily falling or broken off. Fuscous, dull brown. fusiform, spindle-shaped, z.e., narrowly oval with narrow, tapering ends (leaf-cell, Tab. VIL, B. 2c). Gemma, a small bud-like body, capable of reproducing the plant (Tab. IV., 5). Gemmiferous, Gemmiparous, bearing gemme (leaf, Tab. IV., 4). Gemmiform, bud-like (plant, Tab. V., 3). Geniculate, suddenly bent (seta, Tab. XXIV., H.). Gzbbous, swollen on one side (capsule, Tab. IV., 11). Glabrouws, smooth, not hairy nor papillose. Glaucous, bluish-grey. Globose, round like a ball. ‘Granulose, rough as with grains of sand. Gregarious plants, growing near together or clustered, but not in close tufts or mats. Guard-cells, the two kidney-shaped cells enclosing a stoma (Tab. V. 1). Gymnostomous, bare, without a peristome (mouth of capsule, Tab. IV., 9, 10). Hamate, hooked (leaf, Tab. LVIII., I.). Hispid, rough with short, stiff hairs. Homomallous leaves, all pointing in the same direction. Hyaline, colourless and transparent, like water (leaf-point, Tab. XXIII., D. 1a). Hygroscopic, readily absorbing water and thereby altered in form or direction. Imbricated, closely overlapping, like the tiles of a roof (leaves, Tab. I., 7). Immersed, covered up; of the capsule, when overtopped by the perichetial bracts (Tab. II., 6). Cf. emergent, exserted. Incrassate, of the cell-walls, thickened ; of the cells, having thickened walls (Tab. III., 2, 7, 10; the marginal cells). Incumbent, folded inwards and lying upon. Innovation, a branch or fresh shoot from a stem. Insertion, the line of juncture of a leaf with the stem. LInvolute, rolled inwards (leaf-margin, Tab. II., 13; Tab. XXXI., A. 1a). JSulacecus, smoothly cylindrical, like a worm. Lacerate, Laciniate, jagged or torn (calyptra, Tab. IV., 3). Lamella, thin sheets or plates of tissue (Tab. III., 22, 16; Tab. III., 18, in section). Lamina, the blade, or expanded part of the leaf, as distinct from the nerve. Lanceolate, shaped like a lance-point (leaf, Tab. VIII., B. 2). Lenticular, \ike a double convex lens. : Ligulate, strap-shaped (proportionally longer and narrower than lingulate), (leaf, Tab. XIV., A. 1). Limb, the upper part of the leaf as distinct from the leaf-base. Linear, very narrow, with nearly parallel margins (leaf, Tab. XIX., C. 13 cells, Tab. XV., E. Ic). Lingulate, tongue-shaped (proportionally shorter and wider than ligulate), (leaf, Tab. XIV., C. 1). Lumen, the cavity or space within a cell. XXvill GLOSSARY. Mamillate, convex with a short point (lid of capsule, Tab. IV., 13). Mitriform, of the calyptra, cleft on two or more sides, and symmetrical (Tab. IV., 1)- Cf. cczllate. Monoicous, having the male and fertile organs on the same plant. Mucro, a very short, usually rather stout, abrupt point. Mucronate, having a mucro (Tab. II., 10). Cf. avestate, cuspidate, piliferous. Multifid, cleft into many divisions. Muricate, Muriculate, rough with minute, sharp points (spore, Tab. XXVI., F. 9). Muticous, not pointed. Neck, of the capsule, the lowest part, just above the point where it joins the seta. Nodose, covered with knots or prominences. Nodulose, with very small knots (cilia, Tab. V., 14; cell-walls, Tab. III., 7). Obconical, versely conical, z.¢., like a cone with the apex downward. Obovate, inversely egg-shaped, #.e., with the broadest part above (leaf, Tab. XXVI., J. 1). Ochraceous, yellowish-brown. Octofarious, arranged in eight ranks. Oosphere, the central cell of the archegonium. Orbicular, almost circular (leaf, XLIV., A. 1). Ovate, Ovotd, egg-shaped, or nearly so (leaf, Tab. VI., B. 2). Pachydermous, thick-skinned. Paired (peristome teeth), united or approximated two and two (Tab. V., 12, 17). Panduriform, fiddle-shaped (leaf, Tab. VIII., E. 1). Papille, minute rounded or acute protuberances (Tab. III., 19, 20, 24). Pafpillose, rough with papille (seta, Tab. II., 15; leaf, Tab. L., K. 1a). Paraphyllia, minute leaf-like or much branched organs among the leaves (Tab. I., II, 13). Paraphyses, jointed, hyaline hairs growing among the reproductive organs (Tab. V., 20, 21, 22). Parenchymatous, cells with broad ends abutting on one another, not dove-tailing into one another (Tab. IIE., 8); v. prosenchymatous. Parotcous, having the male and fertile organs in the same inflorescence, but not mixed, the antheridia being in the axils of the perichzetial bracts below the fertile flower (Tab. V., 23). Patent, spreading, z.e., spreading from the stem at an angle of 45° or more. Patulous, widely spreading. Pedicel, a short stalk, or fruit-stalk. Pellucitd, translucent, but not hyaline. Penicillate, tufted, like a camel’s hair brush. Lercurrent, reaching to the point but not beyond (nerve, Tab. VIII., F. 1a). Perichetium, Perichetial bracts, special leaves or bracts enclosing the fertile flower and often surrounding the base of the seta (Tab. XXX., B. 3). Perigonitum, Perigonial bracts, special leaves or bracts enclosing the male flower (Tab. XL., K.). Peristome, the fringe surrounding the mouth of the capsule upon removing the lid (Tab. V., 5, 6, 7). Peristomate, having a peristome. Persistent, not falling off. v. deciduous, Piliform, like a long, flexuose hair (nerve point, Tab. III., 16). GLOSSARY. XXIX Pinnate, having numerous spreading branches on each side, like a feather (Tab. I., 9, 10). Piliferous, bearing a piliform hair. Cf. ardstate, cuspidate. mucronate. Pleurocarpous, having the fruit lateral on a stem or branch (Tab. I., 4, 9, 12). Plicate, folded in pleats or furrows (leaf, Tab. I]., 12). Ptice, folds, as above. Plumose, regularly and closely pinnate like a plume or feather (Tab. I., 9). Polymorphous, of many forms. Processes, the main divisions of the inner peristome (Tab. V., 13); v. c2/éa. Proliferous, bearing abnormal or supernumerary outgrowths. Prosenchymatous, cells with pointed ends dove-tailing into one another (Tab. III., 9), v. parenchymatous. Protonema, the green, branched threads produced from the spore, and sometimes persistent during the lifetime of the moss developed from it (Tab. V., 3). Pseudopodium, a leafless branch resembling a fruit-stalk, often bearing gemme (Tab. IV., 5). Of Sphagnum, the stalk (false seta), bearing the capsule. Punctate, Punctiform, rounded, dot-like (cells, Tab. III., 2). Punctulate, with minute dots or points. Pyriform, pear-shaped (capsule, Tab. IV., 13). Quadrate, square or nearly so (cells, Tab. III., 1). Quinguefarious, arranged in five ranks. Radicles, rootlets springing from the stem, etc. (Tab. I., 14). adicular, belonging to the radicles. Radiculose, covered with radicles. Ramudii, minute branchlets. Recurved, curved backwards. Reniform, kidney-shaped (guard-cells of stomata, Tab. V., I). Retort cells, special enlarged cuticular cells with a more or less recurved apex, in Sphagnum (Tab. VI., F., branch). Revolute, rolled back (leaf-margin, Tab. XXX., A. Ia). Rhomboid, ‘* diamond-shaped ” (cells, Tab. III., 10, upper figure). Rhizome, a subterranean root-like stem. Rostellate, with a short beak (lid, Tab. XIII., F.). Rostrate, with a long beak (lid, Tab. XV., B. 5). Rosulate, in the form of a rosette. Rufescent, reddish brown. Rufous, reddish. Rugose, wrinkled (apophysis, Tab. IV., 15). Rugulose, slightly wrinkled. Rupestral, growing on rock. Saccate, bag or sack-shaped. Scabrous, very rough, or warted. Scartose, of a scaly consistency, dry and thin. Secund, twisted to one side (leaves, Tab. II., 4). Serrate, toothed like a saw (leaf-margin, Tab. III., 23). Serrulate, finely serrate (leaf-margin, Tab. XX., L. 1, Ic). Sesstle, not stalked. Seta, the fruit-stalk. Setaceous, like a bristle (leaf-point, Tab. XIX., A. 1). XxXx GLOSSARY. Sheathing, more or less surrounding and clasping the stem or seta (leaf-base, Tab. Bay B. 1; perichetial bracts, Tab. XXX., B. 3). Stgmozd, curved like the letter S (cells, Tab. XVI., I. Ic). Stnuose, waved from side to side (cell-walls, Tab. IIL, 6, 7). Stnuolate, faintly or minutely sinuose. Spathulate, from a narrow base gradually growing broader to « wide, rounded top (leaf, Tab. XXVIII., C. 1). Spinose, with sharp spiny teeth (leaf-margin, Tab. III., 21). Spinulose, with small spines (back of leaf, Tab. IX., C. 1, 1a). Sporangium, spore-sac, the inner sac of the capsule, containing the spores. Sforogonzum, the spore-bearing part of the moss. Sporophyte, the non-sexual generation of the moss, z.é., all the organs produced by the fertilisation of the archegonium. Squarrose, spreading out at right angles from the stem (stem-leaves, Tab. II., 15). Stellate, spreading out like a star. Stolontform stem, a slender creeping stem with minute leaves. Stomata, pores in the wall of the capsule, surrounded by special guard-cells (Tab. V., Ty 2); Stréa, very faint furrows (Tab. XVII., D. 5). Striole, minute strix. Striate, Striolate, having striz, striole. Stréct, straight and rigid. Struma, a swelling on one side at the base of the capsule (Tab. IV., 19). Strumose, having a struma. Strumulose, having a small or indistinct struma. Sub-, as a prefix, somewhat or almost ; ¢.g., sub-entire, almost entire. Subula, a very fine point like a needle or awl. Subulate, having a subula (leaf, Tab. II., 13; lid, Tab. IV. y 19). Subjacent, lying just below. Sulcate, deeply furrowed (capsule, Tab. IV., 11, 18). Synotcous, having the male and fertile organs mixed together in the same inflorescence (Tab. V., 22). Terete, smooth and cylindrical. Terrestrial, growing on earth. Tetrahedral, having four triangular faces. Tomentose, covered with a thick felt of radicles (stem, Tab. I, 14). Trabeculate, with prominent transverse bars (peristome tooth, Tab. V., 10). Trifarious, Tristichous, arranged in three ranks. Trigonous, Triguetrous, having three angles. Truncate, cut off abruptly (capsule, Tab. IV., 10). Tubulose, like a little tube (leaf-apex, Tab. XVI., D. I). Tumid, swollen. Turbinate, top-shaped (capsule, Tab. XLIV., B. 5). Turgzd, swollen. Unilateral, on one side only. Onistratose cells, in one stratum or layer (Tab. III., 19, 20). Orceolate, like an urn or pitcher (Tab. IV., 18). Vaginula, the minute sheath surrounding the base of the seta. Ventricose, swollen on one side. GLOSSARY. XXXi Ventral, belonging to or on the front, z.¢., the face of a leaf next the stem. Vermicular, narrow and curved, like a little worm (cells, Tab. LII., D. 1c). Vesicular, inflated like a bladder. Verruculose, covered with wart-like prominences (cells, Tab. III., 19). Whorled, arranged in a whorl or ring (innovations, Tab. I., 14). NOTE ON THE MEASUREMENTS EMPLOYED. Macroscopical measurements (of stems, leaves, setz, capsules, etc.) are given in inches and lines, 7.e., twelfths of an inch; microscopical measurements (of cells, spores, etc.) in millimetres, expressed in terms of pw (u = yz 345 mm.). For purposes of comparison it may be borne in mind that for small measurements 100 #@ = yy Of an inch, and for larger measurements 1 mm. = 4 a line, or 1 line = 2 mm., very nearly. XXXil ABBREVIATIONS. ABBREVIATIONS HMPLOYED IN THE WORK. Hab. AHadztat. ex p. in part. P- p- et nonnull. auct. and some authors. et mult. auct. and many authors. et plur. auct. and most authors. N. sp. mew species. n. var. mew variety. i op. cit. the above-mentioned work. sec. according to (€.g., SEC. Boulay, according to Boulay). sensu, 7 the sense of, as used je sqq. and the following (e.g, pages). Braithw. Br. M. FI. Braithw. Sphagnacez...... COM eS ytlesis uaceiciientoss Hobk. Syn. Journ. of Bot. ...... Lindb., Musc. Scand. ...... Lond. Cat. of Brit. Mosses. Manual of N.A. Mosses... Muscol. Gall. ...... 0... Musc. Gallica. peta Reéys .Biyy savseanernee wases SCH. SV Nie sowsekaeewse eevee Wils. Bry. Brit. ........... The British Moss Flora; R. Braith- waite, M.D. 1880 sqq. The Sphagnacez or Peat-Mosses of Europe and North America; R. Braithwaite, M.D. 1880. Bryologia Europa; Bruch, Schimper and Gimbel. 1836-55. Synopsis Muscorum Frondosorum ; C. Miller. 1849. A Synopsis of the British Mosses ; C. P. Hobkirk. 2nd ed., 1884. The Journal of Botany, British and Foreign. a Scandinavici ; S. O. Lindberg. 1879. The "Tendon Catalogue of British Mosses. 2nd ed., 1881. Manual of the Mosses of North America ; Lesquereux and James. 1884. Muscologia Gallica; T. Husnot. { 1884-94. Revue Bryologique, 1874-96. Synopsis Muscorum re W.P. Schimper. 2nd ed., 1876. aes Britannica; W. Wilson. 1855. KEY TO THE GHNERA. The following Key is solely intended to enable beginners to refer an unrecognised specimen of moss to its proper Genus. To use it, the student must first consult the ‘‘General Key,” follow- ing it down until he comes to the point where a capital letter refers him to the proper Section for his specimen. Turning to this, he must again follow down the Key there until he arrives at the Genus required. For example, supposing his specimen is Hedwigia ciliata. In the “General Key” he looks at No. 1, which, as his leaves are zo¢ distichous, sends him on to No. 2, and here, as his leaves fave hyaline points, he finds himself referred to “B.” Turning then to B, he finds that No. 1, as his leaves are wethout lamella, sends him to No. 3, under which the nerveless leaves of his plant point him to Hedwigza. It should be borne in mind that the ‘General Key” must be consulted (at least until the student is thoroughly familiar with its method) before turning to the Sectional headings, as these headings only imply that plants with such and such a description will be found under them, zf xot already included in some earlier section, e.g., “D, Leaves bordered” does not include Catharinea, which had already appeared under C. GENERAL KEY, Leaves (at least in barren stems) distichous, in two rows only ..........ee.seeeeees Leaves inserted in three or more rows on the stem .........ccsceseeeeeeeeeencaeee eee enee 2 Ls. with hyaline points, or with the nerve excurrent ina hair .........c eee Ls. without hyaline or hair points (or the whole leaf colourless) ... Ls. with longitudinal lamellz on inner face of nerve...........6066 see aa 3 . without lamelle oncinner face x. ccccessscqesarcaaauck saaamaae eeamcatenmeensiodeoeves Ls. Ls. bordered with narrow eells, or with a thickened border .............ecseeeeeeee AN Tis, snob bordered. sfccicsicsicueseissihssuwsnizasslodseaceavinds omuecnades i dics cate Branch-leaves with spiral fibres in their cells .... Cells without spiral fibres fea brown or blackish, very fragile, on rocks; capsule opening by longitudinal 6 I SITES! sitateantetinicia tobtaw. wisest dinwldiadininintiinnind Miaecdenachtaanvagaesa’ witiaeebiaed 2. Andreea Plant not blackish ; capsule opening by a lid, or cleistocarpous ............c0eseeees 7 hee WIERD RUT E isa onawainnsciniasannaonncaieniaccatmmitatsinbaarn maiwices Be 7\ Plant without fruit .o..cccccccssccscsscsssscsesescesseeeans iceasmnceneaisiagaprateswesene 19 XXXIV KEY TO THE GENERA. Capsule immersed (or emergent only) Capsule exserted........ccccsescssesccsesceeeeeneenereeseneseeeeeeeesenseerenes Cleistocarpous ; plants minute, growing on the ground ..... were a 9 Capsule with a lid (stegocarpous) ; usually larger, often on rocks or trees ae Peristome absent or rudimentary (or capsule cleistocarpous) ..... AG Peristome present sisissaessescscvesorisenessceecseateerresensenaserans re i ita at end of stem, or of a leafy branch............ .. isteeeeeeerenee feeb eeneteseeeeees 12 11/ Seta, surrounded only by the perichetial leaves at its base, at side of stem, or of iB, TOBE casas cee cutscene darnaerRconin tabiand ea mnrinlenlali an aaiesk Ceara nimcaad natun ee aI 17 is Capsule with apophysis as wide as, or wider than itself Ho Capsule without apophysis as wide as itself .........cceseeeeeeeeeee teense een neee eeeaee 13 ‘ Capsule striate, regularly furrowed when dry .......cssscceeseeesene ceneeeeeteneeen teats I 3 ee smooth, or lightly and irregularly sulcate only when dry ... 214 Capsule erect orrsuberect aiecsenchachewneawnensentonagagoeseneamnaagieamaentimnaenaene lee very minute ; plant slender, conferva-like .. 3\ Leaves easily Visible oa cion.’ iimaiedte amatug ncrmidswadeGcuseaguawned pelt naneneebaubbasuiaseasenas . ieee wide-ovate, sharply serrate, with short acumen ............ rrz. Hyocomium 4\ Leaves entire, or with a long, finely serrulate acumen ..............006ccseeeeee eee 15 I Ls. more or less squarrose or recurved ..............0..0005 115. Hypnum 5\.Ls. imbricate (and Plicate) or sub=secund see sineraiwes sesionuisa dneraasessacconansie’ 16 6 Acumen serrulate ...........c ces ceesee eee eee cerca ee pe ii 113. Plagiothectum ACUIMEH! CHUTE co -sasateniane secmiaaieanas dias Mulasmeateuinedeb eeasnusniadcanimeanntes detcees 17 7 {i reddish, more or less plicate, at least when dry ... 105. Orthothectum 7\Ls. not reddish nor Plicate: scsiosccacurmrsancien stand amcimntauanesterter mess 18 18 Ls. ovate below ; capsule erect, lid conic ......... ......0. ...204. Pylaista Ls. lanceolate ; capsule cernuous, or erect with rostrate lid ......... 15. Hypnum R. Plant with gemme or filaments on the leaves or on special receptacles. Plant with special stalked receptacles ...........6.cccesceeeeceeeeeesee ee eeeeeeeeeteeenaees 2 T} Plant without such receptacles .......ccccccecseceeesseecsteeeceeeesttee cuesteetieeensaes 3 Gemme in stalked roundish heads . 65. Aulacomnium 2\Gemmee in terminal leafy CUPS .......cc65 seceeceeeeeeesseeeeteeeeteeceanes 3. Tetraphis Gemme collected at the end of the nerve........... eee cece nee eee ec een beaten eenenns 4 Gemme or filaments on the surface of the leaf or nerve ........ ccc ceeeeeee esse eeeaee 5 Leaves entire... vee fQ. Ulota Leaves serrate qi. ‘Leptodontium Appendages confined to the (often dilated) nerve........... ce eeeeeeeee eee 39. Tortula 5 Appendages scattered over the face of the leaf ...........-. sesso 50. Orthotrichum S. Nerve wide, about one-third of base of leaf. Ls. with subulate points, mostly formed by the nerve ..........ceceeeeeee seveeeeeeees 2 Ls. lanceolate, nerve not reaching apex..........:6ccscceeeesecee erence g2. Porotrichum Ls. with coloured or dilated angular cells..... 0.0.0.0. ceccceseeeeeeeeeeeeee seen seen enna ees 3 2.\ Ls. without special angular cells..............00:ccsceeenee - } Ls. suddenly narrowed above base to a long subula ...........:ceseceeeeeeteeeeeeeeees {te more gradually subulate ...........00:eeeeeeeeeeeee eens 12d. Cinpons Basal auricles of Is. large and inflated ..... 25. Dicranodontium Basal auricles slightly developed or absent ..........pecceeeeeeeeeeeeeees 26. Dicranum Ls. secund ; upper cells not much elongate ... ..2L, Dicranella Ls. spreading ; 3 upper cells very long and narrow .............seseeeee 74. Leptobryum xlii KEY TO THE GENERA. T. Cells wide, 20 » or more in their shortest diameter. Cells short, quadrate or roundish .......::::ssseeessseeeteee ert area reser reese : Cells elongate ..... =a ate ats ctu es srr econ Oeste att pO Bias iS Nerve excurrent .....c.ceccccec cee ee eee eee nee EEE OR ESTEE EET EE 8. sae Nerve vanishing below apex .........:eeeeece seen eee rete ene en Ee Leaves Serrate ac.uceueesdstaasgacreneremareermedimnnewanneas 78. Mniun, Leaves entire.......... 00. shot nana uncer katate» cali 2 Gatenis ce DUO OER ees od Leaves very large, ounil « 52, Edipodium Leaves oblong 1.0... cee cecceece ene ce tees ee eee cee eeteeeeea essen rees 0. Orthotrichum Cells mostly with pointed ends ...........:::eeeeeeeee eee ees eee nnees {Celt flattened at the ends (or leaves large, wide, and flaccid) .. Ls. small, closely imbricate, green or pinkish ............:s:seeeeeee Ls. rarely imbricate, or imbricate and SuveRy? WILE! vccisaiuyieeewiad pndoasinaaiinn so amiainianss 7 Ls. usually narrow, nerve not reaching apex * ...........:esseeseeseeeer eee 75. Webera Ls. usually wider, nerve often reaching apex or excurrent * 77. Bryum Leaves ending in long fine points...........0:66 ceeee secret eee ee eee e eee 54. Tetraplodon Leaves without such points..........:cccceceeeec cece eee eee eet teen eee nena eens ane ceeaeegenans S Leaves obtuse and entire ... sgn l€ Leavesacute: cicvcisasadien savsensavensaseansavsadeninauionstiaasdmudeneameneneciiantie SOEREIEER 1 6 Leaves ovate or roundish ..........cccseeeeee eet eeee eee ares eee tence nent ees 53. Splachnum TsGaveSinGwlate® x canon psicneeuasessmagaessiniisiieeteny nemnnnataapiaer a Sanenes 5. Layloria ii Leaves narrow, serrate near apex ... ...62, Amblyodon Leaves wide, ovate or obovate ** oo... eeeeeeeeee ves Ol. Funaria, &c. U. Leaves obtuse and entire, or bluntly apiculate. Basal cells long and narrow, strongly nodulose................:+44: 30. Rhacomitrium Basal cells not nodulose, at most sinuiose OMLY..........:scceeee eee eee teeta eens neste eeeens 2 Upper cells short, more or less quadrate or roundish .............scccseeeseeee eee eeeees Z Upper celisselongate o:uscquicnavatnsaseeeemaamansemessemeedineeaunpeemareemse: prea vee Ic Branches pinnate or bipinnate, rolled up ose when dry ... 96. Leptodon 3\ Branches not rolled UP: WHENALY: aver svescag sraemes sige acisaisieaawinsraeiecgunsi gate paintmresiegats 4 Leaves narrow, very short, not 4 line long.. e 2. Weiste Téaviessoverigy HOGI ORS saya sieannatiedlanttannintsaninns saneuatans siaimeusilsualaibiommsioaina wucitea tes t Ls. pale, yellowish, pellucid ; upper cells sinuose........ 0. 01... 65. Aulacomniun Ls. dark-green, more or less opaque ; cells not sinuose (except Grimmia) ...... € Leaves obovate-spathulate cccomesssacensemesmpeseriaas sbtuesteniemdacimiy. 39. Te ai Leaves more or less ovate or lanceolate ........ccssccceeeceecensseceeeeeee cenccesenaeenee Stem stoloniform, much interlaced, with erect branches............... 95: Avvinodes 7\ Stem not stoloniform § Leaves over two lines long, with course multifid papille .......... 46. ice Leaves under two lines long siegsh elite eubtalsed veximeainis pmnatuc way ene mecaMeERagTaN caveat JNF Cells quadrate, sometimes sinuose 29. Grimm Cellsrounded: ceuctescwemeenes 5 scsvicnincins 50. Orthotrichun aa Leaves strongly squarrose-recurved .........scccceeecceeceeusecaeeeeeeues 21. Dicranelh Leaves not markedly squarrose ......... cece Cells with flattened ends; ls. narrow- -lingulate Cells with pointed or overlapping ends ...........:.cccccccecccuseeeeeeecseuseeeceeeeeeaee Leaves very large (over 2 lines), roundish PE NMGCAVES SIMAILEEY «girseriunie saudhert ateaus Bia Sordalese len araecas cane semen 13 Plant acrocarpous, erect ; cells usually rather wide .........000...0000c0008 TT: Coun Plant pleurocarpous, rarely erect ; cells very narrow ..............006 115. Hypnun * See also under Webera, p. 302. ** This would include several species of Physcomitrium, Funaria, Splachnum, and Taylori hardly to Le identified by a Key in the absence of fruit. : HOSES KEY TO THE GENERA. xii V. Leaves with enlarged (often brownish) angular cells (acroearpous). { Cells short, more or less quadrate GMS HELO RAC sts eases cece on avat doce tone te evst cy ensaebeoatrteee dio { Ls. much crisped when dry; plant small ............ccc.ceceeeeeues 23. Dicranowetsia 3\Ls. not or Only Slightly crisped sascsesaaciessisestincauisueawsacediebesnmencens 26. Dicranum W. Leaves with exeurrent nerve, or with long, fine subulate points into which the nerve runs. Cells not twice as long as wide, usually quadrate or roundish ..............0.ccccu eee Cells elongate, or with pointed ends 0.0.00... cece cece eeeeeeeee ne eeeeeateeeaae ees Ls. toothed in upper part, or with long, fine, denticulate subula i Ls. entire in upper part, or with a few teeth at apex only.......... es eeeeecceeeeeeeeees Ls. short, glaucous, mealy-looking ; plant small ............eeeeceeeee eee 3\.Ls. not glaucous, or else long and narrow Ls. papillose, long and narrow, spreading or erect...........0:00eeeee Ls. smooth, squarrose or secund ...........ceeccseeeceeeeseeeeeceeeeeeueeeeeaaeeesaeeeenes Ls. subulate-setaceous, secund 1. Ditrichum 5\Ls. ovate or lanceolate; Squarr ase sasainiiaiecenrndtedscameddetinededdinedntdipansccaserden eerind 6 Si a with pale zone at margin and wide apex ..........:cseeceeeeeee gi. Leptodontium s. without pale margin, tapering to narrow apex.. 44. Pleurochete Cells rounded, incrassate ; Is. short ... ......:c.cs0es se vs G8 Lygodon . {cet more or less quadrate or oblong 8 Leaves more or less ovate, or obovate, or large and oblong . ara Leaves ovate-lanceolate, lanceolate, or Limear .........eeceececeseeeseeeeeceeeeusenevess Ls. large, opaque with coarse, multifd papilla oo... ee 40. Encalypta Ls. smooth or finely papillose* ............cccceceseee eee eee se eeeeaaeeseane ees 39. Tortula Margin usually recurved ; ls. more or less lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate ....... Margin plane or EOS: | dante SEN PER Ie RIE CS SRD RAR LONGEY Ls. more or less toothed at apex, not red below 10 1I\ Ls, entire at apex, or toothed, and the lower ones red ......... se esses 40. Barbula _ Ls. glaucous, serrate near base, entire above ......... cee eeeee eee eeeeee ees 42. Weisia Ls. entire below (or slightly crenulate near base only)** 43. Trichostomum F en papillose, Serratesiiscsecnesnsicsainnssesincenasiganens Lopiaiety pee RL peg So 9 ph cee ne hcl ence aed ig Stas the vN ar cuu tan eet aces 15 Ls. very long and narrow ; branches not whorled ... .69. Bartramia mars shorter and wider ; branches often whorled ...............0c00 70. Philonotes Ls. subulate; cells narrow-oblong*** oo... eee eee eeeee eee 2z. Dicranella 15\ Ls. ovate or lanceolate ; cells rhomboid... . ...ccccccccececseeseeseeseees 77. Bryum X. Leaves without excurrent nerve (acrocarpous). Leaves with basal cells sinuose or nodulose Basal cells not sinuose nor nodulose ..........ccceeseeeeeeeeeee eeeecaeeeaeeeeeeeanaes 3 Basal cells very long and narrow, nodulose 0.0... cee eeeee 30. Piesnttion Basal cells shorter, sinuose, or else nerve 2-winged at back above ...29. Grimmia Cells elongate or pointed at the end ............ Cells short, usually quadrate or rounded... * This would also include some species of Pot¢éa, not likely to be gathered without fruit. ** This would include some species of Weisia, mostly with involute leaf-margin, but hardly likely to be gathered without fruit. *** Including Ditrichumz, hardly to be distinguished without fruit. xliv KEY TO THE GENERA. Leaves squarrose, plicate ..........ccssece erect eee t reece teeter cette aneeee eee 71. Breutelia Leaves not SQUATKOSE .......ssseeseccenenteceeensneretttseeenuene couveeseannesecaneeseaneeseaes 5 Leaves papillose ...,.i.....sscissactannanenes 966 sgigs Wasiousictencisenwdngyivagaue amaamnmnemntiatabirtas 6 5| Leaves smooth 8 6{ Leaves small, closely imbricated in 5 ranks ...........ccceeseeee scenes 68. Conostomum aia larger, not conspicuously 5-ranked ........--seseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee estan eeeneeeeee 7 S. ovate or ovate-lanceolate ; branches often whorled ...70. Philonotis 7 te long, lanceolate or linear ; branches not whorled.................- 69. Bartramia 8 Ls. almost setaceous, Very NAYLOW ........ccescseseeessceneseeneeenereeetceeersneteneceneetees 9 ES) NOt SEtACEOUS: aessseqenmeanmdaiasgeaciinriewsdaardenvnn sient sen ainacehenamunaedermeNmuemtmana 10 Ls. sharply serrulate near apex ; nerve wide below ...............44- 74. Leptobryum 91Ls. bluntly toothed ; nerve narrow ; cells wider ... ..73. Orthodontium ro Ls. usually lanceolate ; nerve not reaching apex*............::0ecccseceeeeeeeeeeeenees Il Ls. usually ovate ; nerve often reaching apex....... 77. Bryum i Tufts very dense and compact; ls. very small ... 72. Oreas Tufts usually looser ; Is. larger..............0:00008 75. Webera io Léaves toothed*in the whole upper part exo. .csccrmnan qecsvcemuerersione aenrevencnes 13 Leaves entire; or toothed near ‘apex Only” vc.00: soensiecnscndncexessieceavereersawesseeuee 22 I ate Plicate ccssissocuwcninsimnivsniivamsaiiarsennieniaecedsnennincey 32. Ptychomitrium 3 Leaves not lie abe secre wrstrecvacicconetuntnetiresiasclsvacontstrtavaisaiecag misicgak gvtepel sia nrontnideeer ai 14 ra { Leaves squarrose, more or less recurved .........0eeeeeeet etcetera tte teeter: 15 4 Leaves not SQUATTOSE: cic coeieorestey abies disainasien tin Sein nie atlas Ma earsaulaihllonsueinnizenyennatind mean tira 19 i Ls. sub-acute or somewhat obtuse, strongly papillose ..19. Dichodontium 5\Ls. ACUtE; SMOG OF. ANEly*PAPMOSE «awicowiscwsiciisensinewsceame desaeiue an durdwerte neisaleesied 16 16 { Tis. "short, ovate: or Oblong vicsssonaseemasrednenrenmnmiieematiuaee taceettedeiniicein audeneda ae 17 Es, lanceolate: or: Liar wacssspsaswann sie sniemmennicnneecemeninests Waa tongetsinadeeasaseueanenesinan 18 : Stem tall, tomentose ; Is. widely ovate ...........ccccceeceeceeeeeee sen ens 64. Paludella 7\ Stem Short §: Aszs@bloag ssidustsstsoandaiccinmasmngyeharnvaaeasheunemerecae gi. Leptodontium 8 {Gane STRTAADE, AEG UAT CCU ac scoversrsrge he ieatt vec ec sled acinar greg itil 48. Zygodon Cells more or less quadrate or oblong .. .69. Bartramia i Leavesisharply papillosé amp wnass.naateigeuiiiseiaieenbendoma dusaiansentineccwsdatnagpaanaded 6 9 Leaves smooth or obscurely PAPINOSE a sSeitca accuncactemcarauadecwreardtenvonamausrarass 20 365 Ls. long (3 lines), coarsely toothed, incurved when dry . 66. Temmia Ls. shorter, crisped and twisted when CY? seercperedy sti. S arash deddccteacitssieanioe dbaoatnd 21 37 Ls. linear or ligulate, with rather blunt points ..............00..... 17. Rhabdoweisia Ls. linear-lanceolate, tapering to narrow points . 8. Cynodontium ss Cells rounded, or irregular and pellucid ........... Cells more or less regularly quadrate .................cccccceceueeeceeceeeeuee Leaves short, scarcely $ line long ............ccccecccscecceserececeeceacseuns 3) Leaves longer, usually over 1 line long ... ..... {rs dark-green, rigid and imbricate when dry.. .... Ls. usually paler, more or less crisped when dry .... 5 {i with narrow points ; base dilated, unistratose .........0000.....cceceeese 49. Ulota 51 Ls. with rather wide points ; base not dilated, bistratose......... 65. Aulacomnium Plants in deep, dense tufts among rocks ; ls. ugually linear or linear-lanceolate.. 27 26+ Plants short, or loosely tufted ; Is. usually lanceolate, with the margin recurved, AU LeASt IM Pal s, sists. asceitsisna sam arunrteNtvantiatouetu Seaa ne mcg bub? wadeestebte ae Gacccicamictad 30 i ; Wi ona ee 28 {Ts acute ; cells minute, rather opaque ..... ... Js cabesie sono Ls. sub-acute, or acute with pellucid cells 0.0.0... 0. ccceceecccccceeeeeeeecese 42. Weista Ls. curled up or merely flexuose when dry ; nerve not glossy at the back when EY® spipeninssigas nyt yaaa piace xe ataatina siren ta atl eNO Me cet 6's cc meer eeitosiee 48. Lygodon 29) Ls. long, much crisped and twisted when dry ; nerve usually glossy at the back 43. Trichostomum * See also under Webera, p. 302. KEY TO THE GENERA. xlv° Nerve reaching the more or less toothed apex ........ seeseesseseeeeeees 16. Ceratodon Apex entire, or else the nerve vanishing below it...............:secseeeeues go. Barbula 30 Y. Pleuroecarpous mosses with nerved leaves and short cells. Stem covered with green paraphyllia, markedly pinnate ............ 100. Thuidium Stem without paraphyllia Sinaia snus a Stalls winleanincan watowdaia shite 2 5 Ls. serrate above ; plant tall, dendroid, rigid 92. Porotrichum Ls. entire, or toothed near apex Only vases. .cewaneswevanesne, 268, ates odaae bbw eta nek en 3 Ls. more or less toothed near apek .........ceccessssceceneeseceenesevecneseessusareeescena 4 3 Ls. entire throughout: scessieseediapcincceesisucunisnnsmetisnnniiiiesmiedetsnnedarasivixs die aisevanaclei 5 Ls. smooth, cells more or less rhomboid ............cceseeeeeeeeeee een ees 106. Lescurea 4\ Ls. papillose, cells oval....c.scccceeeceene oe 99. Pseudoleskea Nerve ceasing about 4 or } up the leaf .. 6 5\ Nerve reaching nearly or quite £0 APeXsiaccicrseanitarecsasnasn geedention saccerssassaannene 8 6 Ls. ovate, over } line long ...........000+ 81. Cryphea Ts: minutes plant very slender se: sssiamecens. aemenereennreii erences 7 .99. Pseudoleskea Ls. imbricate, papillose, cells very small : 7\Ls. sub-complanate, smooth, cells larger .............cceseeeeeneeetese neers go. Myrinia 8 Primary stem stoloniform, with minute leaves .............cccsseeeeen ees 95. Anomodon Stém not stol onifOrim .....3.,.0.aosca ssearrexens seaseenneeeeenmeeeeaeeN 94. Leskea Z. Pleurocarpous mosses with nerved leaves and long cells. i Ls. strongly papillose at back... .....c.sscessesceneecanseeeeteenereeeaesenseessaseeesaaeeceees 2 Ls. smooth, or with a few papillae near apex ONLY .........sseeeeseeeeenteeeeaeeereee tees 3 Stem markedly pinnate, with paraphyllia ..........:e:eseeeeeeeeeeee eee 100. Thucdium 2\ Stem irregularly branched, slender 97. Pterigynandrum Ls. with sharp, recurved teeth at apex, margin revolute . gt. Antitrichia 3\. Ls. without recurved teeth at apex ..cccccessecceesssseetsseesseeeesteeesnsaeeesaaneeensas 4 Stem dendroid, bare below, branched above ... Stem not strikingly dendroid ........:.cecceeseceeeee neo creeee eee eeeaeeea tenes erent cannes 7 Ls. rather obtuse, serrate, plicate ......seseseceneeeeeenee .10r. Climacium 5(Ls. not plicate, more or less acute, serrulate Only ..........:sseeseessereeseeneneeeeneees 6 6 Ls. short-pointed ; plant rather robust .........ssssseeeesee eens eeeeeuee 107. Isothectum Ls. acuminate ; plant small ........cceeseeeee settee tnees cena eeeenes 12. Eurhynchium Cells rarely more than 2-5 times as long as Wide oe... eeeeeeeeeeee ee settee eee eeeeeteee 8 Cells long and narrow .......ccceeeeeecenenenneeeeeteeeeeeeeeeeeea tena eneeeeeeeeeeseanaeeeeeeeegs 9 Leaves entire or nearly so, or with a very thick nerve ......... 114. Amblystegtum Leaves serrulate, at least near APEX .......ee eee eeeee eee etetneen eens 112. Eurhynchium f Leaves either transversely rugose, or on a red stem, clothed with paraphyllia 9 116. Hylocomium | Plant without either of these characters ........csecsseseececeeeeteeeneeeetseeenseesepanes 10 Leaves uniformly falcato-secund .. 115. Hypnum TO) Leaves not falcato-SeCUN .......:cscseeesereseeeeteeeeee sees enten cnet eeeeeeeeenenneaea anaes es II Ls. plicate, with long, narrow acumen, more or less imbricate . 12 11) Ls, not plicate, or plicate with shorter points 1g Ls. lanceolate, tapering almost from base ....... gf Auinieneces cen sadntaare ia 13 121 Ts, wider at base, ovate-lanceolate .......ccsesseeceeeeseeneeneeeees 110. Brachythecium Stem creeping, on walls or trees, etc., branches incurved ............ 108. Pleuropus ™3 Stem erect, usually on the ground ......... ts cssesscceeenseecerseeLOQ. Camptothectum xvi KEY TO THE GENERA. Ls. either with distinct swollen auricles, or else more or less squarrose and entire ~ 14 115. Hypnu Ls. not conspicuously auricled, not squarrose and entire .........ccccccceseeseeeeeeees 15 ee often pinnate .rr2, Eurhynchiu Stem irregularly branched * 110. Brachythectu * This would include H. 7iparinm, the leaves of which are not auricled, and are scarcely squarros though widely divergent and straight when dry. ** See also the introductory remarks to these Genera. CLASS MUSCTL. SUB-CLASS I. SPHAGNALES. Spores not developed from the Endothecium, but from a distinct layer of cells, the Amphithecium. Columella developed from the Endothecium, not penetrating the spore-bearing layer. Capsule opening by a lid. ORDER I. SPHAGNACEE. The Sphagnacez differ so widely from the rest of the mosses . that they are by many authorities not even considered to be mosses at all in the strict sense of the word. In the fasciculate arrange- ment of the branches, in the cell structure of the leaves, and in the absence, except in the young state, of rootlets, their vegetable morphology has no parallel among the mosses, while the struc- ture of the reproductive organs, both male and female, serves still further to widen the gap. If, however, the differences which separate them from the other mosses are striking, the points of resemblance are no less so, and a work which treats of the mosses in general and omits the Sphagnacez, can hardly avoid giving a sense of incomplete- ness. The plants belonging to this order are comprised within a single genus. They are usually found in dense masses or cushions in bogs or on wet moorlands, where they often form the prevailing and the distinctive feature of the vegetation; more rarely on the brink of mountain streams or in the clefts of rocks. The stem is usually erect and thread-like, the erect position being only maintained by the crowded condition of the plants. It is composed of two forms of tissue, a central cylinder or axis, usually coloured, and having the outer layers of its cells often more or less tough and hard; this is surrounded by a cuticular sheath of from one to four layers of larger hyaline cells with thin walls; these, however, are not always easily distinguishable from the outer layers of the central axis. The cuticular sheath B 2 SPHAGNACE&, of the branches usually has in addition an outer series of flask shaped cells, the retort cells, slightly narrowed above into a neck which is frequently more or less recurved from the branch; thi is markedly the case in S. tenellum. The stem leaves are thin and fragile, differing in form anc structure from those of the branches. The branches are u fascicles of from 3 to 12, generally of two forms, some bein; pendent and more or less appressed to the stem, usually longe and more flagelliform than the others, which are dzvergent, mort spreading or even ascending, and for the most part stouter, with shorter and broader leaves. The branches at the apex o the stem are as a rule more densely crowded and shorter, forming a more or less compact head, the capztulum. The areolation of the branch leaves is very remarkable. I consists of a single layer of cells of two forms, alternating witl one another; the true cells being very narrow, more or les; chlorophyllose, and almost hidden between the larger ones, the utricles or hyaline cells, which are usually sinuosely elliptical o1 rhomboid, and with rare exceptions contain spiral fibres or more accurately spiral thickenings of the cell walls; the walls are alsc perforated by rounded pores. The stem leaves differ in thei tissue being entirely composed of hyaline cells, possessing muct fewer fibres and pores, which may indeed be altogether absent. The antheridia are remarkably like those of the foliose Hepatice, and are hardly approached in structure among the mosses, except perhaps in Buxbaumia. They are stalked globular, and lie singly in the axils of the bracts, usually at the apex of specialised branches of the capitulum, called amentula The paraphyses are very finely capillary, and are branched. The female flower is formed as a bud on the stem in the axi of one of the upper fascicles. After fertilisation the perichetia bracts elongate so as to give the whole the appearance of 2 short lateral branch, while the basal part of the sporogonium which may be termed the vaginula, elongates rapidly into < ‘“‘pseudopodium”’ upon which the ripening sporangium is elevatec above the perichetial bracts. The mature capsule is almost uniform in all species of Sphagnum, of a chestnut brown, globose or elliptical, with a flattish or convex lid which separates suddenly at maturity by contraction of the walls of the capsule. The calyptra is very delicate, and is irregularly torn in separating fror the vaginula by the growth of the sporogonium. The spores are of two kinds, the one much larger than the other. On germin. ation these—the macrospores at least—give rise to a flat frondose prothallium. SPHAGNACEA. , 3 In colour the various species of Sphagnum vary from white through all shades of pink and reddish brown to a rich deep red, and through every tint of green and greenish yellow to a bright grass green. In shady situations green is the prevailing tint; the open the red tints frequently preponderate, owing to ‘the formation of tannin. Within certain limits the colour may be looked upon asa character of importance in distinguishing species, and it is a curious fact that in forms of S. acutifolium growing in shady places, while the rest of the plant is entirely green, the male amentula invariably show traces of red. When dry the plant loses much of its green hue, presumably on account of the much greater shrinking of the contents of the chlorophyllose cells in proportion to that of the empty colourless hyaline ones. The length to which the stem of a Sphagnum plant may grow is practically indefinite. When growing loosely in ditches or deep pools the stems are sometimes gathered several feet long; Wilson mentions a specimen seven feet in length from near Edinburgh. As a rule, however, and especially when growing on drier ground, where growth is slower and exposure to the air renders decay more rapid, the lower part of the stem becomes fragile and decomposed as rapidly as the apical part elongates, and from the more compact forms it is often difficult to obtain unbroken specimens of more than a few inches in height, although below this there may be a considerable depth of substance composed entirely of remains of the Sphagnum plant. The lengths given in the descriptions of the different species must, therefore, be looked upon only as affording a means of comparison between species, not as an indication of the maximum height they may attain. The stem is normally dichotomous, a secondary stem being formed each year below the apex, and when these secondary stems are fully developed we have the repeatedly forked axis which by its constantly increasing ramifications produces the dense rounded cushions so characteristic of the peat-mosses. It does not however happen that all of these secondary branches are developed; indeed, several years’ growth usually takes place without dividing: hence it is rarely that a plant is gathered showing more than two or three forkings. The structure of the cell tissue, as well as the general arrangement of the parts of the Sphagnum plant, renders it peculiarly adapted to the absorption and conduction of water. In this way, if a plant or a tuft of Sphagnum is placed in water, the latter is very rapidly soaked up and distributed over the whole plant, from the surface of which it can easily pass by 4 SPHAGNACE. evaporation and transpiration. In this way extensive tracts of ‘watery country have been “drained” of their moisture, while at the same time the surface has been raised by the constantly accumulating debris of decayed tissue at the base of the plants, thus becoming accessible to and habitable by mankind. The mass of vegetable detritus so formed, when compressed by the weight of growth above it, is often changed into peat ; hence the name of Peat-Moss by which the family of Sphagnacez is com- monly known. The position and form of the chlorophyllose cells of the branch leaves is of considerable importance in the determina- tion of species. This is best ascertained by cutting thin sections ; but their position, whether dorsal or ventral, may often be ascertained more simply by careful focussing of the leaves, both back and front, with a high power. When the chlorophyllose cell emerges on either side of the leaf, it will appear, viewed from that side, to lie between the two adjacent hyaline cells, the spiral fibres of which will thus be seen to spring from ¢wo separate lines, the sides of the chlorophyllose cell, between which the coloured contents of the latter are visible (v. Tab. VI. F.). When, on the other hand, the chlorophyllose cell is enclosed on either face of the leaf by the hyaline cells, the latter, when viewed from that side, will appear to meet in a thin line above the chlorophyllose cell, insuch a manner that their spiral fibres appear to spring from this single median line, on each side of which may be seen (on focussing slightly down) the coloured contents of the subjacent chlorophyllose cell (v. Tab. VI. E.). Sphagnum Pylazei Brid., an American species recently found in France and to be looked for in this country, is easily recognised by its stems, simple or with a few branches solitary or in pairs, its broadly ovate leaves similar on the stem and branches, the hyaline cells fibrose but destitute of pores, the chlorophyllose cells wide, almost equalling in breadth the hyaline. 1. SPHAGNUM. Dill. The only genus. Branch ls. broad, cucullate, scaly at back of apex Branch ls. not scaly at apex, rarely cucullaté oo... ccscccseeeeeccee 2{ Pleat green or purple ; cells with smooth walls SPHAGNUM. 8 Papillze very small, conical ; chlorophyll cells in section oval or cuneiform ......... 3 ‘ I*, papillosum Papillz long, linear; chlorophyll cells in section broadly triangular ............ 2. Austent oe Is. widest at the broad, strongly fringed apex.........ccccecseecseeeeeeneeeeeneseees 5 41 Stem Is. wider at base or at middle than at AD OX ios aestanensudsicenabrilamamcntaannniald 6 Stem ls, fringed at end and sides of the rounded summit............... 9. fimbriatum 5\ Stem Is. fringed only across the truncated apex ..........ceceeeeeeeees ro. Lindbergiz Hyaline cells of branch ls. short, 2 or 3 times as long as wide; retort-cells of 6 branches very large; stem ls. rather broadly bordered ............5. cenellum Hyaline cells many times as long as wide ; retort-cells smaller...........0.c:eeeeeeeee 7 Stem ls. with narrow border, not or scarcely wider below...... 2068 Stem ls. with broad border, widened towards base of leaf ..... J eohepehaaeananee 12 8 {ee ls. lingulate, very obtuse, fringed at summit ............ cee ceeceeeee sees eeeeu tenner 9 Stem Is. oval or lanceolate, more or less pointed ........6.. cecseecseceeeeneetneeen tees 10 Stem-cuticle of 3 or 4 layers ; branch ls. recurved at apex only............0. 7. teres Stem-cuticle of 2 layers; branch ls. recurved from middle ............ 7*, squarrosum a Stem ls. faintly bordered, fibrose, coarsely toothed at apex ............000008 4. molle Stem ls. strongly bordered, finely toothed or erose at APEX ..........cce cenese eee eee II a Stem cuticle in one layer only ......c cece cece ees eee nese eee eee 6. subsecundum Stem ‘cuticle tn: 2:6r 3 Jayersin: cc ccsortaeiinar neresancioaaiasvetumentanaianiens 6*. lartcznum Stem Is. very short, rounded, fringed at apex; branch ls. oblong, very obtuse 12 3. rigidum Stem ls. longer ; branch ls. tapering to narrow points ............ccse) ceesee eee eeeees 13 fennel cells free on dorsal surface; pores small; branch ls. flattened and 13 undulated whencdty sais svemsesaneedeinwes cenarnigeauameneemetdelededaeiasexausnaaneoses 14 Chlorophyll cells free on ventral surface ; pores large ..........cccceseeceeeeeeeee eee 15 Pendent branches concealing stem ; stem-cuticle indistinct .. IL, tntermediune Pendent branches none or few ; stem-cuticle distinct................05 12, cuspidatum Plant reddish ; stem ls. pointed or rounded, usually toothed 8 acutifolium Plant pale ; stem Is. truncate, fringed ......... cc ccceeeeeeeeeeeseeeeees *. Girgensohnit A.—CYMBIFOLIA. Plants robust. Cuticular celJs of stem and branches fbrose and porose. Stem leaves not bordered with narrow cells. Branch leaves* broadly cymbiform concave, cucullate and scabrous at back of apex. Dioicous. ~ 1. Sphagnum cymbifolium Ehrh. (Tab. VI. A.) Robust. Height 6-8 inches. Pale greenish white, fre- quently with a tinge of purple. Cuticular cells of stem in 3-5 layers, fibrose and porose. Stem leaves broadly lingulate- spathulate ; sometimes with a few fibres and pores, but usually without ; broadly rounded at summit, the margin of the upper part, and sometimes of the whole leaf, 7mdriated from erosion of the marginal cells. Divergent branches ¢umid, the leaves broadly ovate, somewhat narrowed to the cucullate apex ; finely * Inthe descriptions of Sphagnum, the term ‘‘ branch leaves” refers to those of divergent branches. ; 6 SPHAGNACE. serrulate above, margined only with a single row of very narrow cells, often rendered absent by erosion. Hyaline cells rather large, with large pores; the walls smooth. Chlorophyllose cells in section narrowly oval-triangular, on the ventral face of the leaf, hardly reaching the dorsal face, but somewhat variable in both form and position. Var. B. squarrosulum Nees & Hornsch. Deeper green. Branch leaves more pointed, patulous; those of the comal branches sguarrose. Var. y. congestum Schp. Short; densely tufted ; variously tinted. Upper cells of stem leaves often fbrose. Branches short, thick, obtuse; the leaves closely imbricated. Has. Bogs and sides of streams and pools, common. The var. 8 in woods and by the borders of pools. The var. y on drier moors. Sphagnum cymbifolium in its typical form is not likely to be confused with any other species but 5. papzlosum and S. Austind, from which it can hardly be certainly distinguished without microscopic examination. It has, however, less often the yellowish brown tinge of S. papzl/osum, which is also a more rigid plant. S. Azsténd is moreover extremely rare. The robust habit with large tumid branches will dis- tinguish it almost at first sight from most of the other species. The vars. might be taken, the one for aform of S. sgzarrosum, the other for S. rigidum var. compactum ; but a little attention to the form of the leaves will soon dispel all doubt. It may be noted here, with reference to the fibrose cells of the stem leaves in the var. congestum, that this character usually prevails in the more compact forms of the various species. As the function of the fibres is supposed to be to maintain the form of the cell by the additional support they give to the cell wall, their presence in greater numbers would naturally be looked for in those forms whose dense growth submits the cells to greater pressure. S. medium Limpr., a species, or rather a sub-species of S. cymbifolium not at present recorded from this country, differs (mainly) in having the chlorophyllose cells small and immersed half-way between the back and front of the leaf, with the hyaline cells meeting one another both above and below. It has recently been found in France, and appears to be as widely distributed as S. cymbifoldum in some parts of N. America, while in Scandinavia it is, according to Lindberg, the commonest species of the section Cymbifolia, the true S. cymbdfolium being very rare. * Sphagnum papillosum Lindb. (S. cymbifolium var. papil- losum Schp. Syn.) (Tab. VI. B.) Differs from S. cymbzifolcum in the plant being usually of an ochraceous tinge, without trace of purple; in the more rigid and more obtuse branches, and especially in the walls of the hyaline cells of the branch leaves, where they: adjoin the chlorophyllose, being more or less covered with small conical papille. The upper part of the branch leaves is also less frequently narrowed, giving the whole a broader and rounder outline, and the margin is some- what more distinctly serrulate. SPHAGNUM. 7 Var. B. confertum Lindb. More compact, with shorter and denser branches. Branch leaves rounded, obtuse, very concave. Var. y. stenophyllum Lindb. Branch leaves narrower, ovate- oblong, less concave and almost entire above. Has. Peat bogs and ditches. Rare. The var. 8. in drier places. T have no hesitation in sinking S. papzllosum to a sub-species of S. cymbéfolium, with Cardot and other authors. The papillee on the cell walls are often reduced to a minute size, and moreover are entirely absent in plants which otherwise exactly resemble typical S. papzlosum (vars. subleve Warnst. and Zeve Warnst.). If we consider the latter form as belonging to S. cymdzfolium, we must admit that the points of distinction derived from characters other than the papillze are valueless, and the distinction rests on these alone. And since there are forms (var. sableve Warnst.) in which the papillee are extremely minute and are even found only in the basal cells of the leaves, while wanting in the middle and upper part of the leaf, it seems clear that this character alone cannot be held to give full specific rank. I have speci- mens of both the above vars. from N. America, which have the distinctive facies of S. papitlosum, but with the papillze almost absent in the one and entirely wanting in the other. In the latter case it becomes, of course, a question to which of the two plants it should be referred. The fact that minute papillae have also been recently found in some forms of S. sgzarrosum and other species, and that S. med¢um Limpr. has the walls sometimes smooth and sometimes papillose, considerably minimises the value of these structures as specific characters. I do not find the outer layers of the cuticular cells of the stem free from fibres, as Braithwaite describes them, though usually not so strongly fibrose as in S. cymdz- folium. ‘The inner ones are strongly fibrose. The chlorophyllose cells are usually more or less emergent on the ventral surface, but sometimes enclosed on both faces. 2. Sphagnum Austini Sull. (Tab. VI. C.) Habit and colour of S. papillosum, but less rigid. Walls of the hyaline cells, adjoining the chlorophyllose, thickly studded with linear papillz, much longer than those of the former plant. Chlorophyllose cells on the ventra/ surface, more entirely covered by the hyaline on the dorsal face, broadly triangular in section. Var. B. imbricatum Lindb. In dénse tufts of a darker brown ; branches crowded, with closely imbricated leaves. Has. Wet heaths and bogs, especailly near the coast; very rare; the type, Lyth Moss, Westmorland; Lewis; Kirkcudbright ; the var. 8 in almost the same localities. There seems somewhat more reason for according this plant the full specific rank, partly on account of the greater distinctness of the papillz, which however tend to be greatly reduced in some forms, and partly because of the difference in the chloro- phyllose cells. The division of the Sphagna into species must of necessity be based on more or less arbitrary grounds. It appears most satisfactory to consider it a principle in their classification, that when two types, in themselves not very strongly distinct, are also united by a fairly well graduated series of intermediate forms, they should be re-united as species and sub-species. This is certainly the case with S. cymbifolium and S. papillosum ; but it is less clearly established in the case of the former species and S. Austinz, and I have therefore kept them apart. I should add, 8 SPHAGNACEZ. however, that Cardot (Les Sphaignes d’ Europe, 1886, p. 36) mentions a form received from the United States which had the papille very slightly developed, and another which, while it had the chlorophyllose cells triangular, as in S. Austin, had the cell walls perfectly smooth. A doubt, however, is permissible whether the iatter is properly referable to S. Azstzz7 at all. K The papillz in S. gapz//osum are usually not much higher than broad ; in S. Austini their height is frequently many times their breadth, and they have the appearance of imperfectly developed fibres. B. TRUNCATA. Cuticular cells of stem without fibres or pores. Stem leaves bordered (very narrowly in S. mo//e) with narrow cells. Branches straight, closely set. Branch leaves more or less od/ong, at apex very truncate and strongly toothed; the margin usually involute for almost the whole length. Monoicous. 3. Sphagnum rigidum Schp. (S. compactum var. rigidum Nees) (Tab. VI. D). Densely tufted, rigid; the divergent branches of equal length, short, stiff, obtuse, closely set. Plants of a greyish green or brownish colour. Height 4-9 inches. Stems dark brown. Stem leaves very small, inserted obliquely, triangular-lingulate, vounded at the apex and eroded, bordered with several rows of narrow cells occupying a considerable proportion of the width of the leaf. Leaves of divergent branches ovate-oblong, slightly cucullate in the natural state, but truncate at apex when pressed flat and examined under the microscope, with 5-7 teeth. Hyaline cells wide but rather short, with unequal but somewhat large pores. Chlorophyllose cells ceztra/, narrow elliptical in section, enclosed at back and front by the hyaline. Antheridia on the pendent branches, not on special amentula. Var. B. compactum Schp. (S. compactum De Cand.). Short, very compact, with short, thick branches; usually tinged with brown or red; the branch leaves somewhat shorter and rounded at apex. Var. y. sguarrosum Russ. Looser. Branches usually more distant ; branch leaves more or less sguarrose. Haz. Heaths and moorlands. Rare. The var. B. in dri more frequent than the type. ia a a S. rigidum is hardly likely to be taken for any other species except the var congestum of S. cymbzfolium and perhaps the var. tenerum of S. molle. From the former it will at once be distinguished upon examination of the stem leaves which in that species are larger, and want the border of narrow cells, The cucullate apex of the branch leaves is also very distinct ‘from that in the present plant, when cecal under the microscope. From S. mo/le var. tenerum the form and size of the stem leaves will best separate it, these in our plant being small, with the apex rounded and eroded, in that larger, longer, with a narrowed and toothed apex. SPHAGNUM. 9 A curious feature of this species is that the perichetial leaves are, in their areola- tion, much more like those of the branches than the stem leaves, whereas in almost all the other species they resemble the stem leaves in this structure. _ _ The pores in the hyaline cells of the branch leaves are in this and the follow- ing species occasionally found on the face of the hyaline cells, as well as along their sides adjoining the chlorophyllose cells ; this is not the case with any of our other species except S. acutifolium. 4, (Sphagnum molle Sull.] (Tab. VI. E.) Usually pale or yellowish green, in soft tufts. Height 3-6 inches. Stems pale green. Stem leaves /arge, usually broadly lingulate-spathulate or obovate-spathulate, narrowed to the obtuse apex, which is 3-7 toothed ; bordered with a very few rows of linear cells; the median cells, in the type, faintly fibrose and porose in the upper part of the leaf only. Leaves of divergent branches ovate-oblong or ovate-acuminate, concave, convolute above ;- apex more or less truncate and 5-6 toothed. Hyaline cells with a few large pores. Chlorophyllose cells oval-triangular in section, vextra/, but sometimes reaching the dorsal surface. Type not found in Britain. Var. 8. Millert Braithw. (S. Miller Schp. Syn.). Stem leaves with the cells strongly fibrose and porose almost to the base. Var. y. tenerum Braithw. In dense, short, whitish tufts. Branches more closely set, short, with acuminate leaves. Has. The var. 8 by moorland streams, not common. The var. y in drier places. The var. Millert has by various authors been considered a separate species ; it is very doubtful, on the other hand, whether it is even deserving of a varietal status. The minor points of difference sometimes cited seem to have little or no value. For instance, the stem leaves in the variety are said to be more elongate, but in a speci- men of S. molle of Schimper’s gathering I find them even narrower and more elongate than in the usual form of the var. Afiid/erz. And with regard to the main character, the areolation of the cells of the stem leaves, it is to be remarked that even were it a perfectly defined and permanent character, it is hardly one of specific value ; and this, noreover, it is far from being. In specimens gathered on Helvellyn I find the cells strongly fibrose and porose, but only throughout the upper half of the leaf, thus forming a somewhat intermediate link between the two; while Cardot (Les Sphaignes ad’ Europe, 1886, p. 44) says that in Belgian specimens from near Antwerp he has frequently found stems bearing leaves in some of which the cells were strongly fibrose while in others the fibres were entirely absent. The strongest point, perhaps, is the distribution, S. mole being frequent in the United States, but apparently very rare in Europe, while the var. A~di//ert appears to be less widely known in America, and is certainly the commoner plant in Europe, and in some countries at least, the only form. See ; S. molle is sometimes very difficult to distinguish from other species, and espe- cially from S. acutzfolium, although the latter 1s usually a more slender plant ; in these cases it is difficult to name any one character by which they may be definitely separated. The absence of red in our plant is usually enough to determine it, together 10 SPHAGNACE. with the extremely zarrow margin of the stem leaves, and their greater size and width ; but there are forms of S. acutzfolium with fibrillose and narrowly margined leaves ; in these cases the colour, the less acute and more abruptly truncate branch leaves in S. molle, taken together, will form a combination of characters probably not to be found in any of the forms of that species. The few and scattered pores in the branch leaves will serve to separate S. molle from S. subsecundum. The var. ¢enerum may easily be confounded with the compact form of S. acutifolium, but under the microscope the resemblance will probably disappear. The difference between this var. and .S. r7gédum has been pointed out already under that species. . The stem leaves in S. molle are usually, but not quite always, broader in the middle than at the base. The margin is sometimes reduced so as to be very indis- tinct, but is sometimes very clear, and occasionally widened out below. C. SUBSECUNDA. Cuticular cells of stem without fibres or pores. Stem leaves bordered with narrow cells. Branch leaves usually subsecund, more or less ova/, at apex rounded or truncate, and toothed. Branches often curved. Dioicous. 5. Sphagnum tenellum Ebrh. (S. molluscum Bruch, Schp. Syn.) (Tab. VI. F.) Plants rather densely tufted, 2-6 inches high, very slender and fragile, greenish yellow. Stem pale, cuticular cells in two layers. Stem leaves rather large for the size of the plant, ovad- oblong ; rounded above with the margin incurved, and with a few small teeth at the apex; upper median cells fibrose with a few small pores, the basal ones much narrower, and passing insensibly into the very broad border of narrow marginal ones, which, how- ever, becomes narrower as it reaches higher up the leaf, until at the apex it consists only of two or three rows of narrow linear cells. Branches short, the retort cells much recurved at apex; leaves somewhat loosely set, often subsecund, road and short, widely ovate and ovate-oblong, obtusely pointed, concave, margin incurved above, apex 3-5 toothed; bordered with a somwhat broad margin of linear cells, in 3-4 rows. MHyaline cells small, but broad, with numerous rather small pores on the ventral surface. Chlorophyllose cells triangular in section, on the dorsal face of the leaf. Capsule thin walled. Has. Bogs. Frequent. Sphagnum tenellum is the smallest and most delicate of our species, and is hardly likely to be confounded with any other, the broadly oval leaves serving to distinguish it from slender forms of the Acutifolia group ; while the strongly recurved apex of the retort cells, and the much shorter and broader hyaline cells of the branch leaves will serve to separate it from small varieties of S. sebsecundum, and from S. molle var. tenerum. Braithwaite records var. longifolium Lindb., but it does not appear to be a strongly marked form. SPHAGNUM. II The position of the pores on the ventral surface of the branch leaves instead of on the dorsal surface as usual, is, I think, to be explained by the dorsal position of the chlorophyllose cells. The object of the pores being to facilitate the passage of water through the plant, it is natural that they should be most numerous at the chief point of junction of adjacent hyaline cells; this is usually on the dorsal surface of the leaf, but in this species it is on the ventral surface, owing to the dorsal position of the chlorophyllose cells. This is borne out by the fact that the only two other British species in which the pores preponderate on the ventral face are likewise the only two in which there is the same (dorsal) position of the chlorophyllose cells, with the exception of S. Lindbergii; here, however, the pores are very few in number, ae although certainly more numerous on the back of the leaf are to be found in the ront also. 6. Sphagnum subsecundum Nees. (Tab. VII. A.) Plants tall and rather slender, 4-12 inches high. Stems dark brown in the type, pale green in some of the varieties. Cuticular cells in a single layer. Stem leaves large or small, oval-deltoid or oblong-lingulate, at the summit rounded with the margin incurved, and finely toothed or fringed at the apex. Cells all rather narrow, the marginal ones extremely so, forming a border narrow above, much wider towards the base; upper cells fibrose and porose, occasionally the lower ones also. Branches 2-4, the divergent ones spreading or deflexed, often flagelliform. Retort cells slightly recurved at apex. Branch leaves more or less sub- secund, very variable, from broadly ovate to oblong-lanceolate, acuminate or obtusely pointed, 3-5 toothed at tip, very con- cave. Hyaline cells zarrow, densely fibrose, with many small pores, usually arranged in a regular row along each side of the cell. Chlorophyllose cells in section very narrowly elliptical, reaching both the front and back of leaf. Var. B. contortum Schp. (S. contortum Schultz). Stem usually green, sometimes dark brown. Branches stouter and more crowded than in the type, more or less curved and con- torted ; the ieaves larger and broader, usually more closely imbricated and less secund, so as to give the branches a smooth, terete appearance. Var. y. turgidum C.M. Branches swodlen, terete, usually contorted, acute; branch leaves very broad, truncate at apex. Var. 8. obesum Schp. (S. contortum var. obesum Wils.) Plants usually submerged, vodust, dark coloured. Branches thick, obtuse, the leaves more or less secund, broadly ovate or ovate lanceolate ; stem leaves resembling the branch leaves in form and areolation. The pores in the hyaline cells are few and scattered, not arranged in regular rows along the cell walls. 12 SPHAGNACEA. Var. «. viride Boul. Plants soft, more or less bright green, in loose tufts ; stem pale, green or yellowish. Branches usually slender, sometimes lightly arcuate; the leaves imbricated, some- times squarrose (var. sguarrosulum Grav.) Stem leaves large, often fibrose throughout, narrowly margined, sometimes distinctly and strongly auricled at the base with fibrose utricular cells (var. auriculatum Lindb.) Has. Wet heaths, pools and ditches. Notcommon. The var. 8 more common and more widely distributed than the type. The var. y in bogs and pools, frequent. The var. 3 more rare, in deep pools, lakes and ditches. The var. ¢ in more shady places, and sides of pools. Sphagnum subsecundum among all our species produces the most widely differing varieties, if not so great a wealth of forms as S. acztzfolium. It comprises plants of almost all shades of colour, and of almost every degree of robustness ; some forms being as delicate as S. ¢ene//um, while others rival the Cymbifolia group in size of leaves and thickness of branches. The typical form, much less frequent than the var. contortum, is best characterised by its dark stems, laxly set and slender branches, and its small stem leaves with few fibres. The var. ¢urgédum is in its extreme forms a marked plant, differing from Wilson’s var. obesum (with which it has been erroneously confounded) by the cuspidate, terete branches, which are also usually much crowded. T have followed Cardot in subordinating the var. auricalatum as only one of the forms of the var. vzrzde Boul, which compnises a fairly well marked group of forms; whereas the auriculate base of the stem leaves is a character exceedingly variable and ill defined, and one which may, moreover, be found equally in plants of the coztortum and other groups. The var. s¢mflictsstmum Milde mentioned by Braithwaite as having been found in Monmouth with simple stems, unbranched or nearly so, and with the stem leaves having the areolation usual in branch leaves, should perhaps be regarded as a form, or accidental state, rather than a variety. The same state may not unfrequently be found mixed with the normal forms in other species, as in S. tenellum, S. rigidum and S. molle. From its polymorphous nature S. szbsecundum is liable to be confounded at first sight with several other species; the form and areolation of the branch leaves will, however, usually serve to distinguish it from all but S. /aricinum, while from that and from all other British species it is clearly marked off by the single layer of cuticular cells, when the stem is viewed in section. * Sphagnum laricinum Spruce. (Tab. VII. B.) Differs from S. subsecundum only in the following points; cuticular cells of stem in two, sometimes three layers ; cells of branch leaves usually with fewer pores, and, according to Braith- waite, the zzner perichetial bracts obtuse and emarginate, instead of pointed as in that species. With regard to the minor characters sometimes given, such as the relative size of the stem leaves, and of the hyaline cells in the branch leaves, in the two plants, the statements of different authors are so directly at variance that it is clear no reliance can be placed upon them as distinguishing features. SPHAGNUM. 13 Var. B. platyphyllum Lindb. Stems short, the leaves dis- tinctly auricled. Branches short, rather obtuse, with imbricated leaves which are rounded ovate, pointed, very broad and concave. Var. y. cyclophyllum Lindb. (S. cyclophyllum Sull. & Lesq.) Stems simple or nearly so. Stem leaves very large, orbicular, cucullate. Has. Deepbogs. It appears to be a much rarer plant than S. swbsecundum, for which, however, it may frequently have been mistaken. The var. B in peaty places, among short grass. Near Aber; Scotland. The var. y very rare; Loch Katrine. The character drawn from the perichzetial bracts may be of importance, should it prove to be constant. As to the other points, there is a great discrepancy between authors as to the number of pores in the hyaline cells ; thus Hobkirk (Synopsis, Ad. 2, p. 4g) says, ‘‘ Cells with annular fibres and many pores”; Russow and Warnstorf, ‘Pores on back of leaf isolated or numerous”; while in specimens of Gravet’s which I have examined the pores at the back of the leaf are as numerous and regular as, if smaller and less conspicuous than in S. sbsecundum. In this latter species, too, it is not unfrequently the case that the pores are less regular and less numerous than in the type. There remains the character derived from the cuticular layers of the stem. In the species in which these cells occupy ‘‘ from 2 to 3 layers” it is questionable whether if certain plants had them constantly in 2, and others constantly in 3 layers, this would, in the absence of other striking characters, be held sufficient to separate them as species. In point of fact, although in S. sguarrosum these cells are in 2 layers, while in S. ¢eres they are usually in 3 or 4, their separation as distinct species is not felt by authors (Braithwaite, Lindberg, &c.) to be thereby rendered necessary. And if so we may venture to ask where the radical difference lies when it is a question of I as against 2 (or sometimes 3) layers of cells. There seems too the less reason for insisting on this distinction, since Cardot affirms (des Sphaignes a’ Europe, 1886, p. 55) that he has several times examined specimens of 8. /arzcenum in which the second stratum of cells has been incompletely developed. I have therefore followed the latter author, though with some hesitation, in con- sidering S. Jaricinum as a sub-species of S. sabsecundum. This view is distinctly supported, moreover, by the fact that the variations of S. daricinum are almost exactly parallel to those of S. swbsecundum,—the var. ceretiusculum Lindb. agreeing exactly with the var. contortum of that species, the var. platyphyllum Lindb. with S. subsecundum vax. viride Boul. (or var. auriculatum Lindb.) The var. cyclophyllum Lindb., by some authors, and subsequently by Lindberg himself considered a species, is said also by Braithwaite to correspond with the var. obeszim Wils. of the former. There seems to be considerable difference of opinion about this variety, which, according to Lesquereux and James (Mosses of North America, p. 22) is allied to 8. subsecundum rather than to S. /ardcinum, as it is described with ‘‘cortical cells in a single layer.” It has very large roundish stem leaves, concave and cucullate, and the stems are frequently simple, or with very few, short, obtuse branches. D. ACUTIFOLIA. Usually slender. Cuticular cells of stem not fibrose, some- times porose. Stem leaves bordered. Branch leaves ovate- lanceolate or lanceolate, (rarely shortly ovate and obtuse), acute or narrowly acuminate, narrowly truncate and toothed at apex. 14 SPHAGNACEZ, 7. Sphagnum teres Angstr. (S. squarrosum var. teres Schp., Braithw. Sphagnacez.) (Tab. VII. C.) Slender; yellowish green or brownish; 4-8 inches high. Stem brownish red ; cuticular cells usually in 3 layers, sometimes 4, not porose. Stem leaves large, soft, broadly oblong-lingulate and spathulate, rounded and somewhat fimbriate at the top; cells without fibres or pores, short and very broad above, gradually becoming longer and narrower towards the base; dorder very faint or nearly obsolete, of narrow cells (but not so narrow as in most species), hardly reaching the summit of the leaf, and of egual width throughout. Branches 4-5 in a fascicle, the pendent ones closely appressed to stem; divergent branches terete, slender, leaves imbricate, only very slightly recurved at apex, broadly ovate, narrowed from the middle upwards to a rather acute point, 3-4 toothed at apex. Hyaline cells short and broad, with very large pores. Chlorophyllose cells narrow oval-rectangular in section, usually emerging on both sides of the leaf, but always more so on the dorsal than on the ventral face. Male amentula clavate, the apex beyond the antheridia, subsequently elongating and flagelliform. Dioicous. Var. B. subteres (S. squarrosum var. subteres Lindb.). Slender, elongated, 6-10 inches high, bright green. Branches elongated ; leaves with the upper half recurved, and attenuated to apex. Var. y. sguarrosulum Warnst. (S. squarrosulum Lesq., S. squarrosum var. squarrosulum Schp. Syn.). Small (variable in size), slender, deep green above, whitish below; leaves smad/, squarrose from the middle. Var. 8. daxum Dixon (S. sguarrosum var. laxum Braithw.). Pale whitish green, usually ochraceous at base with ferruginous deposit, soft, fragile ; 6-10inches high. Stem leaves short, broad, quadrate or quadrate-oval, laxly areolate, often strongly fimbriate at the truncate apex. Branches very long, straight, deflexed, flagelliform ; branch leaves divergent, straight, not squarrose (though here and there a branch may be found with the leaves strongly squarrose), ovate-lanceolate, acute. Has. Boggy places and springs in subalpine districts. Not common. The vars. 8 and 4 usually in more shady places. The var. 5 in ditches with iron d it Eskdale, Yorkshire ; Flitwick, Bedfordshire. nape * Sphagnum squarrosum Pers. (Tab. VII. D.). Larger in all its parts than S. teres, 8-18 inches high, rival- SPHAGNUM. I5 ling S. cymébzfoltum in robustness. Cuticular cells of stem 2” two layers. Leaves of divergent branches strongly squarrose from the middle in the lower two-thirds of the branch, in the upper third imbricate and terete; their form as in S. ¢eres, but much larger, the hyaline cells somewhat larger also. Male amentula clavate, rarely attenuated. Monoicous or dioicious. Var. B. tmbricatum Schp. Robust. Branch leaves more or less zmbricated. Has. Bogs, frequent. Dr. Braithwaite in his splendid work on the Sphagnacez has clearly shown that S. zeves cannot be separated as a species from S. sguarrosum. I have followed Cardot, however, in subordinating the latter to the former, as a sub-species, instead of making S. ¢eves a variety or sub-species of S. sgzarrosum, fully concurring in his reasons for so doing. Squarrose-leaved forms must be considered as diverging from the more normal, imbricated forms, and not vice versd; it is on precisely the same principle that the costortum forms of S. szbsecundum are looked upon as secondary to the type of that species, the var. sedozdes to S. Pylatez, and the var. compactum to S. rigidum. The fact that the sgzarrosum forms are more robust than those of S. ¢eres is of course no argument against this view, as precisely the same is the case with the vars. contortum and obesum of S. subsecundum, and the var. réparium of S. cnter- mediune. S. squarrosum is united with S. teres by an almost unbroken series of forms through the var. sguarrosulum. The var. sudteres differs from the type in scarcely anything but the more slender build and the slightly more recurved leaves; intermediate forms connect this variety with the type, and the same is the case with S. sgwarrosum and its var. zmbrécatum, which are united by all possible shades of transitional forms. The extreme form of tke latter, with the leaves all imbricated and not squarrose, would appear to be very rare. S. sguarrosum can hardly be confused with any other species; the var. sguarrosulum of S. cymbifolium might at first sight be sometimes taken for it, but the acute branch leaves of S. sguarrosum will, on closer examination, make the distinction manifest at once. It is somewhat different with S. teres, forms of which might easily be taken for some others of the Acutifolia section, but the form of the stem leaves, rounded at the summit and not distinctly larger above than at the base, and especially their very narrow margin, not widened at the base, will always reveal their identity. The var. /axum was at first described by Braithwaite as S. fmbriatum var. robustum, and the broad, strongly fimbriate stem leaves are very suggestive of this species ; I find, however, some of the stem leaves exactly typical of S. eres, while others in abnormal stems have both the form and areolation of branch leaves of 8S. sguarrosum, but a little more obtuse ; and, moreover, the margin of narrow cells, though slightly broader at base, never passes into the very broad, dense column of linear cells so marked in S. fimédriatum. 8. Sphagnum acutifolium Ehrh. (Tab. VII. E.). Tufts soft, pink, pale green, or whitish, but a/ways with some admixture of red (in very rare cases confined to the male amentula), 3-12 inches high. Stem generally reddish, some- times green, cuticular cells with or usually without pores. Stem leaves very variable, usually small, oval-triangular, gradually or abruptly narrowed to an obtuse point, with about 5 teeth; some- 16 SPHAGNACE, times larger, lingulate or broadly oblong with a more or less rounded top and somewhat fringed, but a/ways wider at the base than at the top. Upper cells usually without fibres and pores, sometimes slightly fibrose and more rarely porose. Border, com- posed of linear cells, very wide at the base, gradually narrowing upwards, dut still remaining of some width, and reaching to apex. Divergent branches soft, slender. Leaves varying from almost exactly oval to narrowly ovate-lanceolate, truncate and toothed at apex, where the margin is incurved. Hyaline cells large, with large pores. Chlorophyllose cells oval-triangular in section, on the ventral surface of the leaf, scarcely reaching the dorsal face. Male amentula always red. Monoicous or dioicous. * Vars. more or less rosy or pink. + Branch leaves short, oval, more or less obtuse. Var. 8. rubellum Russ. (S. rubellum Wils, Schp. Syn.) Stem leaves large, broad, rather obtuse, usually non-fibrose. Plants short, slender, dright red. Leaves somewhat sudsecund. Var. y. ¢enellum Schp. Stem leaves as in var. rudellum. Plants pale red or whitish, very slender. Var. 6. gracile Russ. Stem leaves almost as in var. rubellum, slightly fibrose above. Plants variegated with green and red. Pores of hyaline cells with a distinct annular border. Var. «. elegans Braithw. Stem leaves elongate, oblong- lingulate, abruptly narrowed to an obtuse point, fibrose above. Branches densely set. Plants compactly tufted, rose coloured, often white at the tip of the branches. Var.¢. purpureum Schp. Stem leaves almost as in var. rubellum, but usually fibrose above. Densely tufted, with the branches closely set. Usually purple throughout. Rather robust. Var. 1. guinquefarium Lindb. Stem leaves from a broad base, deltoid-ovate, narrowed to the truncated apex. Branch leaves closely and regularly imbricated, disposed in 5 rows, which are more distinct when dry. tf Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate, elongated. Var. 6. deflexum Schp. Branches long, rather rigid, closely set, deflexed. Plants green, tinged with red. SPHAGNUM. 17 ** Vars. brown, yellowish, or whitish. + Branch leaves short, oval, more or less obtuse. Var. « fuscum Schp. Bright yellowtsh brown above, fuscous below; slender, in dense cushions. Stems dark brown, branches short. Var. x. arctum Braithw. Very compact and short, fragile. Pale yellow above, whitish brown below. Branches very short, densely crowded, ascending. tt Branch leaves ovate-lanceolate, elongated. Var. A. luridum Hib. (forma stricta Warnst.) Stem leaves large, elongate, oblong, suddenly narrowed to a point. Branches short, closely set, ascending. Tufts dense, of a dirty brownish green colour. : Var. wu. patulum Schp. Stem leaves oblong-lingulate, more or less narrowed above but truncate. Branches /ax, leaves loosely imbricated. Pale green, rather tall and robust. Var.v. dzxte-virens Braithw. Branches laxly set; leaves loosely imbricated, broadly ovate below, suddenly narrowed to an elongated point. /2 small dense cushions, bright green above, pale below. Has. Bogs and pools. Very common. S. acutifolium is the most variable of all the species. The varieties are so endless, and so complex in character, as almost to defy classification. Almost every writer on the genus has his own system and his own nomenclature ; and since different authors base their systems on such different characters as the form of the stem leaves, the form and arrangement of the branch leaves, the arrangement of the pores in the hyaline cells, etc., any attempt to collate these various forms is frustrated by the over- lapping of the groups. When it is stated that Russow and Warnstorf alone describe far more than 50 forms, Cardot above 30 European forms, only a part of these corresponding to the former ones, and so on with other authors, some idea will be formed of the great number of varieties and the difficulty of treating them. I have endeavoured in the first place to select only the most clearly marked forms among the British varieties, and in the second place to arrange them less with a view to a natural classification than with the hope of rendering their identification—so far as identification of varieties is possible by description alone—as easy as possible. The var. rzbel/um has been often considered a separate species, and has some right to be placed as a sub-species, but hardly more so than the vars. fescum, lurtdum and guinguefartum. WHobkirk (Syu., Zd. 2) places it under the section Subsecunda, with which it has some relationship ; and if it stood alone in the form of leaf, its removal from the section Acutifolia would leave that group a very natural one in the covate-lanceolate and acuminate leaves; but as so many of the other varieties have similarly shaped leaves, while their affinities with S. acazfohwm are undoubted, the removal of .S. vzdel/um alone in no way improves the general classification, while its relationship to S. acetéfolzum in other respects can hardly be questioned. The vars. fzscum Schp. and éuredum Hiib. comprise each a considerable variety of forms, chiefly varying in size and habit of growth; the plant described and figured by Braithwaite under the latter name would appear to be the forma stricta of Warnstorf. 18 SPHAGNACE. The red hue prevalent in S. acatzfolium is usually sufficient to distinguish it from any other species ; where this is absent and confusion is likely to arise with any dther, I have endeavoured to point out the distinguishing characters under the description of that plant. * Sphagnum Girgensohnii Russ. (S. s¢rictum Lindb., Braithw. Sphagnacee). (Tab. VII. F.) Closely resembling S. fimbriatum it differs in the somewhat | more robust habit, with the branches slightly shorter and stouter; and especially in the stem leaves, which are broadly oblong, not wider above than at the base, and only fimbriate over about 4 to % the width of the leaf at apex, with the margin of narrow cells reaching nearly to the top. Male amentula clavate, yellowish brown. Var. B. squarrosulum Russ. Plants very smadl/; branch leaves recurved at apex. Has. Bogs in mountainous districts. Rare. The var. 8 in Yorkshire. After some hesitation I have followed Cardot in ranking S. Girgensohnid as a sub- species of S. acztifolium. Briefly stated the reasons for so doing are the following. The differences between the two plants are practically these. S. acutifolium. Cuticular cells usually non-porose; in var. robustun: and others, porose. Usually tinged with red. In var. vobustum and others the red is entirely absent except in the male amentula. Inflorescence monoicous; occasionally, as in var. vobustum, dioicous. Branches soft; in var. vodustum more rigid. Stem leaves narrowed above, 5-toothed at apex, or rounded with a broad top, truncated and fimbriated, notably in the vars. vobustum and sub-fimbriatum Braithw. Male amentula red. S. Girgensohnii. Cuticular cells porose. No red tinge present. Inflorescence dioicous. Branches rigid. Stem leaves rounded above and truncate, broadly fimbriated at apex. Male amentula brownish yellow. It will be seen from this that with the single exception of the brownish yellow male amentula of S. Gergensohniz, never red as in S. acutzfolium—a character which by itself is hardly enough to separate species—there is no feature of S. Girgensohniz that does not occur in some form or other of S. aczdtzfolium. This, which in itself would not be conclusive, is surely rendered so by the fact that all these characters are re-united in S. acutifolvum var. robustum Russ. (S. Russowz, Warnst.). Certain forms of this plant, the affinity of which with S. acze¢zfo/zum is not questioned, differ from S. Giryensohnzz in nothing but the colour of the male amentula, the rest of the plants being without a tinge of red (e.g., 8. Ressow7 var. molle Warnst.). The same would appear to be the case with Braithwaite’s var. sub-fimbriatum of S. acutifolium, except that this variety has the softness of its type instead of the stiffer habit of S. Girgensohniz. It seems perfectly clear, therefore, that S. Girgensohnzd is an intermediate stage between S. acutzfolium and S. fimbriatum, but so closely linked with the former by the var. vobustum of that species, that it must take its rank with it as a sub-species. SPHAGNUM. 19 In the description I have compared it with S. fimbriatum, because from the colour it is more likely to be confounded with that species, to which indeed, on the opposite side, it is very closely related. _. From all other species the broad border of the stem leaves taken in conjunction with the numerous large pores of the branch leaves will at once distinguish it. 9. Sphagnum fimbriatum Wils. (Tab. VII. G.). Loosely tufted; pale green or whitish brown; tall and slender, 6-14 inches high. Stem pale, cuticular cells in 2 or: 3 layers, porose. Stem leaves very broadly obovate- spathulate, almost as broad as long, wider above, rounded and slightly flattened at summit, the whole of which, together with the upper portion of the sides, is frznged as with delicate cilia by the thread-like partitions of the eroded cells. Aveolation very wide at summit, narrowing downwards, without fibres or pores but with partitions across many of the cells. Cells at basal angles extremely narrow, forming a border or column on each side extending to about 34 the width of the leaf, the median basal cells between the borders being much wider. Branches 3-4 together, very long and slender, two arcuate and decurved, the others pendent and appressed to stem. Branch leaves closely imbricated, lower ovate-lanceolate, upper lanceolate, gradually narrowed from below the middle to the acute apex, which is slightly truncated and toothed ; margin incurved above. Hyaline cells of medium size, with many large pores. Chlorophyllose cells in section compressed, elliptical or slightly cuneiform, emergent on the upper surface of the leaf, usually slightly enclosed by the hyaline on the back. Perichztial bracts large, obtuse. Male amentula yellowish, fuszform. Has. Bogs and marshes, frequent ; usually abundantly fertile. Sphagnum fimbriatum is one of the least variable members of the genus; in colour it is always of a pale green or yellowish brown, without tinge of red; this will serve to distinguish it from all forms of S. acutzfolium except the very few which are entirely green, and from these the stem leaves serve essentially to separate it, as indeed they do from all other species, the only approach to it in this respect being in the case of S. Gérgensohnii, S. Lindbergéé and some forms of S. ¢eves ; from the last the broadly bordered stem leaves will, as mentioned under that species, clearly distinguish it, as will the rounded summit of the stem leaves and the numerous large pores in the branch leaves from S. Lindbergdéi. The characters by which it may be known from S. Girgensohnid are pointed out under that plant. The leaves of S. fimbriatum axe occasionally distinctly squarrose, in which case the resemblance to some forms of S. ¢eves is very striking ; they are however decidedly narrower than the leaves of that species. The transverse partitions of the cells of the stem leaves are much more numerous and distinct in S. Ambrdatum than in other species in which they occur. 20 SPHAGNACEZ&. 10. Sphagnum Lindbergii Schp. (Tab. VIII. A.) Robust, 6-12 inches high. Variously coloured, usually yellowish green, with a more or less deep tinge of reddish brown. Stem dark brown; cuticular cells wethout pores. Stem leaves reflexed, shortly and broadly oblong or almost square, slightly wider at the top and ¢runcate, fimbriated across the whole width of the leaf, but not down the sides, cells very broad and lax above, gradually narrowing towards the base, especially at margin, where they form a wide border which rapidly becomes narrower as it ascends the leaf. A few fibres and pores only in the small auricular cells at base. Branches 4-5 in a fascicle, the divergent ones spreading, the pendent closely appressed to the stem. Branch leaves more or less seriate in 5 rows, slightly undulate when dry (in some forms distinctly so, in others not at all), firm, glossy, broadly or narrowly ovate-lanceolate, more or less acuminate, truncate and toothed at apex, with involute margin; border of narrow cells rather distinct, widest at base. Hyaline cells with pores of a medium size, usually few in number, but sometimes more numerous. Chlorophyllose cells oval-cuneiform, emerging on the dorsal face, covered by the hyaline on the ventral surface. Antheridia on pendent branches. Has. Deep bogs in the north; Ross; Shetland. A very fine plant, resembling S. ztermedium, but differing entirely in the form of the stem leaves, and also in the branch leaves not flexuose or recurved when dry. I have received a variety of forms gathered in Labrador, from the Rev. A. C. Waghorne, some of them, notably vars. zmmersum and fuscescens Warnst., very robust, dark brown or purplish black, with very large, elongated leaves, which are secund at the apex of the branches, and sometimes distinctly undulate when dry. 11. Sphagnum intermedium Hoffm. (S. recurvum P. Beauv., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. VIII. B.) In loose masses, pale green or whitish, 6-12 inches high or more. Stem very pale, greenish white; cuticular cells usually in 2 layers, hardly distinct from the outer layers of the central axis, non-porose. Stem leaves small, reflexed, deltoid or ovate- triangular, narrowed to an obtuse point, which is toothed or slightly eroded ; cells mostly without fibres or pores, border very broad at base, narrowing upwards but reaching summit, and still several cells in width in the upper part of the leaf. Stem con- cealed by the pendent branches, which are closely appressed. Leaves of divergent branches broadly lanceolate ; closely imbricated, erecto-patent and straight when moist, when ary SPHAGNUM. 2i undulate at margins, flexuose and recurved at apex, so as to give the branches a soft and feathery appearance. Margin involute at the tip, apex toothed, truncate. Hyaline cells with a very few small pores. Chlorophyllose cells oval-triangular in section, on the dorsal surface. Spores yellow. Var. 8. riparium Lindb. (S. riparium Angstr., S. spectabile Schp. Syn.) Taller and more robust, deep green. Stem leaves larger, deltoid ovate, rounded and slightly fringed at apex, with- out fibres. Branches long, leaves scarcely undulated when dry ; elongated at apex, the point sometimes composed of chloro- phyllose cells without hyaline ones. Var. y. pulchrum Lindb. Rodust, golden yellow. Stem leaves fibrose above, contracted into a minute, recurved apiculus. Branches thick, short, spreading or ascending, dense-leaved. Has. Bogs and pools, frequent. The var. 8 more or less immersed. The var. ¥ in bogs in the north. Sphagnum intermedium in the humid state is difficult to distinguish from S. Girgensohnit, and some green forms of S. acutifolium and S. subsecundum. The broadly-bordered, non-fibrose stem leaves of the present species will distinguish it from the last which has also the pores of the branch leaves numerous ; while the large pores in the branch leaves of the two former will serve to distinguish them at the outset. ‘When dry the soft, flexuose, and recurved leaves, flattened above and not involute or tubular, at once separate it from all other species. It may be remarked that the squarrose leaves of S. sqguarrosum are more rigid, and, as it were, suddenly Jen¢ back at an angle from the rest of the leaf, while the recurved leaves of the present species turn back in a gradual curve. The differences between the present plant and S. casfzdatum are dealt with under that species. There seems no sufficient reason to consider the var. rzparzum as a sub-species ; the peculiar areolation of the leaf apex is found in other varieties of this plant, and also in submerged forms of .S. caspedatum and S. Lindbergid, and is probably only a state directly induced by the aquatic habit, and not confined to any one species or even group of species; it is by no means constant even in this variety, and when it does occur is often absent in some of the leaves of a branch ; there may frequently also be found leaves in which the apex is mainly composed of hyaline cells narrow and destitute of fibres. 12. Sphagnum cuspidatum Ehrh. (Tab. VIII. C.). Green or yellowish white; usually more or less aquatic and submerged, 6-18 inches high or more. Stem pale green or pale brown, cuticular cells in 2-3 layers, dzstzuct, not porose. Stem leaves longer than in the last species, often pointed, /7drose in the upper part and often to the base; margin as in that species, but of somewhat longer and narrower cells. Pendent branches not so closely appressed, and ot concealing the stem. Divergent branches cuspidate at the apex, with the upper leaves 22 SPHAGNACE/:. often falcato-secund ; the leaves less closely imbricated than in S. intermedium, longer and narrower, with a broader margin, the cells usually with rather more numerous pores; undulated at margin, but less flexuose when dry and hardly recurved at apex except in the short branches of the capitulum. Pericheetial bracts less pointed. Spores drown. In other respects like S. iter. medium. Var. 8. falcatum Russ. Branches more or less arcuate and faicate ; branch leaves narrowly lanceolate, the terminal ones Salcate. Var. y. plumosum Nees and Hornsch. Submerged, flaccid, elongated. Branches uniform, divergent, plumose, with. very long, lanceolate-subulate, spreading leaves. Var.8. Torreyanum Braithw. (S. Torreyanum Sull.) Sub- merged, very robust, more rigid; dirty brown. Stem leaves large, xon-fibrose. Branch leaves very large, elongate, lanceolate- subulate, tubulose and toothed at apex, the hyaline cells with numerous pores. Var. «. brevifolium Lindb. Stems firm, 5-6 inches high, pale; stem leaves short, ovate, obtuse. Branches in closely set fascicles, short, ascending and divergent, arcuato-decurved from the middle, attenuated; the leaves subsecund when dry, short, ovate, somewhat oblique and unequal sided. Has. Pools and wet bogs, frequent. The vars. B, y, 5, in standing water. Var. Yorreyanum, Whitchurch, Shropshire. T have retained S. cuspzdatum as a species, though very doubtful whether it ought not to be considered a sub-species of S. ztermedium. The characters by which they are separated are almost all comparative. Authors differ very much in their descrip- tion of the state of the leaves when dry, some saying they are not at all crisped, while others describe them as more or less flexuose. The fact is they vary considerably, some forms having the leaves when dry, straight, and only slightly undulated at margin, while in others they are recurved and flexuose, almost exactly as in S. zuéer- medium, This is the case with a form sent me by Mr. Boswell, from Whixall, Shrop- shire. In the short branches of the capitulum the leaves seem indeed usually to be recurved at apex, exactly as in S. zwtermedium. The stem leaves, too, are not always fibrose, and forms are found, according to Cardot, with the cuticular cells in- distinct. The var. plumosum is a very beautiful form when growing, but it is almost im- possible to preserve its delicate, feathery appearance when dried. In one form (var. serrulatum Schlieph.), which I have gathered on Bodmin Moors, Cornwall, the broad borders of linear non-fibrose cells in the branch leaves are distinctly toothed at the apex of the leaf, and run together into a long, very narrow denticulate point, not’ at all unlike the apex of the leaves of some of the Harpidioid Hypna. Another form (var. zonocladum Kling.) is very lax, with the branches solitary or almost so; stem leaves and branch leaves similar, broadly truncated above; the upper part of the leaves is sometimes composed mainly of chlorophyllose cells, inter-. SPHAGNUM. 23 mixed with a few hyaline ones, some of which are destitute of fibres ; in other leaves the whole tissue is composed of chlorophyllose cells, arranged in a lax network. I have gathered this form, or one very closely approaching it, on Ben Lawers. The long flat leaves of S. ceespzdatum, undulated at margin, are sufficient to dis- tinguish it from all others of the Acutifolia section, except S. zztermedium, which differs in the characters given above. SUB-CLASS Il. ANDRE ZALES. Spores and Columella developed from the Endothecium, the Columella not penetrating the spore-bearing layer. Spore-sac not separated from the wall of the capsule by any air-cavity. Capsule opening by longitudinal slits. ORDER IJ. ANDREAKACEZ. Mosses with something the habit of Grimmia, in small compact cushions or more rarely in laxer tufts ; growing on rocks; of a dark reddish or purplish colour; stems slender, rooting only at the base, very fragile when dry, dichotomous, with fasciculate branches. Leaves usually crowded, small, erecto-patent or falcato- secund, of rather thick texture, from bright orange to deep reddish black, usually more or less papillose; cells small, incrassate, rectangular and often sinuose at base, small, rounded or angular above. Flowers terminal ; fruit, as in Sphagnum, enclosed until ripe in the perichetium, then exserted on a pseudopodium by the elongation of the vaginula; calyptra membranaceous, irregularly torn at the base. Capsule oval, without lid, splitting perpendicu- larly into 4, rarely 6-8 valves, united at top and bottom. Columella persistent. Spores smooth or lightly papillose. The leaves when viewed by transmitted light are usually of a bright orange or reddish brown, but when seen by reflected light, as in the field, and especially when dry, they appear of a much duller and darker hue, not unfrequently appearing almost black. It is only when quite young and half-developed that they show any trace of chlorophyll. In leaf-structure there is a certain resemblance to the Grimmiacez, and they are by Lindberg placed next to that order. There is, as in the Sphagnacea, very little variation in the fruit ; the specific characters have therefore to be drawn almost entirely from the perichzetia and the leaves; it is probably on this account that there has been a tendency to found species on somewhat slight and inadequate characters. 24 ANDREAACE. The species of Andreza inhabit silicious and quartzose (not calcareous) rocks, in alpine and subalpine regions of both hemispheres, chiefly in the higher latitudes. In Europe it 1s in Scandinavia that they are found in greatest abundance and variety, and there are several endemic species there. It will be found a material aid in the determination of these plants to soak the leaves, or heat them for a minute or two over a spirit lamp, in strong caustic soda or potash ; this renders them more transparent and elucidates the structure of the cells and nerve. Care must be taken, in examining the leaf margin, to avoid taking for a normal condition the eroded appearance of the cells which, in older leaves especially, is often found to obtain, from the wearing away of part of the cell wall; this often gives a false appearance of papillosity, crenulation, or dentation, or it may suggest a more or less hyaline border to the leaf, and in the nerved species may easily lead to an erroneous conclusion that the nerve is excurrent. 2. ANDREA Ebrh. The only genus. igef PSHMERVCIESS yas cite sida serv atey susan Higidnndnadionolc danganeecvane madanedeamtaaiancitate sunset reas 2 ESSsSinp hyZMervedd just ctkcsa’. icine jsstay shjaaio Hacdioedion cas aaksvaasGeetok Saadewes Guts saawaine ee Sioa 3 3 Ls. ovate-lanceolate, papillose, obtuse or more or less acute ............ 2. petrophila Ls. obovate-spathulate, shortly acuminate, smooth.............cseeseseseeeeeeee 2. alpina 3 { Ls. all similar, papillose, nerve marrow .........cccceccceseeceeee seeeeeceeeeeees 4. nivalis Stem Is. smaller than perich. ls., smooth or nearly so........ ri ae thick, occupying nearly all upper part of subula...... w3*. crassinervia Nerve less defined, occupying only middle % of subula:.........ceccecsseeee 3. Rothit A. Eu-ANDREAA. Perichetial ‘bracts different from the leaves, erect and con- volute, nerveless, or almost so. Capsule 4-valved. 1. Andreza petrophila Ehrh. (Tab. VIII. D.) Tufts smad/, olivaceous or dark brown. Stems slender, 3-1 inch high, simple, or several times forked, usually erect. Leaves crowded, imbricated or more or less turned to one side, small, ovate- or oblong-lanceolate, usually patent from an erect base, often falcato-secund, narrowed at apex but usually obtuse, sometimes with a minute apiculus formed of a single cell, sometimes more acute, the tip often oblique ; margins incurved, entire ; xerveless, ANDREAA. 28 strongly papillose at back, especially in the upper part. Areola- tion narrowly rectangular at base, sinuose, with very incrassate walls, gradually shorter upwards, in the upper~half of the leaf rounded-hexagonal, almost always more or less angular, arranged in longitudinal rows. Autoicous; male flower on the apex of a separate branch; perichetium large, inner bracts convolute, broadly oblong, obtusely pointed; outer bracts strongly papillose, the inner almost smooth, but usually slightly papillose towards the apex. Var. B. acuminata Schp. More robust. Leaves spreading, acuminate, with longer papillz. Var. y. gracilis Schp. Stems very slender, branched, reddish ; leaves more distant, broadly oblong-lanceolate, suberect ; periche- tium narrow, cylindric. Var. 8. alpestris Thed. (A. alpestris Schp. Syn.) Densely cushioned; black-brown, shiny. Stems very slender, much branched. Leaves small, crowded, closely imbricated when dry, obtuse, cells less incrassate, less distinctly papillose. Var. «. sparsifolia Lindb. (A. sparsifolia Zett., Schp. Syn.) In small lax tufts, stems very slender and fragile, flexuose, with few branches. Leaves small, distant, spreading, the uppermost secund, lanceolate, gradually acuminate, acute, more shortly papillose. Has. Mountain rocks; common. The vars. B, 6, e, on the higher mountains ; var. alpestris rare. Var. sparstfolia, Ben More, Perthshire. A very variable species within certain limits, principally in the form and direction of the leaves; these are often more or less secund; when markedly so it is the var. homomalla Thed. The vars. facctda and sylvicola Schp. agree with var. acuminata in having the leaves gradually tapering to the summit, but do not appear to be very marked forms. The var. a/gestris has been frequently considered a species, but the differences are too slight to render this admissible ; the leaves vary in size, their close imbrication when dry and the less papillose areolation constitute almost the only points of distinction. The var. sfarszfolia is a more striking form, but its structural differences are very insignificant. A. obovata Thed., a nearly allied species hitherto only found in Norway, differs in the leaves, broader below, more acuminate, not papillose ; in fact much resembling those of A. a/pina, but smaller, and more longly acuminate, with the basal margin quite entire, and with larger cells. 2. Andresea alpina Smith (Lichenastrum alpinum Dill.) (Tab. VIII. E.). A larger plant than the last species, less slender and fragile, 1-3 inches high, in larger, looser tufts, fastigiate branched, of a rich purplish red. Leaves larger, broader, obovate, spathulate, acuminate or obtusely pointed, panduriform by contraction 26 ANDREZACE&. just below the middle, erecto-patent when moist, when dry more closely imbricated, smooth, glossy, erveless. Margin distinctly denticulate above the base, entire in the upper part of the leaf. Cells smooth, oval or rounded-hexagonal at apex, in parallel rows, gradually becoming more elongate and sinuosely angular down- wards, at base extremely narrow and sinuose, with very incrassate walls. Autoicous. Perichztial bracts resembling the comal leaves, but larger, broader, convolute, more shortly acuminate. Var. B. compacta Hook. Densely cushioned, dark purplish black. Branches straight, equal; leaves closely imbricated. Var.y. flavicans Hook. Stems elongated, filiform, the leaves more distant, laxly imbricated, yellowzsh. Has. Mountain rocks, frequent. The var. 8 on the higher mountains of Scot- land and Wales ; the var. y on Ben Nevis. This fine and distinct species, though distributed all over Britain and not rare on our mountains, is almost unknown on the Continent, being only recorded from a few localities in Norway. It is in its usual growth a much taller and less rigid plant than any of the forms of A. Zetrophila, and is indeed more likely to be mistaken for a species of Hepatic, such as Wardta emarginata, with which it may occasionally be found associated, and to which, indeed, it bears considerable superficial resemblance, than for any other species of moss. The var. favzcans has some resemblance to A. Hartman, another of the Scandinavian species, which, however, may be known by its more obtuse, entire leaves, and larger areolation. 3. Andreza Rothii Web. & Mohr. (A. rupestris Schp. Syn.) (Tab. VIII. F.). In small, dense, blackish tufts, laxly coherent when moist. Stems erect or decumbent, slender, very fragile when dry, less than one inch high. Leaves crowded, erecto-patent or more usually turned to one side, and generally more or less falcate ; from an oblong, oval, or slightly obovate base, either gradually or suddenly narrowed to a long lanceolate or narrowly linear limb, tapering to an obtuse point. Nerve strong, 4-4 width of leaf at base, reaching to apex or excurrent (in sub-species cras- sinervia), occupying the greater part of the limb in the upper part. Margin plane, entire or faintly dentate at apex. Cells rounded, hexagonal and punctiform above with very incrassate walls, Smooth, not much altered below except at mid-base, where a few rows of cells on each side of the nerve are narrowly rectangular. Autoicous. Inner perichztial leaves convolute, sheathing, nerve- less or thinly nerved, broadly ovate, gradually or somewhat abruptly acuminate, narrower and more tapering than in the two previous species. ANDREAA. 27 Type. Leaves erecto-patent or secund, gradually narrowed from base upwards, entire, lamina usually of 3-5 cells width in upper part of limb. Var. 8. grimsulana Hook. & Wils. (A. Rothii var. frigida Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.). More robust, taller, usually of a more reddish tinge. Leaves broader, gradually narrowed from the base, more solid. Var. y. hamata Lindb. Intermediate between the type and var. falcata. Leaves falcato-secund, gradually narrowed from base upwards, lamina zarrow, but continuous above, enxtzre. Var. 6. falcata Lindb. (A. falcata Schp. Syn.). Leaves falcato- secund, abruptly narrowed above the broader, obovate base to a long, linear limb, the lamina continued to apex, very narrow and indistinct in the upper part, usually of about 2-3 series of cells ; frequently dzstinctly notched towards the apex. Has. Mountain rocks, frequent. The var. 8, wet rocks on high mountains. The var. 8 as frequent as the type. The characters which mark the vars. Aamata and falcata are very ill-defined ; the sudden narrowing of the leaf above the base is by no means constant even in all the leaves from a single stem; the relative width of the lamina in the upper part varies very much also (it must be remembered that the young comal leaves do not afford any safe guidance in this respect); and a faint notching may occasionally be seen in the upper leaves even of the type. The form of leaf typical of the var. falcata is also associated occasionally with a spreading (not falcato-secund) position of the leaves. In the forms with a narrow base to the leaves the lower cells are more distinctly rectangular ; in the /a/cata forms they are usually more rounded and very little different from the upper cells except those very near the nerve. In examining the upper cells of this species it should be noted that on the surface of the leaf they are angular and more or less regularly hexagonal, but in the interior of the cell the wall is thickened in such a way that the cell cavity is rounded, or punctiform, hence the areolation takes a different aspect according as the microscope is focussed on the sur- face of the leaf or slightly lower down. The lower part of the stem and innovations is not unfrequently clothed with minute scale-like leaves, ovate, with a short apiculus. * Andreea crassinervia Bruch. (Tab. VIII. G.). Differs from A. Rothii only in the stronger nerve, the limb of the leaf very narrowly contracted from just above the expanded base, the lamina in the upper part extremely narrow, sometimes ceasing below the apex so that the nerve ts slightly excurrent. Var. B. Huntii Braithw. (A. Auntie Limpr.). Taller ; leaves longer with a narrower nerve. Perichaztial bracts shorter, obtuse or apiculate, papzllose. Has. Alpine rocks ; apparently very rare. The var. 8, Lake District. 28 ANDREAACE&. In reading the descriptions given by various authors of this plant, one cannot but be struck with the uncertainty of the characters relied upon to distinguish it ; what is held by one writer to be a distinctive character being held of no importance by another, so that one is compelled to doubt its stability as a species ; and an examina- tion of a considerable number of specimens has entirely confirmed me in this view ; indeed, after carefully examining a large number of leaves of 4. Kothi¢ and of the present plant I am inclined to doubt whether it has a full title even to the rank of a sub-species of the former. According to Braithwaite, the leaves are of almost exactly the same form as in 4. Rothzz, or its var. Aamata, only very narrow and subulate in the upper part, and with the nerve apparently excurrent as a papillose subula ; but even this seemingly important distinction disappears when on closer examination it is found that the lamina is really continued to apex zz a@ single series of cells. Now, I have frequently found forms of 4. Rothz2, and especially its var. faécata, to have the limb of the leaf more than usually narrow, with only two series of cells in its upper part ; indeed, according to C. Miiller, the var. fa/cata has the nerve ‘‘ occupying the whole apex.” The form of the leaf-base, oblong and gradually narrowed above, can- not be held characteristic, since in what are, I suppose, fairly typical specimens of 4. crassinervia, viz., those gathered by Arnell at Herndsand, Sweden (Afuscz Galha, No. 697); the leaf-base is oval and quickly narrowed above, almost as in the var. falcata. The more regular, quadrate cells with thinner walls, held of importance by Boulay, may also be found in forms of 4. Rofhiz. Again, with regard to the excur- rence of the nerve, I have hardly ever found a leaf with the lamina really ceasing below the apex, except in old leaves where it had possibly been removed by erosion ; in the large majority of cases where it appears excurrent I have found on close ex- amination distinct indications that the single row of marginal cells Aas been so eroded ; and the papillosity of the subula in every case in which I have observed it, has been due to the slight erosion of the cell walls of this row of cells, as may often be found in the older leaves for a considerable distance below the apex; I have never seen a young or unworn leaf with any trace of this papillosity. The width of the nerve I have also found variable. The differences must therefore, I think, be held to be of a very slight nature, and A. crassinervia must be considered to be little more than a variety of 4. Rothzz with an extremely narrow lamina reduced to one or two series of cells above and occa- sionally disappearing entirely just below the apex. Boulay (A@uscinées de la France) describes the true 4. crassznervia as having the nerve excurrent from below the middle of the leaf, a character sufficiently defined to separate it as a sub-species at least, although the other points which he holds characteristic are certainly of slight importance; but this form, or anything approaching it, has, I believe, never been found in Britain, and we must either exclude 4. crassznervia from our list altogether or consider it, with Braithwaite and other authors, as including forms with a very narrow lamina continuous to apex, this feature and the general narrowness of the limb distinguishing it from 4. Rothzz, which, however, certainly passes into these less marked forms. In support of this view we have the fact that Wilson always maintained that the three forms only constituted a single species ; also that the plant described as 4. Huntii by Limpricht has been variously placed as a variety by some authors under A. falcata, by others under A. crassinervia. No doubt much confusion has arisen from the distribution of wrongly-named specimens ; this was the case with No. 394 of the A@usc¢ Galle, which is only a form of 4. Rothzz with the lamina quite distinct to the apex; and I have found the same feature in specimens supposed to be typical crassinervia, gathered by Whitehead on Penyghent. The var. Huntiz is described by Macoun as differing from A. crassénervia “ prin- cipally in the subula of the leaf, only about a half formed by the costa, and the very papillose perigonial and perichzetial leaves ;”” and he adds that it is often confounded with A. Rothzz. Schimper, too, referred it to 4. falcata. B. CHASMOCALYX. Perichztial bracts like the leaves, distinctly nerved. ANDREAFA. 29 4. Andresa nivalis Hook. (Tab. VIII. H.). Tufts large, soft, 2-4 inches high, brownish. Stems slender, flaccid, repeatedly branched, erect or decumbent, denuded at base. Leaves rather distant, secund, at the apex of the branches distinctly falcato-secund, soft ; the lower smaller, ovate-lanceolate; the upper gradually lanceolate from an oblong base, crenulate at basal margin, irregularly sinuose or notched in the upper part ; strongly papillose on both sides. Nerve narrower than in the last species, + to 4 the width of leaf at base, reaching to apex or vanishing just below; prominent at back and papillose. Areola- tion much paler and less opaque than in the other species, irregularly rounded-quadrate above, at base more regularly quadrate, not elongate. Dioicous; male flowers gemmiform, bracts numerous, imbricated, the inner nerveless; perichetial bracts elongate-lanceolate, resembling the leaves. Capsule open- ing by 4-6 valves, rather large. Var. B. fuscescens Hook. Stems more flexuose and flaccid, with strongly falcate leaves of a brown colour. Has. Alpine rocks, near the snow-line; very rare, Grampians, Ben Nevis, Ben Cruachan. The var. on Ben Nevis and Ben Macdhui. There is no difficulty in distinguishing A. zvalis from the other species of the genus, but in the field it might possibly be passed over for the hepatic, Herberta adunca, to which it bears a considerable outward resemblance. The var. fuscescens does not present very clearly definable characters, but is more usually found fruiting, while the typical plant is more commonly found with male flowers; in Scandinavia the variety is the commoner form, and was therefore considered by Zetterstedt the type of the species. This rare and interesting plant appears to be more at home on the Scotch mountains than in any other place, but it is found on several of the highest ranges of mountains on the continent. SUB-CLASS III. BRYALES. Spores and Columella (the latter absent in Archidium) developed from the Endothecium, the Columella penetrating the spore-bearing layer (Archesporium). Spore-sac separated from the wall of the capsule by an air cavity. Capsule dehiscing irregularly or opening with a lid. GROUP A. NEMATODONTE. Peristome teeth solid, not transversely barred (very faintly only in Buxbaumia); derived from several concentric series of cells of the sporogonium. 30 TETRAPHIDACE&. ORDER III]. TETRAPHIDACEZ. A small order of mosses distinct (except in the single species of the exotic genus Calomnium which is gymnostomous) in the peristome, composed of four solid conical homogeneous teeth, derived from the fission of the whole cellular tissue of the interior of the lid. Plants minute and gregarious, or caspitose and rather taller but slender. Leaves ovate or lanceolate, smooth, thinly nerved; areolation rounded-hexagonal. Calyptra conical, mitriform, plicate. Capsule oval or cylindrical, erect, symmet- rical, smooth; annulus none. Inflorescence apical, gemmi- form. 3. TETRAPHIS. Hedw. The characters of the genus are practically those of the order as described above, the species being all peristomate. Braithwaite is no doubt right in re-uniting the two European species under this genus, the characters separating Tetrodontium being hardly of generic value. A curious feature of the genus is the presence of peculiar “ frondiform”’ leaves which appear on the protonema at the first development of the moss stem; they are more or less ligulate or spathulate from a narrower base, and in 7. Browniana are some- times forked above, somewhat as in the fronds of the Forked Spleenwort, or of the ‘‘Stagshorn”’ Fern; in this species they are persistent; in 7. se//ucida, on the contrary, they disappear before the development of the stem, and have on that account been overlooked. The solid, undifferentiated teeth of the peristome appear to mark a primitive stage in the development of that organ. They are quite conspicuous with an ordinary pocket lens, and are not fragile nor deciduous, so that they form a ready means of dis- tinguishing these plants from species of Barbula, &c., many of which in the fruit and general appearance are somewhat similar. Plant almost stemless, with radical frondiform nerveless leaves ...... 2. Browntana Plant with leafy stem ; barren shoots with terminal gemmiferous cups 7. pedlucdda 1. Tetraphis pellucida Hedw. (MWntum pellucidum L., Georgia pellucida Rabenh.; Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. IX. A.) Plants in dense tufts, bright green above, reddish brown below, 4-1 inch high. Stems of two kinds, (1) fertile, simple or branched, with imbricated leaves, the lower broadly ovate from a narrow TETRAPHIS. 31 base, the upper more elongated and narrower, slightly decurrent ; (2) gemmiferous, more slender and flexuose, with more uniformly rounded-ovate and more distant leaves, ending in a cup of 4-5 broadly rentform bracts enclosing numerous paraphyses and stalked, lenticular gemmz. Leaves very small at base of stems, larger above, erect when moist, carinate at back with the prominent nerve, when dry slightly undulated; margin plane, extzre ; nerve ceasing below apex ; areolation rounded, at margin rather smaller and more closely set, the basal a little elongated, especially near the nerve. Autoicous, rarely synoicous. Male flowers apical, on special shoots arising from a sterile female flower, bracts ovate- lanceolate. Perichetial bracts elongated, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate but somewhat obtuse, nerved. Seta slender, 4-3/7. long, brown, smooth, straight or flexuose; capsule xarrowly cylindrical, variable in length, green with a bright red top when young, bright reddish brown when ripe ; calyptra covering the capsule, white below, brown above, somewhat lacerate at base, distinctly plicated, at apex solid and rough; lid thin, conical, acute, straight or oblique, glossy ; peristome teeth connivent when moist, erect and open when dry, zarrow/y triangular, brown, formed of linear cells. Has. Turfy banks, peaty soil in woods, and rotten tree stumps. Widely distributed, but not abundant. Fr. all summer. A very pretty and interesting species, which may readily be indentified by the peristome, and when barren by the terminal gemmiferous cups which seem always to be present. T. geniculata Girgens., an allied species found in N. America and Eastern Asia, differs in the absence of gemmz, longer narrower leaves, and especially in the geniculate pedicel, which is distantly tuberculous above. I have had it sent me from several localities in Newfoundland and Labrador. 2. Tetraphis Browniana Grev. (Bryum Brownianum Dicks. ; Tetrodontium Browntanum Schwgr., Schp. Syn.; Georgia Brownit C.M., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. IX. B.) Very small, gregarious, stem/ess. Plant at first consisting of a tuft of radical, frondiform leaves, 2-3 layers of cells in thickness, narrowly clavate, or somewhat palmately branched at apex, brownish green, persistent for some time ; female flower produced among these leaves, developing into a perichetium of 8-12 imbricated bracts, the outer very small, all ovate or ovate-lanceo- late, obtuse or acuminate, with a faint nerve which disappears in the upper half, margin entire, or more frequently crenulate- denticulate ; cells elliptical-rhomboid or narrowly rectangular, rounded at the angles, with thick walls, at the base laxer and 32 TETRAPHIDACE&, more regularly rectangular ; capsule on a smooth, brown, much shorter and more rigid pedicel, very small, ovate, firm, dark brown, solid; calyptra darker, more deeply cleft at base; mouth of the capsule more or less sinuosely notched between the peristome teeth, which are much shorter, broadly triangular, of broader and shorter, rectangular cells. Perigonial bracts fewer, nerveless. Haz.—Sandstone or gritstone rocks, frequently growing downwards from the roof of caves or clefts. Frequent in some parts of Scotland and the North of England, but not a common moss. Fr. summer. A minute plant, best distinguished in the field by the plicate calyptra and the peristome, from Seligeria, Brachyodus, etc. ; under the microscope it presents no resemblance to any other moss. TZ. repanda Funck, a species or variety not found in this country, but known in France and elsewhere on the continent, differs only in the frondiform leaves being replaced by minute flagelliform shoots bearing extremely microscopical nerveless leaves. ORDER IV. POLYTRICHACE. Plants usually of a large size, growing on earth, the simple or slightly branched stems growing from a creeping subterranean rhizome. Leaves usually narrow, the nerve more or less ex- panded on the ventral surface, and producing on that surface longitudinal strips of tissue (4amed/z) in the form of thin laminze standing on edge and running parallel to one another along the nerve, sometimes in great numbers and crowded, or few and lax, usually formed of a few rows of cells in height and a single cell in thickness, so as to appear in transverse section of a single row of superposed cells, the uppermost or external cell being often of a different form from the lower ones. Upper areolation generally hexagonal, with thin walls. Inflorescence nearly always dioicous, the male flower terminal, large, discoid. Capsule on a long seta, large, cylindrical, or prismatic with 2-6 angles. Calyptra narrow, cucullate, spinulose at apex, or with few or many erect or deflexed hairs. Peristome (in the European species) of 32 or 64 short, ligulate, unbarred teeth, triangular in transverse section ; columella expanded at apex into a shield-shaped membrane, the epiphragm, or, as it is sometimes rather inaccurately called, the tympanum, covering the mouth of the capsule and united at its edges with the teeth of the peristome. The larger species of this order, being very noticeable plants and also common, are among the first which come under the notice of the student of mosses, and will be easily referable to their right natural order by the lamellose face of the leaf, which in CATHARINEA. 33 Polytrichum renders almost the whole surface dark green and opaque : the lamellose-leaved species of the Tortulacez will be readily distinguished by their small fruit, being usually fertile. The leaves among the Polytrichacee are among the largest, especially in point of length, of any mosses. The stem in Polytrichacee, as well as the seta, shows a higher development than in any other order, there being a specialised central axis, the tissue of which, both in anatomy and function, shows an approach to the central fibro-vascular bundle in the Vascular Cryptogams. An interesting discussion on this and other points in reference to the Polytrichacee by J. R. Vaizey will be found in the Journ. of the Linn. Soc., Botany, Vol. XXIV, p. 262, “On the Anatomy and Development of the Sporogonium of the Mosses.” The structure and function of the peristome and epiphragm are of great interest, and the student is referred to the description of these parts in Dr. Braithwaite’s British Moss Flora, and in Philibert’s admirable papers on the peristome in the Revue Bryo- logique. Besides the British genera, there are two exotic genera of importance, Dawsonia and Lyellia. A useful synopsis of the European and North American species of Polytrichaceze by N. C. Kindberg, will be found in the Rev. Bry., 1894, pp. 33, $qq- 4, CATHARINEA Ehrh. (Synonym, Atrichum P. Beauv., Schimper Syn., et plur. auct.) Stems moderately tall, leaves slightly embracing the stem but not sheathing, nor narrowed above the base, lingulate or ovate- oblong, crisped when dry, bordered and serrate, generally undulated, with few straight lamelle above. Calyptra glabrous, spinulose-papillose at apex. Capsule smooth, oval or cylindric, curved ; lid long-beaked ; peristome of 32 teeth, with a narrow basal membrane. Inflorescence usually dioicous. ,{ Ls. narrow-lingulate, back of nerve and lamina spinose-toothed above ............ 2 Ls. wider, oblong, lamina smooth at back w....ssesseesseestteessseeengeeeen Se CVISPA Ls. obtuse, margin toothed in upper half only ; capsule suberect ; dioicous......... 2. angustata aa rather acute, margin toothed throughout ; capsule arcuate; paroicous ......... z. undulata D 34 POLYTRICHACE&. 1. Catharinea undulata Web. and Mohr. (Bryum undulatum L., Atrichum undulatum P. Beauv., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. IX. D.) Plants in loose patches, dull green, in open dry spots yellowish ; stems erect, 1-2 inches high, simple or bifid, from a much branched, rooting, underground rhizome; leaves very small below, scale-like, gradually longer above, in the upper part very longly lingulate, strongly (transversely) undulate, chiefly in the upper half, much crisped and incurved when dry, flexuose and patulous when moist, acute or somewhat obtuse, bordered with a narrow, distinct margin of 2-3 rows of very narrow, brownish, cartilaginous cells, sharply spinose for the greater part of tts Jength with strong teeth, usually in pairs; the surface of the leaf also, at the back, in the upper half and especially near the apex, is beset with somewhat similar spines, usually in transverse rows, on the crests of the undulations ; nerve vanishing in the apex of the leaf, sharply spinulose at back above; areolation rather large, chlorophyllose, in the upper part of the leaf hexagonal or elliptic- hexagonal (with the longer axis transverse to the direction of the leaf, z.e., broader than long), gradually becoming larger and quadrate below, elongate-rectangular at the base. Lamelle 3-6, straight, the upper margin very bluntly notched ; in section each of 3 to 5 nearly equal, smooth, rounded cells. /uflorescence parot- cous. Male flower terminating the first year’s stem, the axis of which is subsequently prolonged, and next year produces a ter- minal fertile flower. Perichetial bracts longer and narrower, but otherwise resembling the leaves. Seta erect, flexuose, reddish brown, I-1} inches long, often two or more together from the same perichetium ; capsule cylindrical, variable in length, strongly arcuate and inclined, brown, thick-walled, lid subulate, curved, almost as long as the capsule. Calyptra pale, covering about one- third of the capsule. Teeth of peristome long, lanceolate, obtuse, the median line orange, the edges pale, basal membrane reddish. Var. B. minor W. and Mohr. Stem short, leaves short, less undulated. Capsule shorter, suberect, unequal, on a shorter pedicel. Var. y. Haussknechtiz Dixon (Catharinea Haussknechtii Broth., Braithw. Br. M. FI., Vol. II. Suppl.; At¢richum Hauss- knechtii Jur. and Milde). Resembling C. undulata very closely, but more slender, in looser tufts, 3-1 inch high, the leaves somewhat more Shortly and obtusely pointed, the spines at back smaller. Inflorescence terminal, garotcous or perhaps rather synozcous; antheridia CATHARINEA. 35 central, with suddenly acuminate almost entire bracts, surrounded by a row of archegonia. Two or more capsules are produced from the same perichetium ; subsequently the axis is produced as in C. undulata, so that the fruitstalks, which are persistent for a year or more, appear lateral, a new inflorescence and fruit being formed at the fresh apex in the following year ; in this way the old fruitstalks of one or two years’ growth may be seen on the side of the stem. Capsule narrowly cylindric, suderect, hardly curved ; lid as long as the capsule. Has. On sandy soil or clay, in woods, on heaths, &c., very common. The var. B in drier, stony places. The var. y very rare; on damp shady banks near Brox- bourne, Herts. ; (Vazzey). Fr. late autumn and winter. A very common plant, with the aspect of which the student soon becomes familiar ; it has little resemblance to any other species—beyond those of its own genus—except Mnzum undulatum, which might sometimes be confused with it, but which is easily distinguished by its marginal teeth being single, not in pairs, the basal cells not regularly rectangular, the broader margin, percurrent nerve, &c. The characters distinguishing it from C. azgestata and C. crispa are described under those species. e Within slight limits it shows a considerable variation, chiefly in the form and size of capsule, the apex of the leaves more or less acute, and the amount of their undula- tions ; the var. zor is not much more than a starved form, and may be found grow- ing with the type with intermediate forms. The var. Haussknechtiz, of which I have not seen any specimens, has only been found within the last few years, or perhaps it would be more correct to say that it has only recently been distinguished from C. zndulata. It was first recorded as a British plant by J. R. Vaizey (Ann. Bot. ii, 69) in 1888, under the name of C. /ateralis Vaizey. It has been found sparingly in several European countries, and is possibly the same as the N. American Atrichum undulatum var. attenuatum B. & S. After reading the descriptions of C. Haussknechtz?, the question can hardly fail to arise whether it is really anything more than an abnormal state of C. wzdulata, much as the var. znconstans is of Fissedens bryotdes. I can hardly think that the difference in the inflorescence, which, however distinct a habit it may produce, is not in itself a very important one, can alone justify its being accorded specific rank ; and considering the great variety in form of leaf and capsule in C. zzdzlata, the other characters above described must be held to have even less weight. I have, therefore, classed it as a variety, while admitting that such a conclusion, being arrived at without the study of specimens, can be provisional only. Mr. Bagnall finds various forms of the present species in one or two localities in Warwickshire, some with as many as six setee within one perichzetium, others with stems twice or more branched and producing fruits from each branch, the leaves and capsules also showing considerable divergence from the typical form. A continental species, C. ¢exe//a Rohl, has been described as British, but the plants that have been so named appear to be all referable to this species or its variety minor ; the true C. ¢enedla is dioicous, of a deep green colour, with shorter, hardly un- dulated leaves with fewer lamellze, and a much shorter inclined capsule. 2. Catharinea angustata Brid. (Atrichum angustatum B.& S., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. IX. E.). Much like small forms of the preceding species, but with short, simple stems, and of a more reddish tint. Leaves crowded, straighter and more erect, oblong-lanceolate, shorter, obtuse, less 36 POLYTRICHACEA. undulate, more sparingly and less sharply spinulose at back, with smaller areolation ; the margin with smaller teeth, serrate only in the upper half or with only a few very minute teeth below the middle.; lamella more numerous, 5-7, higher, in section each of 5 to 8 equal cells. Dioicous, male flowers cup-shaped, growing on separate tufts of plants. Capsule nearly erect and only slightly arcuate or almost straight ; narrower in proportion to its length than in C. undulata. Has. In similar situations, but much rarer. Sussex; Perthshire; Essex. Fr. winter. C. angustata, though a distinct species, is separated rather by a combination of characters, most of which may, at one time or another, be found to some extent in C. undulata, than by any very clearly defined and obvious character ; apart from the inflorescence, however, the character of the lamellze will usually serve to separate the two species. In C. zzdzlata they are few and short, so that when flattened out on each side of the nerve, as by the pressure of a cover-glass, the space occupied by them only amounts (in the upper half):to about }toj, of the total width of the leaf ; whereas in the present species they will be found to cover, under the same circum- stances, + and even 3 of the width; the much weaker serration of the leaf margin is also a distinguishing feature. The plant has, however, a distinct facies of its own, and I have found it quite possible to distinguish it in the barren state, even from the smaller forms of C. zdzlata with which it sometimes grows, and without the aid of a lens, by the more lurid colour, and the more erect, less undulate leaves. The narrower leaves, spinulose at back of lamina, will distinguish it from C. crzspa. It is a much commoner species in N. America than in Europe. Like C. zzdzlata it varies very considerably in length of capsule. 3. Catharinea crispa James (Atrichum crispum Sull., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. IX. F.). In soft ¢ufts, dull or yellowish green. Stems tall, erect, simple, 2-4 inches high. Leaves distant, rather large, oval- oblong or oblong-lanceolate, the lower shorter and broader, patent, when dry crisped, hardly at all undulate, obtusely acumi- nate ; nerve strong, reddish brown, vanishing in the apex, with a few rather blunt teeth at back above; border reddish, dentate from near the base, teeth smaller than in C. undulata, less frequently in pairs; lamelle very low' and indistinct, 1-4, some- what undulate on the margin and frequently interrupted, vanish- ing in the lower half of the leaf, in section of 7 ¢o 3 rather large equal cells. Areolation darger than in any of the previous species, elongate towards base and less chlorophyllose, the upper quad- rate-hexagonal or rounded, smaller towards the margin, not spinose at back. Dioicous; male plants taller, in separate tufts. Pedicels slender, often two or three together, somewhat flexuose : capsule erect or nearly so, slightly curved, narrowly obconical, CATHARINEA. 37 wide-mouthed; lid conical with a subulate beak. Peristome teeth narrow, unequal, basal membrane very narrow. Var. B. densifolia Lindb. Dwarf; leaves crowded, broader and more elliptical, patulous. Has. Sides and beds of rocky streams, among grass or in sand; rare. Male and barren plants only. The var. 8 at Oakmere, Cheshire. The fertile plant has been found in N. America only; the stem is shorter, the leaves longer and closer than in our plants. The laxer areolation and the few and in- distinct lamellze will easily distinguish it from the other species; indeed, it is much more likely to be confounded with AZjzm hornum, which it closely resembles, but a careful examination will detect the presence of lamellz, though they are sometimes so slightly developed that, without care, they are liable to be overlooked ; the cells in Mnium hornum are moreover distinctly smaller than in our plant. The large tufts in which it grows are often embedded almost up to the tops of the stems in sand or adores. 5. OLIGOTRICHUM De C. Stems simple, from a subterranean rhizome. Leaves oblong or lineal-lanceolate, not contracted above the sheathing base, concave, with numerous sinuose lamelle in front and a few at ° back. Dioicous. Capsule erect, ovate-oblong; calyptra with a Sew scattered erect hairs ; teeth of peristome slender, irregular. Intermediate between Catharinea and Polytrichum. 1. Oligotrichum incurvum Lindb. (Bryum incurvum Huds.) (Tab. XC.) Loosely czespitose, glaucous green, reddish brown when old. Stems about one inch high, erect, rigid, unbranched. Leaves small and distant below, crowded above, erect or spreading, when dry strongly incurved or twisted, but less crisped and undulate than in Catharinea, lanceolate from an oblong, thin, sheathing base; concave, more or less acute, xot bordered, margin incurved, especially above, vemotely,and minutely dentate, coarsely notched at apex; areolation small, regularly rectangular at base, then quadrate, in upper part of the leaf irregularly hexagonal; nerve with lamella on both sides, at the back few (3-5), short, bluntly serrate, low, and rather in the form of ridges than lamelle; ox the upper surface numerous, 10-12, high, sznuose from side to side when viewed from above, occupying about one-third or half the width of leaf in upper part, their upper margin variously notched and crested; in section of 6-72 equal cells. Dioicous; male plants shorter, flowers brownish red, discoid. Capsule on a 38 POLYTRICHACE. rather thick seta, which is #-1 inch long; ovate-cylindrical, erect or somewhat inclined, somewhat plicate when dry, and contracted below the mouth; lid shortly rostrate, oblique, often falling off with the calyptra ; columella four-winged ; peristome teeth short, unequal. Var. 8. laxum Braithw. Stem taller, 2-4 inches high, slender. Leaves more distant, spreading, pel/ucid, with fewer lamelle, and much larger cells, more distinctly toothed. Barren. Has. Sandy and stony ground on or about mountains. The var. B rare; Ben Nevis; Bangor, Snowdon, and other places in Wales. Fr. late summer. In this species, as in Polytrichum, the axis of the male plant is produced and continues growing beyond the first year’s perigonium ; producing another in the follow- ing year, so that two or three perigonia may be found one above the other on the same stem. A few stomata are to be found on the neck of the capsule. Although the lamina of the leaf is not spinose at back, a few short, toothed lamelle may frequently be found ; principally near the apex. A very curious form which I gathered near Llyn Dinas, Beddgelert, somewhat intermediate between the type and the variety, has stems 2-4 inches long, frequently branched, with the leaves much crisped when dry, pellucid and with few lamelle as in var. /axzm, but with cells quite as small as in the type, and numerous short lamellz scattered over the back of the lamina near apex, principally near the margin. 6. POLYTRICHUM Dit. Plants varying in size, often tall and showy, the stems innovating from creeping underground rhizomes, occasionally branched above. Leaves large, suddenly narrowed above the membranous, sheathing base, not bordered ; the nerve broad, sometimes toothed but not lamellate at back, covered on the upper surface with numerous straight lamelle, occupying the greater part of the width of the limb, and rendering the leaf rigid and opaque ; lamelle entire or crenulate along the upper margin, ot coarsely toothed. Dioicous (in the European species). Calyptra covered with a thick felt of deflexed hairs reaching far below its base and usually covering the greater part of the capsule, or the whole. Capsule erect or cernuous, cylindrical or angular, with or without apophysis. Lid plane or convex, with a subulate beak. Teeth of peristome 32 or 64. A large genus, exhibiting much variety in size, but very uniform in the general arrangement and form of the leaves. Stomata are usually to be found on the neck of the capsule, just above or on the apophysis. The character of the apical cell of the lamellz when seen in section is of great value in distinguish- ing the species, especially when barren. POLYTRICHUM. 39 Leaf-margin entire, inflexed over the lamellze (capsule angled).. ..........c.00. 2 Leaf-margin more or less toothed, not inflexed 0. .e..ccsceseeeeeeeseeeeeeueeeeuaeesenee 5 Ls. bluntish, more or less cucullate at apex, nerve scarcely excurrent 2 5. sexangulare Ls,artstateiat apex scsiescosiaedesctses danstsaedauind asus deca ainamaaamanmeuaeants weduaeaess 3 Arista long, hyaline, very rough.. 3) Arista short, COlOUKE: aide drivednaachiaredsdulanatan Senenerk, oniminaitinnuundawein meniaatednoap 4 Stem not tomentose ; Is. spreading ; capsule oblong........ 7. Junipertnum Stem densely tomentose ; Is, erect ; capsule small, cubic ............... a*, strictum Capsule 4-6 angled; ls. with narrow tapering points, border-cells of lamella SMOOEN: - sesssonsdaharausieeseianer ware uecasmenieme meneame nautica eae aR ANRE SE 5 Capsule not angled ; ls. either with short wide points or with border-cells of lamel- les PapillOse: cdaveccssrwors snciancersmaunamanuriecainwn time mm EEhGUnNNTE Capsule cubic, sharply angled ; border-cells of lamelle grooved longitudinally 6 10. commune Capsule oblong ; border-cells of lamellze similar to the rest, not grooved ......... 7 Capsule distinctly angled ; basal cells of ls. very long and narrow ...9. formosaum 7 Capsule obscurely angled ; basal cells shorter and wider...............005. &. gracile Ls. with short, wide points, border-cells of lamellze similar to the rest, thin, smooth 9 z Ls. with long, narrow points ; border-cells of lamellz large, thickened, papillose 10 f Capsule very short, columella cylindric ; Is. obtusely toothed ............ Zi. nanumn \ Capsule cylindric, columella winged ; Is. sharply toothed oo... 2. aloides 6 Capsule cylindric, erect or nearly so; border-cells of lamellze round 3. w nigerune Capsule tumid, inclined ; border-cells oval..........c.ccccecceeses cence ceeeee 4. alpinum A. POGONATUM. Capsule oval or cylindrical, in section circular, not or hardly apophysate. 1. Polytrichum nanum Neck. (Pogonatum nanum P. Beauv., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. X. A.). Plants gregarious, deep green ; stems very short, + to 3-inch high, simple, naked below, intermixed with green protonema at base. Leaves from an erect sheathing base, spreading, with a lingulate or ovate-lanceolate limb, obtusely pointed, with the margin erect at apex, bluntly toothed from about the middle of the limb, the teeth brownish, composed usually of a single cell, remote below, more crowded above; nerve percurrent, bluntly toothed at back of apex, very broad on the face of the leaf, and covered with 30-go lamella, occupying the greater part of the limb to near its base, in section of 6-8 small equal rounded cells. Areolation rounded-hexagonal above, hexagonal at base of limb and basal margin, narrow-rectangular at mid-base. Seta thin, flexuose, variable in length. Capsule small, erect or inclined, oval or almost spherical, with a rostellate lid, wide-mouthed and turbinate after the fall of the lid, smooth. Calyptra hardly reach- ing the base of the capsule. Peristome teeth 32, rather large in proportion to the size of the fruit. Columella cylindrical. ‘ 40 POLYTRICHACEZ. Var. B. longisetum Lindb. (Pogonatum nanum var. longt- setum Hampe). Leaves longer, narrower ; seta long, 1-1% inches ; capsule oval-oblong. Has. Sandy ground on banks and heaths. Frequent. The var. 8 rare. Fr. usually winter and spring, but variable. There is considerable variation in the length and the serrature of the leaves, length of seta, and form of capsule; but the present species is generally sufficiently distinct from the next by the obtusely serrate leaves, and in doubtful cases the cylin- drical columella, without wings, will clearly distinguish it. Fortunately for the student, the species of this genus, although dioicous, are usually fertile, and the fruit is of great aid in the determination of the species. I have always found the capsule perfectly smooth, or at the most extremely faintly mamillate at the base, while P. aloides, according to my observations, has the whole surface of the fruit distinctly papillose. 2. Polytrichum aloides Hedw. (Pogonatum alotdes P. Beauv., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. X. C.). Usually more elongated in all its parts.than the last species ; stem taller, 3-2 inches high, sometimes forked. Leaves longer, linear-lanceolate, obtuse or acute, densely and sharply serrate from the base of the limb, several cells usually entering into the composition of each tooth. Lamella more numerous, 40-60, lower, in section of 3-5 cells. Calyptra slightly narrower, cover- ing the entire capsule, which is odlong-cylindrical, erect or slightly inclined ; constricted below the mouth and urceolate after the fall of the lid, distinctly papztlose over the whole surface ; greenish brown or brown. Columella four-winged. Peristome teeth shorter. Var. B. Dicksont Wallm. (Polytrichum Dicksont Turner, Pogonatum aloides var. defluens Brid., Schp. Syn.). Dwarf; seta very short, capsule obovate, finally urceolate or turbinate ; hairs of calyptra sometimes confluent below the capsule. Has. Dry banks, disused quarries, etc. A much more frequent species than the last. The var. 8 not common. Fr. as in P. nanum. Much like the last species and similarly variable, but quite distinct as noted under that plant. These two species are often separated from the following under the title Aloidella, derived, like the specific name of the present species, from the solid, toothed, aloe-like leaves. The two following species are taller, more branched, with longer, more pointed leaves. 8. Polytrichum urnigerum L. (Pogonatum urnigerum P. Beauv., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. X. D.). Stems in lax patches, rigid, erect, 1-3 inches high, innovating laterally, sometimes twice or thrice forked or with several close, POLYTRICHUM. 4I crowded, fasciculate branches; glaucous green, brown below. Lower leaves scale-like, apiculate, upper /anceolate from a pale sheathing base, patulous when moist; rigid, appressed to stem, erect or slightly incurved when dry ; crowded, long, at apex acumt- nate to an acute point formed by the slightly excurrent nerve, which is sharply spinose at back. Limb plane, sharply toothed at margin from near the base; areolation of the base narrowly rectangular, without chlorophyll, whitish brown, of the limb quad- rate-hexagonal or rounded, at base of limb very narrowly trans- versely elliptical, small and dense. Lamelle about 50, low, very much crowded, in section of 4-6 cells, the uppermost larger, rounded, yellowish brown, papillose, the rest smaller, green. Seta rather long, 1-14 inches, slender, pale reddish. Calyptra longer than capsule. Capsule erect or very slightly inclined, symmetrical, resembling the last but larger and somewhat more cylindrical, wide-mouthed, golden brown, finally brown, very papillose, without stomata. Teeth of peristome reddish. Var. B. humile Wahl. (Pog. urnigerum var. humile Brid.). Stems short, simple, scattered ; leaves shorter. Capsule narrower and smaller, on a shorter seta. Has. Dry and stony places; most common in subalpine situations ; the var. B in drier, more exposed situations, more rare. Fr. autumn and winter. The var. Aumzle is perhaps rather a starved form than a permanent variety. The glaucous colour will usually distinguish the present from the next species, as also the erect, symmetrical, papillose capsule. P. capillare Rich., found in Scandinavia, and common in N. America, is some- what intermediate between this and P. alozdes ; with the habit of the latter it has very sharply serrate leaves, the teeth being often patent and recurved. The European form (Schp. Syn. Ed. 2, p. 536) is, however, not so strongly marked. 4. Polytrichum alpinum L. (Pogonatum alpinum Rohl, Schp. Syn.) (Tab. X. B.) Stems loosely tufted, tall, much branched, decumbent at base. Leaves dull green, rather longer and more flexuose than in the last species, more narrowly acuminate, the serratures slightly less acute in outline; lamellae fewer, about 35, less crowded, higher, in section of 5-8 cells, the marginal ones larger, ovate-conical, papillose, yellowish. Seta long, flexuose. Capsule ¢nclined and arcuate, variable in size and form from sub-globose to elongate- cylindrical and curved, usually oblong-cylindrical, and somewhat gibbous on the upper side, zarrower at the mouth than below, not papillose, with a short neck, bearing stomata, greenish brown, blackish when old and rugose; lid with a rather long subulate 42 POLYTRICHACE. beak ; calyptra shorter than the capsule. Peristome teeth short and irregular. Var. B. silvaticum Menz. (Pog. alpinum var. arcticum Brid., Schp. Syn.) Stems slightly branched ; capsule elongate, cylindrical, narrow, curved, softer, with a less distinct neck. Var. y. campanulatum Brid. (Polytrichum campanulatum Hornsch.) Shorter, fastigiately branched, leaves short, capsule ovate-globose, calyptra whitish, large. Var. 8. septentrionale Lindb. (Polytrichum septentrionale Swartz.) Stem short ; leaves slightly subsecund, shorter ; capsule oval-globose, suberect. Has. Stony and grassy places on mountains and moors. Frequent. Fr. late summer. Readily distinguishable in almost all cases, by its curved, asymmetrical capsule, without angles, and almost always smaller at the mouth, not wider as is that of P. urnigerum ; in doubtful cases the other points, italicised above, will amply suffice to determine it. It is a most variable plant in size, and in the form and magnitude of the fruit, and the many varieties that have been described are far from constant. The var. sélvatécum represents one extreme ; I have not seen British specimens, nor do I know of any certain records. The same is the case with the var. campanulatum ; the character afforded by the colour of the calyptra, or rather of its hairs, appears to be the only distinct feature, and as some authors in describing it, omit this character, it is apparently a somewhat unsatisfactory form. The var. septentrionale I have not seen recorded, but I have gathered a form on Slieve League, Co. Donegal, which agrees exactly with the description ; the seta is barely # of an inch long, and many of the capsules are hardly longer than broad. It is merely through a wrongly named specimen that P. septentrionale Sw. has been referred to P. sexangulare. B. Eu-POLYTRICHUM. Capsule with 2-6 usually acute angles; apophysis generally well-defined. Peristome teeth 64. 5. Polytrichum sexangulare Ehrh. (Tab. X. E.) Stems erect or decumbent, usually 1-2 inches high, occasionally 2-4 inches, simple or slightly divided, rigid, in tufts or loose patches, not tomentose at the base. Leaves short, rather obtuse, linear-lanceolate from a broad sheathing base, patent when moist ; the lower ones glossy, dark coloured ; when dry closely imbricate, rigid, incurved at apex ; margin entire, incurved from near the base of limb, at apex cucullate. Lamella 30-35, in section of 4-6 cells, the marginal one larger, ovate-conical, smooth. Seta rather thick, short, 3-14 inches. Calyptra mot covering the capsule. Capsule erect or inclined, oval, with 6 obtuse angles, reddish brown; apophysis obconical, not constricted to a neck above ; lid with a rather thick beak Peristome of 64 teeth, short, unequal. POLYTRICHUM. 43 Has. Summits of the higher Scotch mountains ; very rare. Ben Macdhui and others of the Cairngorm range; Ben Nevis; Ben Lawers; barren on the last named, occasionally fertile on the others. Fr. late summer. A very rare plant with us, readily distinguished in the field by the short, obtusely cucullate leaves with entire inflexed margins. P. strzctum and P. juncperinum differ in the very acute, more or less aristate leaves. In P. sexangulare, although the general outline of the leaf apex is obtuse, it will be found under the microscope that the nerve is excurrent in a short mucro, which though rather blunt, gives a more acute outline to the leaf than appears with the lens. The capsule, as is usually the case in this section, becomes more inclined or even horizontal when old. The angles are sometimes obscure. 6. Polytrichum piliferum Schreb. (Tab. XI. A.) In loose tufts, glaucous green. Stems erect, simple, rarely forked, 1-1} inches high, naked at base. Upper leaves rapidly lengthening so as to form an elongate coma, when dry closely appressed and straight, forming a narrow ovoid or clavate head. Base of leaf narrower and longer than in the preceding species, limb narrowly lanceolate, the wings broad, ixflexed upon the front of the leaf and almost meeting, formed of narrow, trans- versely elliptical cells, extzre; nerve reddish, at apex suddenly becoming hyaltne, and excurrent as a long, denticulate, hoary arista; apex of leaf, below the arista, somewhat muriculate, smooth at back of nerve. Lamelle about jo, in section of 4-7 cells, the upper larger, elongate, broader in the middle, narrowed above and below, so as to appear obtusely cruciform, not papillose. Perichzetial bracts longer, the inner thin, whitish, without lamella, longly aristate. Seta 1-14 inches long; capsule covered by the calyptra, erect, inclined when dry, smad//, shortly oblong, wth 4 sharp angles, and occasionally an intermediate fainter one; apophysis distinct, short, constricted above, where it passes into the capsule ; lid shortly and stoutly beaked, red or orange. Male plants with shorter leaves, more shortly aristate. Has. Dry heaths, common. Fr. summer. P. piliferum varies little, and may readily be known by the hoary leaf-points and small capsule. An alpine form (o/. Hoppez Hornsch.) has shorter leaves, longer hair- points, and shorter, broader capsules, on shorter pedicels. The cup-shaped male inflorescence in this and the following allied species is bright red or orange, and forms a conspicuous picture in the places where it grows. 7. Polytrichum juniperinum Willd. (Tab. XI. D.) Stems scattered, taller than in the last species, 1-4 inches, rarely branched, glaucous green, sometimes slightly tomentose at base. Leaves less crowded at the top of the stems, spreading 44 POLYTRICHACE. when moist, erect when dry, /onmg, lanceolate from an oblong base as in P. piliferum, the wings imflexed, but not so nearly meeting as in that species, ezfire ; nerve excurrent in a shorter, red, dentate artista, strongly toothed at back of apex and often half- way down the limb. Lamelle 35-40, in section nearly as in the above species. Perichztial bracts longer than the leaves, and with a longer arista, white and membranous at edges. Calyptra large. Capsule on a longer, bright red, shining seta, 13~24 inches high ; darger, tetragonal-oblong, with sharp angles, lid deep red, beak short; apophysis short, less distinct. Male plants more slender, with shorter leaves. Has. Heaths and waste places; common. Fr. summer. An alpine form (var. a/gcnum B. & S., Pol. doreale Kindb.), is shorter and more stunted in all its parts, with longer hair points to the leaves, the tip sometimes hyaline. The calyptra in this species is often very pale, sometimes almost white. *Polytrichum strictum Banks. (Tab. XI. C.) - Differs from P. junzpertnum in the taller, more slender stems, sometimes nearly a foot high, covered for a great part of their length with dirty white tomentum, densely tufted, slightly branched. Leaves erecto-patent, shorter, narrower, straight ; erect, closely and regularly imbricated when dry; lamelle fewer, 25-30. Capsule smaller, cubic or very shortly rectangular ; calyptra small. Has. Boggy heaths; not common. ‘ The characters which separate this plant from P. jundperinum, though chiefly comparative, and insufficient to justify giving it specific rank, are fairly stable, and it seems to fill its right place as a sub-species. The habitat, among other points, is quite different ; it is not unfrequently found mixed with Sphagnum. The very slender, terete stems, with short, regularly-imbricated leaves, are, in the dry state especially, very noticeable. 8. Polytrichum gracile Dicks. (Tab. X. F.). Densely tufted, dark green; stems 1-4 inches high, matted together below with whitish, radicular tomentum, simple or slightly divided, leafless below, the fertile stems with the leaves crowded above into an oblong tuft. Leaves erecto-patent, some- what flexuose or curled when dry, short, the upper 4-5 lines long, the limb lanceolate, gradually narrowed to a sharp acumen, Per enna POLYTRICHUM. 45 margin erect, sharply serrate, variable in width, usually of about 4-6 rows of cells in the middle of the limb, sometimes more, the cells rather large, 15-18 w in diameter, rounded-quadrate or trans- versely elliptical. Cells of the sheathing base thin, rectangular, about 3-4 ¢émes as long as broad in middle of wing. Nerve excurrent in a short, acute, red, dentate point, spinose also at back in the upper part of the leaf. Lamelle about go, each in section of 4-6 cells, egual in size, smooth and rounded. Perichztial bracts longly sheathing. Capsule on a thin flexuose seta 13-2 inches long, erect, horizontal when dry, short, broadly ovate, inflated, with 5-6 obtuse and often obscure angles, narrowed at the mouth, apophysis rather indistinct, hardly constricted above. Calyptra hardly covering all capsule. Lid large, with a rather long beak. Peristome teeth 64, but often confluent, and unequal. Has. Peaty woods and dry heaths on turf. Frequent. Fr. summer. The distinguishing characters are difficult to define, and may perhaps be best pointed out by comparison with the allied species, P. commune and P. formosum, the only two whichare likely to be taken for it. It differs from both in the wider leaf- margin and distinctly wider cells throughout the leaf, the fewer lamelle, and the more obscurely angled capsule, almost invariably shorter and more inffated than in the latter species. The smaller vars. of P. commune closely resemble it, and here perhaps the most certain character is to be found in the smooth rounded marginal cells of the lamellee of the present species ; the beak of the lid is also usually longer. Barren specimens of P. alpinum are distinguishable by the papillose marginal cells of the lamellze. The number of lamelle, and consequently the width of leaf-margin, varies considerably, but the latter is always more developed in proportion to the former than in the related species, in consequence of which the leaves are usually more crisped and flexuose when dry. Occasionally the lamellze become very few, as in the remarkable form gathered by me near Northampton (v. Braithw. Br. M. FL, Vol. L., p. 295), presenting all the appearance of a Catharinea, and indeed so named at first by Dr. Braithwaite ; in these cases the leaf-cells become larger and chlorophyllose, the leaves tend to widen, and the distinction between limb and base disappears. As the lamellze serve, functionally, to replace the chlorophyllose tissue of the leaf lamina of most mosses, these latter features doubtless arise as a compensation for the diminution in the lamellae, and probably mark, in fact, a reversion to an earlier type. 9. Polytrichum formosum Hedw. (P. attenuatum Menz., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XI. B.). Plants tall, loosely tufted, dark green; stems erect or ascend- ing, tomentose at base, simple or forked, 3-9 inches high. Upper leaves spreading, loosely incumbent when dry, similar in form to those of P. gracile, but larger, 5-7 lines long, margin erect, sharply serrate, very narrow, of 2-3 rows of smaller cells, about 10-12 p. in diameter, cells of leaf-base longer and narrower than in P. gracile, very narrow at margin, in middle of wing towards fi 46 POLYTRICHACEZ. nerve about 6-70 times as long as broad; lamelle about 60-70, very low, in section of 3-5 cells, smooth, equal, rounded, or the marginal one very slightly larger and a little longer than broad. Perichztial bracts with long sheaths, longly acuminate. Seta stout, long, 2-23 inches, rigid, orange below, paler above. Cap- ‘sule covered by the calyptra, erect or inclined, cernuous when dry, oblong, with 5 or 6 (rarely 4) acute angles, yellow-green, fawn-coloured when ripe, with a small but dzstznct apophysts, con- tricted above where it joins the capsule ; lid large, with a rather long beak ; mouth of the capsule wide, not contracted. Has. Dry woods. Common. Fr. summer. A taller plant than the last, and often confused with P. commune ; it usually has the leaves more crowded, and less squarrose when moist, and the beak of the lid longer ; but the most certain character is to be found in the lamelle of the leaves, which in the present species have the marginal cell smooth and rounded or oval (in section), while that of P. commumne is broad, depressed in the centre and bifid. The perichzetial leaves are also more distinct in that species. P. ohioense R. & C., is a closely allied species from N. America, differing chiefly in the apical cells of the lamella more or less flattened, wider than long. The var. pal/zdisetum B. & S. appears to be nothing more than a form with shorter stems and narrower, somewhat elongated capsule. 10. Polytrichum commune L. (Tab. XI. E.). Plants very tall, 6-18 inches high, in large, loose cushions, deep green, tomentose at the base; stems simple, rarely forked, flexuose and wiry. Upper leaves very long, sguarrose or re- curved when moist, erect when dry and appressed, with the apex flexuose; rather laxly arranged, very long, from an oblong sheathing base suddenly narrowed, limb lanceolate, gradually narrowing from its base upwards, to a sharp dentate acumen; margin densely and sharply serrate to the base of limb, very narrow, of about one row of small cells, similar to those of P. formosum, as are also those of the leaf-base; lamelle about 60, low, thickened atsthe upper border and channelled, appearing in section of 4-6 cells, the marginal one broader, depressed tn the centre and bicuspidate. Perichetial bracts more distinct, longly sheathing, membranous, without lamellz, ending in an arista formed by the excurrent nerve. Pedicel very long, 23-4 inches, stout. Calyptra descending below the capsule, large, golden brown. Capsule at first erect, pale reddish brown when ripe, and horizontal, four-angled, with the two lateral angles usually larger and more prominent than the upper and lower, so that the capsule is somewhat flattened; in outline shortly rectangular or almost cubic ; apophysis discoid, very distinct and narrowly constricted POLYTRICHUM. 47 at its junction with the capsule ; lid with a short rostellate beak. Male plants shorter, with shorter leaves, repeatedly proliferous from the centre of the perigonia. Var. B. perigoniale B. & S. (P. perigoniale Michx.). More densely tufted, with shorter stems; zaner perichetial leaves very Jong, with an elongated, a/most entire arista. Var. y. minus Weis (vars. minus and fastigiatum, Braithw. Br. M. Fl). More slender, simple or fastigiately branched ; cap- sule smaller and shorter, almost cubical ; lid with a short straight beak. Has. Marshy moors and peat bogs. Common. The vars. 8, ¥, in drier spots, less frequent. Superficially, P. commune much resembles P. junzperinum, the var. perigonzale especially, but the serrated leaf margin will reveal its identity, even without the aid of a lens. Its difference from the preceding species is much less marked, but the more shortly rectangular, more distinctly apophysate capsule will generally identify it, and in any case the form of the marginal cells of the lamellz will always prove a reliable character. The var. mznzs in its unbranched, slender state, is an analogous form to the sub- species stractum of P. junipertnum. The var. fastigiatum would seem only to be a state of this variety. P. commune is one of the most highly developed and perhaps the finest of our mosses ; it is one of the few species that is put to some practical use, being collected in Lapland for pillows and beds, both by the Lapps themselves and, according to Withering, by the bears. In this country it is occasionally used for stuffing mattresses and for brooms. ORDER V. BUXBAUMIACE:. Plants very small, almost or quite stemless, growing on earth or rotten wood. Capsule very large in proportion to the size of the plant, oblique and asymmetrical. Calyptra very small, conical; peristome single or double, the outer teeth when present originat- ing in several concentric layers of cells, linear, very faintly barred ; the inner a conical plicate membrane with an opening at the top. A very remarkable order of mosses, consisting of half-a-dozen species presenting a quaint appearance unlike that of any others of the class, and no less striking in their morphological characters. It is clear from the researches of Lindberg, Philibert, and other bryologists that most of the present types of peristome must have become fixed before the differentiation of the vegetative organs (e.g., the Hypnez, Bryaceze and Mniacez must have had a common parentage from which they derive their uniform type of peristome). In other words, it seems that the evolution of the Sporogonium was prior to that of the Oogonium, and mosses must have originally consisted of a protonema with a highly organised sporogonium, but with very little development of stem or leaves, 48 BUXBAUMIACEZ&. the ordinary leaves having been produced later in order of time and very possibly having arisen by modification of the perichatial bracts. Thus not only in type of peristome, but also in the general habit and morphology, we may probably look upon this Order, and especially the genus Buxbaumia, as an archaic type which has survived in something like its primeval form. Even in Diphyscium, the true leaves though perfectly developed are quite an inconspicuous part of the plant beside the fruit and perichetial leaves. I have retained the two genera under this order, which is perhaps the most usual arrangement, partly on account of the general resemblance of the capsule and its internal structure, and partly on account of the great similarity of the peristomes, a marked and real similarity, though perhaps less so than would appear at first sight. The form and structure of the leaf in Diphyscium is hardly, I think, sufficient in itself to outweigh these important affinities and justify its separation from Buxbaumia. The presence of delicate articulations in the outer teeth, and the minute structure of these and the inner peristome (as pointed out by Philibert, Rev. Bry., 1889, pp. 4, sqq.), indicate an approach on the part of the Buxbaumiacez to the Arthrodontez, but the origin of the outer teeth in several series of concentric cell-layers constitutes a sufficient ground for placing the Order among the Nematodontez, though at the end of the series. 7. BUXBAUMIA Haller. Plants very minute, scattered, stem/ess. Leaves indistinguish- able from the pericheetial bracts, all mznzute, ovate or lanceolate, palmate with ciliar productions of the marginal cells, nerveless, without chlorophyll. Male plant (v. Goebel, in Flora, 1892, Suppl. PP. 92, sqq.) among the vaginular tomentum, a concave, shell-like leaf, enclosing a single globose stalked antheridium, similar to that of the Hepaticee. Mature fruit on a stout rough seta, large, somewhat obliquely egg-shaped, with the narrow end pointed and slightly recurved, zserted obliquely on the seta with a short neck, flattened on the upper surface, brown. Outer peristome of one or several rows of irregular filiform teeth, inner a pale tubular membrane in the form of a truncated cone, longitudinally plaited like the folds of a fan, with 32 plicee. Dioicous. Capsule plano-convex, much flattened above, glossy .......ce.eccceseeeeeeee 1. aphylla Capsule scarcely flattened, paler, epidermis splitting when dry ......... <. tndusiala BUXBAUMIA. 49 1. Buxbaumia aphylla L. (Tab. XII. A.) Plants very small, growing on a thick stratum of brownish protonema. Bracts minute, almost obsolete, brownish, the marginal cilia developing, after fertilisation, into protonemoid filaments, so that when the capsule is mature, little is to be seen around the thickened vaginula but a mass of rufous tomentum. Seta thick, very scabrous, about half-an-inch long, purplish. Calyptra minute, conico-cylindrical, usually split on one side. Capsule inclined or almost horizontal, with a stout, distinct neck, depressed above and with a more or less angular border, broadly ovate-acuminate in outline; of a dark brown colour and thick texture, glossy, the cuticle rolling back from the mouth at maturity and forming a border; lid short, obtusely conical, more or less erect and recurved, attachedtothe columella. Peristome, the outer a single serves of very short, filiform, papillose teeth hardly rising above the surrounding membrane; inner membrane pale brown, papillose. Spores very small, escaping by the lateral splitting of the capsule, about 5 » in diameter. Has. On the ground or on rotten wood, especially in fir woods; not often reappearing twice in the same locality. Rare. Fr. early summer. ; This very strange plant was formerly considered a fungus, and indeed to any but a bryologist it seems to have little in common with other mosses. The fruit is as large as that of Polytrichum, and seems disproportionate to the size of the plant. Gdbel, in the paper above quoted, has shown that what has usually been taken for the antheridium is really the male Alant, enclosing a single globose, stalked antheridium similar to that of Sphagnum and of the Hepaticze; and he points out too the primi- tive character of the leaves or perichzetial bracts, which are very little more than ex- pansions of the protonema, normally producing new protonemoid threads at their margins, as might take place at any other part of that organ. 2. Buxbaumia indusiata Brid. (Tab. XII. B.) Capsule on a shorter, less scabrous seta, more erect, less flattened above, narrowly oval, paler, zot glossy ; cuticle thinner, splitting longitudinally at maturity with the edges rolled back- wards; lid rather larger; outer peristome of four concentric rows of linear teeth, the outermost very short, the inner gradually longer, the innermost more than half the length of the inner peris- tome; all more or less finely articulate, papillose, brownish ; spores larger, about ro p. Has. Decayed branches in pine woods. Fr. summer. Very rare. Aberdeen- shire, Ross-shire. Rather smaller and of a less rigid habit and texture, and a paler colour. E 50 BUXBAUMIACEZ. 3. DIPHYSOCIUM Moblr. Plants very short, gregarious. Leaves /ingulate or lanceo- late, fragile, of 2-3 layers of rounded cells, nerved. Perichetial bracts Zarge, membranous, daciniate above. Capsule immersed or exserted, almost sessile, oval-acuminate, odlzgue, gibbous, narrow- ing upwards to the somewhat recurved lid. Calyptra conical, entire, minute, fugacious; outer peristome zone or rudimentary, inner a pale membrane, exactly as in Buxbaumia, but with only 16 plice. Spores minute. Dioicous. 1. Diphyscium foliosum Mohr. (Wedera sessilis Lindb, Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XII. C.) Plants densely gregarious, dark or brownish green. Stems short ; leaves narrowly lingulate, variously pointed, obtuse and cucullate, or shortly and bluntly acuminate, crisped when dry, fragile; margin plane, crenulate-papillose in the upper part, and also at times sinuose or slightly dentate towards apex; nerve vanishing below the apex, broad and flattened, especially at base, often indistinct. Areolation rounded-quadrate in the upper part of the leaf, strongly papillose on both sides, of 2 or more layers of cells, obscure; gradually becoming more rectangular and less obscure below, smooth; towards the base hyaline, rectangular, at margin very thin. Perichetial bracts very large, the outer resembling the leaves but gradually narrowed from a broader base to a long setaceous point composed of the excurrent nerve, the inner broader, ovate-lanceolate, membranous at margin and white, almost without chlorophyll, at apex lacerate with denticulate cilia, and longly aristate with the excurrent nerve, forming a brown, denticulate hair almost as long as the limb of the leaf; nerve very broad, golden brown. Capsule almost sessile, hidden by, or slightly emergent from the perichzetial leaves, about the size and with somewhat the aspect of a grain of wheat, golden brown when ripe, asymmetrical, with a curved apex formed by the conical, acute lid; inner peristome white at the fall of the lid, becoming brown with age. Male plants scattered, minute ; inner bracts ovate, concave, with excurrent nerve. Var. 8. acutifolium Lindb. Stems fadller; leaves longer, more acuminate and acute. Has. Turfy banks and clefts of rocks in mountainous regions, frequent. Fr. summer. The var. 8 less common, usually barren, DIPHYSCIUM. 51 The quaint appearance of the capsule, surrounded with the large, scarious pericheetial bracts, is totally different from that of any other of our mosses, and when once seen cannot be again mistaken. It is however very different with barren plants, which may easily be overlooked, or mistaken, even on closer examination, for a species of Trichostomum, eg., Zr. nttédum or Tr. tenutrostre. This, indeed, has often been done, and the var. acztzfolzum was recently described as a new species under the name of Dzdymodon Camasz by Husnot (v. Afzesc. Gallica, pp. 80, 433). It may however be recognised by the 2-3 layers of cells in the leaf, and by the broad, ill- defined vanishing nerve, taken in conjunction with the broad, hardly acute apex of the leaves, which are less strongly crisped and hardly shining when dry. The var. acutzfoliui graduates into the type by intermediate forms, but in its extreme state, as I have found it freely in the Lake District, with tall, somewhat branched stems and very long, narrow leaves, it is a well-marked form. Dr. Braith- waite describes it as having the arista of the perichzetial bracts smooth, but I have not found them noticeably different from those of the type. Schimper describes the outer, rudimentary teeth of the peristome of Diphysczum Joliosum as ‘* very short, triangular, granulose, transversely jointed, not unfrequently perforated in the middle, pale yellow, reddish purple at apex.” Hardly any other bryologist appears to have been able to detect them so far developed at least as to render any such detailed description possible. GROUP B. ARTHRODONTEZ. Peristome teeth (when’ present) thin, membranous, derived from a single layer of cells of the sporogonium; transversely barred. SUB-GROUP I. APLOLEPIDE. Peristome teeth often forked above, at base composed of two layers of plates; in the outer layer a single plate forms the width of the tooth; in the inner two plates go to form the width of the tooth, which therefore, when viewed from the zz¢erior, presents a fine dividing line down the centre ; the front, or exterior, surface, on the other hand, being without this division. In some genera, as Barbula, the teeth are divided to the base, so that the above structure cannot be traced. Acrocarpous mosses, with rare exceptions; 7.e., the perichztium is apical, forming a continuation of an ordinary stem or branch, which may however appear lateral by subsequent innovation below the perichetium. ORDER VI. DICRANACE. Plants variable in size, dichotomously branched. Leaves narrow, from subulate to broadly lanceolate, rarely ovate-oblong, nerved nearly or quite to apex, areolation never wide, small, more or less quadrate, rectangular or linear above, rectangular at base, 52 DICRANACE&. often with special angular cells. In a very few cases the capsule is more or less spherical, and cleistocarpous, with irregularly torn calyptra; in all the other species the calyptra is smooth, narrow, cucullate, very rarely mitriform, capsule on an elongated seta, narrow, oval to cylindrical, frequently cernuous and gibbous; peristome of 16 teeth, usually cleft above, sometimes to base, into two lanceolate or subulate divisions, transversely articulated, with fine vertical strize between the articulations, occasionally imperfect, usually reddish, the zuterzor plates usually thickest, often transversely trabeculate. This constitutes a fairly natural family, though on one side bordering closely on the Tortulaceze; one or two of the genera, as Ditrichum, might well, indeed, judged by the characters of their fruit alone, be placed under that order, but the general facies and léaf-form is that of Dicranacez ; indeed in every case in this order where the form of the fruit or the structure of the peristome might appear to connect a species with the Tortulacee its true position will be rendered apparent either by the lid being longly subulate or by the leaves being narrow and linear- lanceolate or subulate, with narrow rectangular areolation. The cleistocarpous species of this order are recognisable by the leaf- cells in the upper part being small and narrow, and smooth, not papillose. The student will at first, no doubt, have some difficulty in referring some ambiguous species of both Tortulacez and Dicranacee to their right Order, but the difficulty will soon dis- appear when a little practical acquaintance has been gained with the plants themselves. As many as 600 species have been described. The British members of the Order may be classified under seven Tribes, which, for the sake of convenience, are tabulated here. 1. Ditrichee. Leaves lanceolate or lanceolate-subulate, smooth, without distinct angular cells. Capsule rounded, cleisto- carpous ; or ovate to cylindrical, either erect and symmetrical or slightly inclined and unequal, smooth; lid conical; peristome teeth 16, very narrow, forked or cleft to base into 32 filiform divi- sions. 2. Seligeriee. Plants minute. Leaves lanceolate-subu- late, smooth, without distinct angular cells (in the British species). Peristome of 16 short teeth, cleft or perforated, or entire, some- times wanting. Capsule erect or nearly so, equal, smooth or very slightly and irregularly striate. Lid rostellate or shortly subu- late-rostrate. ARCHIDIUM. 53 3. Cynodentiex. Leaves chlorophyllose, often rather broadly lanceolate, usually papillose, without distinct angular cells, the upper minute, quadrate. Capsule on a long seta, oblong or oblong-cylindrical, usually inclined, frequently strumose, and mostly striate. Peristome variable. 4. Trematodontez. Stems short. Leaves _lanceolate- subulate, without distinct angular cells. Capsule with a long in- flated neck, which is sometimes longer than the capsule itself ; cleistocarpous in the continental genus Bruchia ; in Trematodon, the only British genus, peristomate, with 16 lanceolate, perforated or cleft teeth ; cernuous. 5. Dicranellez. Plants small, scarcely branched. Leaves smooth, lanceolate-subulate, without special angular cells. Capsule short, erect or inclined, frequently striate ; lid rostellate or subulate-rostrate ; peristome dicranoid, of 16 cleft teeth, wider at base. 6. Dicranee. Plants usually tall, branched. Leaves narrowly lanceolate, often falcato-secund; cells at angles en- larged, often inflated, hyaline or coloured. Peristome variable. Lid almost always longly subulate. 7. Leucobryee. Plants whitish, the leaves almost without chlorophyll, almost entirely composed of the nerve; internal walls of the cells porose. Capsule as in Dicranum; peristome of 8 or 16 teeth, dicranoid. Tribe 1. Ditrichez. 9. ARCHIDIUM rid. Plants small, branched by innovations below the apex. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, areolation hexagono-rhomboid. Capsule sessile, spherical, cletstocarpous, formed of a single layer of cells without columella or true spore-sac, the spores being produced from a single basal cell, the contents of which by repeated division form about 16 large, smooth spores. Calyptra very thin, saccate, tearing irregularly. 1. Archidium alternifolium Schp. (Phascum alternifolium Dicks., A. phascoides Brid.) (Tab. XII. D.) Plants minute, in dull green patches, stellately branched, the innovations formed below the apical inflorescence, elongated and finally prostrate, with small-leaved ramuli. Leaves distant, 54 DICRANACEZA. minute, erecto-patent, slightly twisted when dry, lanceolate from a broader base, the upper lanceolate-subulate, margin sinuosely denticulate, more distinctly so at apex; nerve narrow, vanishing in the apex or percurrent. Areolation smooth, rhomboid or rectangular and parenchymatous, or longer, narrowly hexagonal and prosenchymatous, wider at base. Perichztial bracts longer, from a broader concave base, denticulate at apex, forming a comal tuft. Capsule terminal, finally lateral by innovation, immersed, pale yellow. Spores very large, obtusely polyhedral. Antheridia among the perichztial leaves, with few small bracts. Has. Wet fields and bare spaces; not common. Fr. spring. Varying somewhat in size and habit, and in the form and size of the leaf and of the areolation, this curious little moss has a facies of its own which is hardly like that of any other, even in the barren state; its resemblance is greatest with Pleurédeum alternifolium, but the leaves in that, especially the perichzetial leaves, are much longer, with a much broader nerve, and smaller cells. In Pleurtdium axtllare the cells are larger and the leaves longer. The fruit, moreover, which is quite distinct in form in the two genera, is usually present in Pleuridium. This genus is by Schimper and other authors placed in a separate Order, on account of the peculiar structure of the sporogonium. While, however, in this respect it obviously retains the characters of a primitive form, its vegetative characters so closely resemble those of the next genus as to justify their being placed in close proximity, an arrangement which is also of much greater convenience to the student. In the shorter, lower leaves and those on the flagelliform branches, the areolation is usually short and parenchymatous, either rectangular or becoming rhomboidal by the obliquity of the end walls; at other times, and especially in the elongated perichztial leaves, it becomes much narrower, elongated and sinuose, often distinctly hexagonal-rhomboid and prosenchymatous. The present is the only European species, but there are several closely allied species in N. America. 10. PLEURIDIUM Brid. Minute, clezstocarpous mosses. Leaves lanceolate or lanceo- late-subulate, smooth. Cafsule erect, on a short pedicel, im- mersed in the perichxtial leaves, ovate-globose with a short point. Calyptra stall, cucud/ate. Spores rather large, granulose. Perichzetial leaves similar to the rest ; nerve ceasing below apex.........7. axillare Perichzetial leaves much longer than the rest ; nerve reaching apex............0:000 2 Perichztial leaves gradually subulate-setaceous, enclosing naked antheridia 2. subulatum Perichzetial leaves suddenly contracted ; male flowers gemmiform, axillary 3. alternifolium 1. Pleuridium axillare Lindb. (Phascum axillare Dicks. ; Pleuridium nitidum Rabenh., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XII. E.). Plants small, loosely clustered, pale green. Stems about t-inch high, simple or slightly branched. Leaves patent, slightly twisted when dry, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, short at base, PLEURIDIUM, 55 gradually longer upwards, perichetial bracts similar to the upper leaves; nerve thin, vanishing below the apex, margin plane, faintly serrulate at apex; cells rather large, lax, pellucid, rectangular-rhomboid below, narrowly linear or elongate-rhom- boid above. Capsule on a very short seta, oval, shortly pointed, pale brown, calyptra covering only the upper half of the capsule. Antheridia naked among the perichetial bracts. Var. 8. strictum Braithw. (Phascum strictum Dicks.). Plants very small, dull green; leaves and bracts closer, narrower, Straight ; capsule nearly spherical. Has. Fallow fields and sides of pools; not uncommon. The var. 8, Scotland. Fr. winter. This species is known from the others of the genus by its paler colour, the more delicate and less rigid habit, by its leaves and perichzetial bracts being alike, and by its larger cells. It is indeed more like Archédtum alternifolium, although quite dis- tinct in the fruit. The stem innovates below the capsule (which thus becomes lateral), producing another fruit at its apex, and repeating the same process several times, so that two or three capsules may be found on the same stem, one above the other. 2. Pleuridium subulatum Rabenh. (Phascum subulatum Huds.) (Tab. XII. F.). Stems short, simple, rarely branched or innovated, crowded, dusky or yellowish green. Leaves small, lanceolate or ovate- lanceolate, longer above ; perichztial bracts erect or subsecund, straight when dry, from a small oval base gradually subulate and setaceous, very long; nerve broad and ill-defined, continuous to apex ; margin minutely denticulate, occasionally entire ; cells at base rectangular or hexagonal-rectangular, above forming a very narrow margin to the subula with narrower cells, sometimes becoming extremely slender and elongated so as to be almost indis- tinguishable from the nerve. Capsule yellowish brown or reddish, oval or roundish oval, with a short obtuse point. Antheridia naked in the axils of the perichetial bracts. Has. Sandy heaths and banks. Common. Fr. Apr. to June. The more rigid habit, and the long setaceous pericheetial bracts will readily dis- tinguish this species from the last; but it is much more difficult to define the differences between it and P. alternifolcum, except in regard to the position and form of the male inflorescence, which in the latter is easily visible in the axils of the upper leaves when a fruiting stem is placed under a low power of the microscope, but which in the present plant is only seen afler dissection. The subula of the pericheetial bracts is in the present species more remotely and indistinctly denticulate, sometimes quite entire; while in that the denticulations, though minute, are more crowded and numerous and consequently more conspicuous, and the cells are smaller. The apical innovations also, which are common though by no means constant in that species, are rarely present in our plant. 56 DICRANACE. It is the commonest species of the three, and is usually rendered more con- spicuous by the numerous capsules than by the appearance of the rest of the plant. The species of this genus are not likely to be mistaken for any others except drchidiun: alternifolium ; the cleistocarpous species of Weisia, perhaps, most nearly resemble them, but are directly recognised by the upper leaves strongly curled when dry, and the minute, papillose areolation of the leaf apex. 3. Pleuridium alternifolium Rabenh. (Phascum alternt- folium Kaulf.) (Tab. XII. G.). Densely tufted, stems short, simple; yellowish green; in damp or shady spots the stems are frequently elongated, as much as 1 inch high, with long flagelliform innovations, and of a bright green. Leaves ovate-lanceolate and lanceolate, nerve vanishing in apex; perichetial bracts very dong, silky, straight when dry, rather abruptly narrowed from an oval base to a long setaceous point, the upper part entirely composed of the excurrent nerve, Jjinely and closely denticulate and muricate ; nerve broad and ill- defined below ; cells at base rectangular and rhomboid, above rectangular, smaller than in the last two species. Capsule oval, with a rather longer apiculus. Male flowers gemmiform, numerous, zz the axils of the upper leaves, bracts ovate, acumi- nate. Has. Wet places, borders of fields, etc. ; not very common. Fr. spring and summer. A less frequent species than the last with us, though it is the most common of the genus on the Continent. The perichetial bracts are still longer than in the previous species. 11. DITRICHUM Timm. Plants tufted, slender. Leaves fn several rows, lanceolate- subulate, smooth; areolation rectangular, narrow above. Capsule on a long slender seta, erect or slightly inclined, ova/, oblong- cylindrical, or cylindrical, annulate. Peristome teeth erect, 16, not confluent below, elongate, cleft to base into two filiform, papillose, articulate divisions, which are sometimes more or less united; ona short basal membrane. Spores very small, smooth. A genus clearly marked off by the peristome taken in con- junction with the subulate leaves. The name Leptotrichum, which has usually been employed, has been shown by Hampe to be untenable, having previously been taken up for a genus of fungi. DITRICHUM. 57 Ls. squarrose, suddenly contracted from a broad sheathing base...... 1. tenudfolium Liss Jerecto# patemMtiar SECun a, caichacnesagutnnonseaistanscdsder caren dencawemamantunsunnecmaeeane 2 ,f Stem tall, flexuose ; ls. very long, usually falcate ; cells shortly oval...5. fexécaule “\Stem short, straight ; Is. patent or subsecund ............. bis sol ites eincrg tins Meaesbaea bade 3 {ida conic, obtuse ; capsule dark red ; dioicous............c0cceeeeeeeeeee 3. homonallum 3 Lid rostellate 3 capsule pale or golden: bYOWN: ssisasivssaneomsorsnae ves vers vaneegens canes 4 Nerve slightly excurrent, toothed at apex ; ioicous .............ceeeeeeeeeeeee 2. tortile Nerve longly excurrent, entire (or nearly so); paroicous ................5 4. subulatum 1. Ditrichum tenuifolium Lindb. (Trichostomum tenutfolium Schrad.; Trichodon cylindricus Schp., Syn.) (Tab. XII. H.) In yellowish green tufts, or gregarious ; stems short, usually simple. Leaves flexuose, sguarrose from an oblong sheathing base, suddenly narrowed to a fine, almost setaceous subula, the greater part formed of the nerve, irregularly and closely denticulate and rough with the projecting transverse walls of the cells; margin plane; areolation at base narrowly rectangular, Zong, almost hyaline; shorter above, in the subula irregularly quadrate, hardly distinct from the cells of the nerve, obscure. Seta pale red, long; capsule erect or slightly inclined, straight or faintly curved, zarrowly cylindric, smooth; lid obtusely conical ; annulus broad, of two or three rows of cells; peristome teeth pale red, papillose, the divisions occasionally slightly united towards the base. Dzozcous. Male plants more slender, in separate tufts, bracts subulate, concave. Has. Wet sandy ground in waste places, rare. Fr. summer, but rarely fertile. The structure of the peristome, having the divisions of the teeth occasionally united a little above the base, and the broader annulus of several rows of cells, are somewhat characteristic of the genus Ceratodon ; but the form of the leaves and the smooth cylindrical capsule seem to justify its inclusion in the present genus; the squarrose leaves, suddenly narrowed from the broad sheathing base and very rough in the upper part will serve to separate it from the others of the genus ; and its general appearance is indeed more that of Dzcranella Grevilleana and D. Schreberi, to which in fact it bears a close resemblance in the leaves; in the former of these two species however the leaves are entire or nearly so, and in the latter the subula though frequently toothed above, is usually so on the margin alone, not nodulose and papillose all round as in the plant under consideration, nor are the cells in the upper part so obscure. The two plants however, in the barren state can often be separated only by very careful examination. D. subulatum has the leaves erecto-patent when moist, and the subula only faintly denticulate. 2. Ditrichum tortile Hampe (77richostomum tortile Schrad. ; Leptotrichum tortile Hampe, Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XII. 1.) Tufted, pale green, stems simple or nearly so, short. Leaves short, patent or turned to one side, slightly curved, gradually narrowed from a narrowly ovate or oval-triangular base to a 58 DICRANACE. lanceolate-subulate point; margin slightly thickened, recurved from a little above the base to near the apex, faintly denticulate above; nerve slightly excurrent, toothed at apex; areolation hexagonal-rectangular at base, chlorophyllose, irregularly rhom- boid or quadrate above. Perichztial bracts resembling the leaves, but longer, sheathing. Seta red. Capsule erect, narrowly or oblong-cylindrical, pale brown ; annulus broad, of a single row of cells ; lid longer than in the last, conical-rostellate. Peristome teeth red, the divisions here and there united. Dioicous ; male plants short, bracts ovate-subulate. Var. B. pusdllum Braithw. (Trichostomum pusillum Hedw.). Stems more densely crowded, shorter. Leaves shorter, broader ; capsule oval or oblong, peristome shorter. Perichetial bracts with a shorter point. Has. Sandy banks and quarries, rare. Yorkshire, Sussex, Kent. The var. B in similar habitats, sometimes with the type. Ireland, Yorkshire, Scotland. Fr. winter. This species is very variable in the form and size of the capsules; I have seen them on the same tuft from cylindrical to very shortly ovate, indeed (without the lid) hardly longer than broad; the var. 8 cannot therefore be considered a clearly defined form. The leaves are shorter than in the next two species, with the upper cells wider and shorter, and are also more denticulate, wider in the middle, with the margin re- curved. It also varies in the length of the leaves; these are sometimes very short, and in proportion to their size, broad, with the lamina distinct to the apex ; especially in some forms of the var. pzs2//um2, which have been recorded as a separate species by Schimper and others under the name of Leftotrichum vaginans Sull. ; this however appears to be an error, the true Z. vagzwans Sull. being a different plant. 3. Ditrichum homomallum Hampe (Didymodon homomallus Hedw.; Leptotrichum homomallum Hampe, Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XII. J.). Plants (in the type) loosely tufted, somewhat silky, pale or yellowish green, short, stem simple or nearly so, }-inch high. Leaves glossy, subsecund, from an oval or narrowly triangular base, gradually lanceolate subulate; margin plane; nerve broad, rather indistinct, excurrent, with a few minute denticula- tions at apex; areolation very narrow, linear or rectangular, firm, zot much shorter above, chlorophyllose. Perichetial bracts longer, sheathing. Seta straight, purple. Capsule ovate-oblong or oblong, pachydermous, darker red, shining, somewhat narrowed at mouth; lid conical or conical-rostellate, obtuse. Annulus of two rows of cells. Peristome purplish, the basal membrane indistinct, teeth with the divisions free or united. Diotcous ; male plants slender; bracts lanceolate-subulate. DITRICHUM. 59 Var. B. zonatum Lindb. (Wersia sonata Funck). Stems elongated, slightly branched, zn dense tufts, bright green above, brown below; 4-2 inches high. Leaves shorter, appressed when dry. Has. Sandy banks and crevices of subalpine rocks, frequent. The var. 6 on mountain rocks, more rare. Fr. autumn. The commonest of the short-stemmed species, and usually fruiting, except in the case of the var. zovatum, which is always barren. The narrow areolation of the leaves is perhaps the most obvious distinguishing character, and also the dark-coloured capsule. From the next species it differs essentially in the inflorescence. The peris- tome, as is usual in this genus, is very fragile. The var. zovzatum has been variously located, and has recently been raised again to the rank of a species by Limpricht, but in the absence of fruit its relationship with the present species appears too great to permit of separation ; the elongated, closely- tufted stems, however, give it a totally distinct aspect in the field. 4. Ditrichum subulatum Hampe (T7richostomum subulatum Bruch; Leptotrichum subulatum Hampe., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XII. K.). Plants short, slender, in loose, silky, drzght yellowish green tufts. Leaves flexuose when dry, the lower small, ovate-lanceo- late, the upper from a short oval base abruptly narrowed to a long, flexuose, setaceous, almost entire subula, the greater part of it composed of the broad, excurrent nerve. Margin plane. Cells rather laxer, broader and shorter than in the last species. Peri- chetial bracts sheathing. Seta slender; capsule erect, golden brown, ovate, wider than in the last species, broadest near the base; annulus almost obsolete; lid shortly rostellate. Peristome teeth very slender, divisions slightly coherent; basal membrane very short. Paroicous; antheridia naked, in the axils of the upper leaves immediately below the perichztial bracts. Has. On crumbling rocks and clay soil; very rare. Cornwall; Devon, Fr. spring. A Mediterranean species which has reached our southern coast. Clearly dis- tinguished by its paroicous inflorescence, and the bright green flexuose leaves, with nerve longly excurrent. 5. Ditrichum flexicaule Hampe (Didymodon flexicaults Schleich. ; Leptotrichum flexicaule Hampe., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XIII. A). Tall, slender, in close soft silky tufts, yellowish or brownish green, glossy; stems 1-5 inches high, very slender, flexuose, fragile, branched, radiculose. Leaves very long, rather loosely set, erect or secund, occasionally falcato-secund, slightly flexuose 60 DICRANACEA. when dry, from an elongate lanceolate base narrowed to a long fine subula, nerve flattened and indistinct at base, excurrent, denticulate at apex ; margin plane, incurved above, cells at base irregularly rectangular, rounded-quadrate towards margin, towards the nerve longer, narrowly rectangular; im the upper part of the leaf oval and rounded ; one or two rows at the margin of the expanded part are sometimes very narrow and hyaline. Capsule erect, reddish brown, ovate or elliptic, small; annulus broad; lid rostellate; peristome teeth fragile, unequal. Dzozcous; male plants rare, slender ; bracts ovate, subulate. Var. B. densum Braithw. (Trichostomum flextcaule var. densum B. & S., Leptotrich. flextcaule var. densum Schp. Syn.) Densely tufted, bright or brownish green, stems straight, shorter, 1-2 inches high ; leaves erect, short, less flexuose. Has. Limestone rocks and earth; frequent. The var. 8. less common, usually in more mountainous districts. The fruit has not been found in Britain. Fr. summer. Quite distinct in its much greater size, longer leaves, and shortly oval upper cells. It has more resemblance to Dzcranodontzum longirostre than to any other moss, but is easily recognised by the absence of inflated auricles at base. 12. SWARTZIA Ehrh. (Distichium &. & S., Schp. Syn. et plur. auct.) Plants in dense silky tufts, slender. Leaves distichous, subulate, sheathing at base, smooth; areolation narrow. Capsule ovate or cylindric, lid conical. Peristome of 16 teeth not con- fluent at base, linear-lanceolate, more or less cleft into unequal, slightly coherent divisions, or variously perforated, sometimes entire. The distichous leaves are the marked characteristic of this genus, which otherwise much resembles the last. The name Distichium by which it has been usually described was forestalled by Distichia Mees (1843), a genus of Juncacez. Plant 1-6 inches, glossy ; capsule oblong or cylindric, erect ............... Z. montana Plant 3-1 inch, dull-green ; capsule rounded-ovate, inclined ..... ......... 2. inclinata 1. Swartzia montana Lindb. (Bryum montanum Lamarck ; Distichium capillaceum B. & S., Schp. Syn. et plur. auct.) (Tab. XIII. B.) In dense silky bright or dark green glossy tufts, very slender, 1-6 inches high, stems radiculose, straight. Leaves from a white sheathing oval-oblong base, abruptly narrowed above and SWARTZIA. 61 suddenly reflexed in a long, spreading or squarrose, setaceous subula, which is densely papillose on the nerve and crenulate at margin ; nerve excurrent at apex, less papillose but somewhat denticulate; cells narrowly rectangular at base and pellucid, obliquely elliptical above, in the subula rounded-quadrate, and papillose. Perichztial bracts two, longly sheathing. Capsule on an elongated seta, erect or very slightly cernuous, oblong or cylindric, bright or brownish red, glossy. Peristome teeth pale red, irregularly cleft, short, zarrow. Parotcous; antheridia naked in the axils of the uppermost leaves. Has. Mountain rocks and crevices. Frequent on all our mountains. Fr. summer. A very pretty plant, easily recognised by its distichous, setaceous leaves, with very conspicuous white, glossy, sheathing bases, so that the stems appear white and shining. In the more compact forms the two-ranked arrangement of the leaves is very obvious, in the more elongated forms with distant leaves this is much less dis- tinct. The leaves, except in the compact forms are very flexuose at apex when dry. The plant varies much in height of stem, length of leaf, and form of capsule ; the elongated forms being associated with longer leaves and narrowly cylindrical fruits, while the most compact, short forms have also the leaves short and almost straight, and the capsule much shorter and ovate. There is, however, every gradation from the one extreme to the other, and no clear line of demarcation can be drawn to define the var. compacta (Hiibn.) (D. capzl/. var. brevifolium B. & S., Schp. Syn.). I have also seen short elliptical capsules on forms with elongated stems and leaves, so that the correlation of the parts is not a distinctive feature of the variety. 2. Swartzia inclinata Ehrh. (Distichtum inclinatum B. & S., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XII. C.). Plants shorter, of a duller green, less shining ; leaves more crowded and less evidently distichous, the sheathing base less conspicuous, the subula more erect ; the cells slightly longer and more uniformly rectangular; pericheetial bracts three. Capsule small, rounded-ovate, turgid, inclined, brown, with a dark purple shining mouth; perzstome teeth broader, red, less deeply bi-trifid or nearly entire. Autorcous; male flower gemmiform, below the female, wth 1-3 short, subulate bracts. Spores more than twice the diameter. Has. Stony ground in mountainous districts, rare. Scotland; Ireland; York- shire. Fr, summer. The characters italicised will serve easily to distinguish this species from the com- pact forms of the last. I do not find any constant difference in the size and width of the leaves, 62 DICRANACE#. Tribe 2. Seligeriez. 13. SELIGERIA B. & S. Minute, gregarious or cespitose plants, growing on rocks. Leaves lanceolate or subulate, cells minute above, at basal angles rarely coloured (not coloured in any of the British species). Calyptra cucullate. Capsule smooth, symmetrical, or only very slightly unequal, oval, with a distinct neck, peristome teeth usually entire, rarely cleft, smooth, sometimes wanting. Autoicous in all the British species. A genus of dwarf, almost microscopic plants, often growing on the perpendicular sides of chalk-pits and cliffs, and some- what difficult, on account of their minuteness and general resemblance, to discriminate. Their presence is at times hardly distinguishable except by the slight green or brownish tinge they confer on the substratum of chalk or rock. Peristonie ALSO tS spinal uecann ewtanesdies nue orleans mehenbonsemaniguMenmeadesaammenaan 1. Doniana Peristome: presen tac. caritacnatavowesesetiececibe wevencheonbioad ayhulel ob Aaedadadabibaddeccsn 2 Seta aretiate When MOIS -.is.ccccsvcaedecstaeacrcuaananaanncidvesebeeseeueewed 6. recurvata Seta:straight when Mois tis acevsceeecncatochatadaeetvgeaatiareaniehan tema mace Nee eu ween 3 Capsule oval or oblong, contracted at mouth 4. pauctfolia Capsule short, wide-mouthed, turbinate when dry and empty ...............0.:0:08 4 Perichztial ls. reaching base of capsule ...... 0... ceecsesceeeete seen ees .2*, acuttfolia Leaves notreaching: base: oficapsulle ancacsaciccnnn ctaiiicaets nude tactyaniedloanioaict jdanarbsiemiai 5 Ls. imbricated in three ranks ; cells long and narrow .............06.00665, 3. tristicha 5\Ls. not three-ranked ; cells Shorter ....0c..ccc. ceeccscsecesceeceecseceecesteteneeeeeneens 6 6 ae with short, wide, obtuse subula, entire ..............cccesceeeceeeeeeeen eee 5. calcarea Ls. longer, with narrow, acute subula, faintly denticulate .................. 2. pusilla 1. Seligeria Doniana C. M. (Gymnostomum Donianum Sm. ; Anodus Donianus B. & S., Schp. Syn. et plur. auct.) (Tab. XIII. D.). Very minute, gregarious, yellow?sh green ; stem very short, simple. Leaves erect, straight, subulate from an ovate-lanceolate denticulate base, channelled ; nerve reaching apex or slightly ex- current, occupying the greater part of the minutely denticulate subula; cells of base very thin, pellucid, rather incrassate, rectangular and rhomboid, upper shorter, quadrate. Capsule on a straight seta, minute, pale, hemzspherical or turbinate after the fall of the lid, thzm-walled, gymnostomous ; lid obliquely conical. Male infl. on a basal branch. Has. Sandstone and limestone rocks, Not common. Fr. late summer. SELIGERIA. 63 One of the most minute of our mosses, and ‘easily overlooked. Hardly dis- tinguishable from .S. pzszlZa except by the absence of peristome and the somewhat more delicate habit ; the denticulate leaf margin will aid in distinguishing it from the other species. fi 2. Seligeria pusilla B. & S. (Afzelia pusilla Ehrh.) (Tab. XIII. E.) Very short, in loose, dark green tufts. Lower leaves short, lanceolate-subulate, upper longer, subulate from an oval-lanceo- late denticulate base, resembling those of the last species but longer. Areolation as in that species. Capsule oval-pyriform, turbinate after the fall of the lid, brownish green; lid obliquely rostellate ; pertstome teeth broadly lanceolate, entire, flat, distantly articulated, spreading and reflexed when dry, incurved when moist. Male inflorescence below the female or on a separate branch. Has. Damp limestone or sandstone rocks, not common. Fr. summer. Somewhat variable in size, and in length of leaves, The turbinate, peristomate capsule elevated far above the leaves on a straight seta, and the minutely denticulate leaf-margin, are the distinguishing marks of this species. * Seligeria acutifolia Lindb. (as a species) (S. pusilla var. acuttfolia Schp., Syn.) (Tab. XIII. F.) Leaves from a narrower base, contracted into a subterete very acute, less denticulate subula, formed almost entirely of the nerve, and very long in the upper leaves ; areolation longer and narrower. Capsule larger, ovate, 0 a shorter seta, hardly elevated above the perichetial bracts, shortly pyriform after the fall of the lid, wide-mouthed when empty; lid short, conical, straighter. Peristome teeth shorter, rather obtuse, fragile. Var. B. Jongrseta Lindb. Plant larger, seta longer, so that the capsule ts raised above the perichetial bracts ; lid with a longer, oblique beak. Hap. Calcareous rocks. The var. alone found in Britain; rare. North of England. Fr. summer. This plant seems to find its right place as a sub-species of S. pus¢//a from which it only differs in the characters pointed out above ; and even these are not constant, as indeed the existence of the var. /omgzsefa shows. Among plants of the latter form there are, moreover, to be found specimens with the pericheetial bracts over- topping the capsule, though the oblique, rostellate lid is always present. It seems best therefore to consider S. acztzfoléa as a sub-spec. of S. pusz//a, with the var. Jongiseta forming an intermediate link. 64 DICRANACE. 3. Seligeria tristicha B. & S. (Weisia tristicha Brid. ; Seligeria trifaria Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XIII. G.) Plants resembling S. pusilla, but taller and more rigid, 1-2 lines high, slender, branched, Jrownish. Leaves regularly imbricated in three rows, crowded, straight, erect, appressed when dry, from a lanceolate concave base gradually narrowed to a rigid, obtuse oracute, entire subula, composed of the nerve, which is narrower at the base; cells elongate-rectangular at base, shorter above; margin entire or very faintly sinuose. Perichztial bracts longer, the nerve more longly excurrent. Capsule on an elongated seta, thick-walled, wide-mouthed and hemispherical after the fall of the lid, with a long neck tapering into the fruit stalk; lid odl¢quely rostellate, rather long. Peristome teeth sometimes perforated. Has. Wet calcareous rocks. Very rare. Perthshire; Yorkshire ; Derbyshire. Fr. summer. The stems are often closely tufted, and sometimes very much branched ; the leaves are rather brittle; their regular arrangement giving the stems a distinct and peculiar trigonous appearance. The form of the capsule when ripe, together with its neck, is regularly pyriform, the neck varying somewhat in length, sometimes very gradually narrowing downwards. It is readily distinguished by the tall slender stems, and the trifarious arrangement of the leaves. The wide pachydermous capsule, the entire leaves, and narrow cells, are also characters of value, in cases where, as occasionally happens, the tristichous leaf arrangement is not so distinct. 4. Seligeria paucifolia Carruth. (Bryum pauctfolium Dicks., S. subcernua Schp., Syn.) (Tab. XIII. H.) Plants gregarious, pale dull green, very short, unbranched. Leaves crowded, the upper longer, sub-flexuose, longly and finely subulate from a lanceolate, gradually narrowing base, guzte entire ; nerve very indistinct at base, gradually stronger, wide above and sometimes very slightly excurrent ; cells rectangular, shorter above, a single row on each side reaching almost or quite to the apex; sefa erect, slightly flexuose above ; capsule ¢hzck- walled, narrowly oval or oblong, sometimes slightly asymmetric, narrowed at the mouth; lid with an oblique swdz/ate beak ; peristome teeth narrow, lanceolate. Has. Blocks of chalk; rare. Fr. summer. The narrow elongated capsule, contracted, not expanded, at mouth, on an erect seta, is the most distinguishing feature of this species. It seems to prefer detached blocks of chalk rather than cliffs. : SELIGERIA. 65 5. Seligeria calcarea B. & S. (Bryum calcareum Dicks.) (Tah. XTIT 1). Plants in wide patches, densely gregarious, dull deep green. Stem very short, simple. Leaves short, from an oblong concave base abruptly narrowed to a rather short, wide, somewhat obtuse subula, entire; nerve indistinct below, above stronger, but flattened and obscure, and occupying the whole apex; cells shortly rectangular, thin and pellucid at base, above irregularly rounded-quadrate, oval or hexagonal, obscure, incrassate, chloro- phyllose. Capsule on a straight seta, minute, very slightly larger than in S. pusz/la, more solid, but otherwise resembling it; peris- tome teeth broader and more obtuse, more closely articulate. Has. Chalk cliffs and limestone quarries. Frequent on the chalk hills of the south and east of England. Fr. summer. Easily recognised by its dwarf, stouter habit, with broader, thicker leaf-points, which are also more obtuse. The nerve is flattened and obscure, so that it is difficult in the subula to say where the lamina ceases and the nerve begins. In the fruit this species most resembles S. pusz//a. It often forms very wide extended patches on the perpendicular face of chalk cliffs, resembling until more carefully examined, patches of protophytic algze. 6. Seligeria recurvata B. & S. (Grimmia recurvata Hedw.; S. setacea Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XIII. J.). In close patches, olive green, usually very fertile; stems short, but rather longer than in the last species, fragile, simple or forked. Leaves erecto-patent, fexuose, longly subulate from an ovate-lanceolate base, acute, eztive ; nerve narrow, excurrent, but very ill-defined and hardly distinct from the lamina in the subula ; cells at base variable, usually rectangular with thin walls, pellucid ; above shorter, more quadrate, incrassate. Capsule on a rather long, fexuose and arcuate seta, oval with a short neck, thin-walled ; lid witha slender, straight beak ; teeth of peristome lanceolate, obtuse or acute. Has. Sandstone rocks in shady places. Notcommon. Fr. spring and summer. The slender, arcuate seta is the chief characteristic of the present species, and is especially noticeable when the plant is growing; and at the period of ripening of the capsules ; when gathered in this condition the seta remains curved in drying, but older capsules usually dry with the fruitstalk straightened. The capsule is variable in length, the lid sometimes oblique. The tissue of which the capsule is composed is looser than in the other species, the cells being larger with thin walls. F 66 DICRANACEZ. ! 14. BRACHYODUS Firnr. (Brachydontium Bruch, Braithw. Br. M. FI.) Plants very small, resembling Seligeria. Calyptra mitri- form, 5-lobed. Capsule erect, oblong, finally striate ; peristome teeth confluent at base, broad, very short and truncate, dotted, thin. 1. Brachyodus trichodes Firnr. (Gymnostomum trichodes W & M.; Brachydontium trichodes Firnr., Braithw. Br.M. Fl.) (Tab. XIII. K.). Plants resembling Seligeria pusilla; very small, simple, gregarious, green or brownish. Leaves straight, lanceolate- subulate, channelled, entire; nerve excurrent, forming the whole of the upper part of the subula; cells hexagonal-rectangular below, irregularly quadrate above. Capsule on a slender seta, oblong, pale, thin-walled, red at mouth, when old more or less pyriform, darker coloured, and fimely striate ; calyptra conical, 3-5 lobed at base; annulus broad; lid conical with a straight subulate beak; peristome teeth irregular, perforated, pale, smooth, very short. Autoicous. Has. Wet sandstone rocks. Not unfrequent in mountainous countries. Fr. early spring. Much resembling a Seligeria in habit and leaf structure, this is easily recognised under a good lens by the oblong capsule, on a straight seta, with very fine longitudinal striations ; in leaf it is perhaps nearer S. pazczfoléa than any other. Tribe 3. Cynodontiex. 15. SASLANIA Lindb. Plants small; leaves small, linear or lanceolate, smooth ; glaucous at back with cellular, granulose ‘“‘bloom.’’ Capsule oblong-cylindric, erect, slightly furrowed when dry; lid conical ; peristome teeth 16, irregular, cleft to base into two narrow, nodose, papillose divisions, usually much connected above. The plant for which Lindberg created this genus has usually been placed under either Ditrichum or Trichostomum, and it certainly holds, as pointed out by Braithwaite, a somewhat SALANIA, 67 intermediate position between Tortulacee and Dicranacez. Its affinity with Ceratodon is however so obvious (while at the same time it shows distinguishing characters of some importance), that its consignment to a separate genus near that one appears the most satisfactory arrangement. 1. Selania cesia Lindb. (Bryum cesium Villars; Lepto- trichum glaucescens Hpe., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XIII. L.). In dense glaucous green tufts, brown below, half to nearly one inch high. Stems erect, slender, much branched. Leaves smad//, broadly lanceolate below, larger and longer at the summit of the branches, forming a coma; erecto-patent, slightly twisting at the point, somewhat flexuose when dry; acutely linear or linear- subulate from a lanceolate or oblong base, margin plane, bluntly serrate above; nerve distinct, slightly excurrent in the longer leaves; cells all rectangular, at base empty, 4-6 times as long as broad, above about twice as long as broad, or sometimes quadrate, chlorophyllose ; in the lower leaves more uniform. Capsule erect on a short seta, oval-oblong, thin-walled, brown, irregularly plicate when dry and empty; annulus yellow, of two rows of cells; lid acutely conical; peristome conical, the teeth purple, the divisions much united above. Autoicous; male flower gemmiform, on short branches below the perichztia. Has. On earth in clefts of rocks in alpine districts; very rare. Glen Phee, Clova. Fr. late summer. This rare species will be recognised at once by the bluish green colour, a feature hardly shared by any other British moss, though in a small degree by Wedsia verticillata, which differs markedly in the leaves, denticulate towards base, but entire above, and is of quite a different habit of growth. The leaf-cells are longer and narrower than in Ceratodon. 16. CERATODON Brid. Plants terrestrial, tufted; leaves small, lanceolate, smooth or slightly papillose. Capsule oval or oblong-cylindrical, strzaze, when dry sulcate, often inclined, with a distinct neck, thick- walled. Lid conical. Peristome teeth 16, cleft regularly nearly to base into two filiform divisions, closely articulate below, remotely above, papillose. Nerve not or scarcely excurrent ; capsule strumose at neck............0668 1. purpureus Nerve longly excurrent ; capsule not strumose ..........ccseceseeceseeeeeen eres i*, conicus 68 DICRANACE. 1. Ceratodon purpureus Brid. (Wnium purpureum L.) (Tab. XIII. M.). In wide patches, of various tints of green, often accompanied by a tinge of vinous red. Stems branched, 3-3 inches long, slender, erect. Leaves erecto-patent, rather laxly imbricated, slightly twisted and appressed when dry, from broadly triangular- ovate to narrow linear-lanceolate, concave, margin revolute from base upwards, becoming plane just below the apex, where there are usually a few coarse teeth; nerve reaching apex or very slightly excurrent ; cells at base pellucid (in the longer leaves), rectangular, 3-5 times as long as broad, above regularly quadrate, hexagonal-quadrate, or irregular, but always short, small, chlorophyllose. Perichztial bracts longer, sheathing. Capsule on a purple or sometimes yellowish shining seta, zzclined, oblong (when dry and empty oblong-cylindrical), straight or slightly curved, purplish or reddish brown; when dry cernuous or horizontal, sudcate, 4-5 angled, with a small but dzstznct struma at base; annulus large, lid acutely conical, slightly curved. Peristome teeth deep red at base, with equal divisions, bordered on each side from base to middle by the wider inner layer of plates. Dioicous. Male plants more slender, flowers gemmi- form. Has. Sandy and peaty soil, banks in woods, etc. ; very abundant, and cosmo- .politan. Fr. spring and early summer. One of the most abundant and polymorphous of our mosses, easily known when in fruit by the narrow, inclined, sulcate, strumose capsule with conical lid. There is a peculiar facies‘of the leaves when viewed under the microscope, which, allowing for a certain amount of variation in form and size of both leaf and areolation, is directly recognised after a little practice ; the margin recurved to just below the apex, then plane and toothed, is one of the most distinct and constant features; when moist the leaves usually have a shiny appearance, and the comal ones are generally slightly twisted ; this taken in conjunction with their channelled surface and gradually acute outline, will serve for identification in the field, and an acquaintance with their appear- ance under the lens will save the beginner much labour and disappointment. One rather marked form has short, broad, deltoid-oval concave leaves, sometimes shortly cuspidate with the excurrent nerve, the tufts resembling those of Bardula lurida, but with laxer and rather more acute leaves. * Ceratodon conicus Lindb. (Trichostomum conicum Hpe.) (Tab. XIII. N.). The typical, or extreme form of this plant differs from C. purpureus in the following points. Stems shorter, usually yellowish green ; leaves small, short, ovate-lanceolate, the upper erecto-patent, crowded into a coma, less twisted when dry, the . CERATODON. 69 margin revolute to apex, entire; the nerve excurrent tn an arista or point of varying length; cells small. Capsule erect or very slightly inclined, ovate-elliptic, rather wide at base, when dry and empty hardly altered, slightly sulcate, the neck not strumose ; lid shortly and obtusely conical. Peristome teeth pale, wth few articulations, with very narrow and less distinct borders. Has. Bare places and mud-caps of walls. Rare. Fr. summer. The examination of a considerable number of specimens from different localities has convinced me that the present plant should not rank higher than a sub-species of C. purpureus at most ; a conclusion arrived at for the most part on account of the existence of a number of intermediate forms linking it, in an unbroken chain, with that plant. Specimens found by me in Scotland in 1883 have the fruiting characters exactly those of C. comzcws, but the plant has the purplish hue of the typical form and the nerve is excurrent in a very short point only. Since that time, in a number of localities in Northamptonshire uniformly on the mud-caps of walls in the oolitic districts, I have found plants which, while with the peristome and the foliage of C. contcus (the nerve being excurrent in a point frequently as long as the whole of the rest of the leaf), show a great variation in the capsule, both as regards its inclination and form, the struma, and the lid ; sometimes being barely if at all distinct from ordinary C. purpureus, at others, though more rarely, with capsules almost exactly characteristic of C. conzcus, while specimens may be found of nearly every intermediate form. It must be remembered too that the nerve is sometimes excurrent in otherwise typical C. purpureus. In the Northamptonshire localities above mentioned, this plant even when barren and growing with the typical form, may be generally recognised with the eye alone, by the denser, neater tufts, with the shorter, aristate, upper leaves forming a comal tuft. C. minor Aust. (Lesq. & James, Manual of Mosses of N. America, p. 92) appears to be this plant ; the only difference, according to the description, being that in that moss the leaves are spoken of as serrulate towards the apex. 17. RHABDOWEHISIA B. & S. Plants short, inhabiting rock crevices, densely cushioned. Leaves /énear or ligulate, not much attenuated at point, short, much crisped when dry, with plane margins; areolation small, more or less quadrate above. Capsule erect, symmetrical, minute, on a very short seta, striate, not strumose. Peristome small, teeth narrow, subulate, undivided. The three plants here included have a distinct habit and in other respects form a natural group, though linked to Cynodontium by C. Bruntonz, which however clearly belongs to that genus. Their short, highly chlorophyllose, plane-margined pellucid leaves abundantly distinguish them, in addition to which they are usually abundantly fertile. Leaves with narrow tapering points, almost entire........:sccceseesseeeeeeees Ze fugax Leaves with wider, more obtuse points, serrate .........::escceseeeeeneeeeeeeeeraeeeenens 2 {Fes small; leaves narrow, cells 8-10 bo w...eceeeee ees ee eee eee teense ees 2. denticulata 2 Plant 4-1 inch ; leaves broader, more coarsely toothed, cells 14-18 M ............ eee 3. crenulata 70 DICRANACEA, 1. Rhabdoweisia fugax B. & S. (Oncophorus striatus Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XIV. A.). Bright or dark green, in short, soft, dense tufts or cushions ; leaves narrowly linear or ligulate, curled when dry, shortly acuminate, more or less acute; margin plane, faintly denticulate or almost entire at apex; nerve ceasing below the summit; areolation rectangular at base and pellucid, gradually becoming quadrate, in the upper part 7m 5-7 regular rows on each side the nerve of rounded-quadrate or transversely elliptical cells, some- what incrassate, 6-8 » wide, faintly papillose, chlorophyllose. Capsule on a very short seta (1-2 lines), very small, pale, erect, symmetrical, oval, wide-mouthed and urceolate when dry and empty, distinctly striate ; lid with a curved, subulate beak, as long as the capsule. Peristome teeth suddenly subulate from a broad base, reddish, very small and fugactous. Has. Clefts of rocks in alpine and subalpine districts. Not common. Fr. summer. A pretty little moss, usually covered with capsules. The peristome is so fragile that it generally falls off almost as soon as the lid separates. The leaves vary some- what in outline and in the amount of denticulation of the point. 2. Rhabdoweisia denticulata B. & S. (Oncophorus crispatus Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XIV. B.). Resembling the last, but with shorter, wider, more obtuse leaves, the margin in the upper part more strongly toothed, with closer, more acute, and more spreading denticulations ; the upper cells larger, 8-70 p wide, on each side of the nerve in 7-9 rows of quadrate or quadrate-hexagonal cells with thinner walls. Capsule the same or a little larger and somewhat more elongated, often of a rather darker colour and more solid texture. Peristome teeth subulate from a lanceolate base, articulated, longer, more per- sistent. Has. As the last, but more frequent. Fr. summer. A slightly more robust plant than 2. fugax ; the characters above mentioned serving to identify it without much difficulty. The differences in the capsules often described are by no means constant. 3. Rhabdoweisia crenulata Jameson (Didymodon crenulatus Mitt.) (Tab. XIV. C.). Taller than R. denticulata and more robust, %-1 inch high. Leaves ligulate, broader, obtuse, recurved at apex, margin in the RHABDOWEISIA. 71 upper part closely crenulate-denticulate with projecting cells; areolation in upper part, on each side of nerve, in 10-13 rows of larger, irregularly quadrate or hexagonal, obscure cells rg-18 p wide. Capsule a little larger, reddish ; peristome teeth narrow, erect, reddish. Has. Shady rock crevices. Rare. Fr. summer. Much like the last and often confused with it, but easily recognised by the leaves much broader in the upper part with larger, more obscure cells. In favourable situations it becomes so robust as to resemble closely Barbula ungudculata or Trichostomum littorale. 18. CYNODONTIUM Schp. Plants ¢aé/er than in Rhabdoweisia, leaves with recurved margins, long, wider at base, gradually and longly acuminated in the upper part ; cells often papillose. Fruit /arger, smooth or striate, symmetrical or more frequently inclined and unequal, often strumose, on a longer seta. Peristome variable. Lid longly subulate. Resembling Dicranum in the fruit, this genus differs in the leaves without distinct angular cells, usually erecto-patent, and crisped when dry. C. Bruntonz unites it with Dicranoweisia, but the denticulate leaves with recurved margins serve to distinguish it, and the angular cells are not distinct from the rest. A continental species, C. Schist? Lindb., forms a transition between this and the last genus, having the leaves almost entire, with recurved margins, the capsule striate and equal, the peristome more perfect and less fugacious than in Rhabdoweisia. Capsule distinctly strumose at MeCk .......cccccceeceecee ee cceee eee eu eeee ses eetsteeeeenees 2 Capsule not strumose ........:eccceeeeeeee es . SOc e eters een et net ertee peteee 4 Capsule smooth ; leaves not papillose ......... sesreijuarsdimatesnunaaasemuamenanltnemenna’ 3 Capsule furrowed when dry ; leaves papillose.............00ccseeeee vee 2* strumiferum Leaves gradually lanceolate from an oval or oblong base .............0...005 3 virens Leaves suddenly subulate from a wide, obovate base .............44 3*. Wahlenbergit Capsule when dry faintly and irregularly striate only .................065 zr. Bruntoné Capsule when dry distinctly and regularly furrowed ...........cccceesseeeeeee cesses 5 Leaves rather obtuse, strongly papillose on both sides...............644 2* gractlescens 5\ Leaves acute, faintly papillose at back only ..........csceeeeeeeeseeeen nee 2. polycarpum 1. Cynodontium Bruntoni B. & S. Wicranum Brunton Sm.; Dicranowetsia Bruntont Schp., Syn.; Oncophorus Bruntoni Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XIV. D.). Densely tufted in compact soft yellowish. or dull green cushions, 1-13 inches high. Lower leaves elongate-lanceolate, upper longer, from an oblong base gradually narrowed upwards 72 DICRANACE&. to an acute point, carinate-concave, spreading and somewhat re- curved at summit when moist, strongly curled when dry; margin recurved, remotely denticulate in the upper half; nerve strong, continued to apex, roughish at back above; cells at base pellucid, rectangular, shorter at margin, above becoming elliptical and in- crassate, in the limb very small, rounded or irregularly quadrate, obscure, minutely papillose. Perichztial bracts half-sheathing, shortly acuminate. Capsule on a yellowish seta (2-4 lines), oval or oval-oblong, slightly contracted at the mouth, erect, equal or very slightly one-sided, short-necked, smooth, when dry faintly plicate, pale brown; annulus narrow, lid shorter than the capsule. Peris- tome teeth small, irregular, unequally cleft, the divisions free or cohering, smooth. Has. Clefts of rocks in sub-alpine districts. Not common. Fr. summer. This species is not likely to be mistaken when fruiting for any of the species in- cluded under the present genus, all of which have the capsule either strumose or dis- tinctly striated ; it is more likely to be confused with Dzcranowezsta crispula and D. ctrrata ; the former, however, is readily known by the plane margins of its leaves, and the latter by the elongated capsules and entire leaves. It should be also borne in mind that the two plants of that genus when growing on rocks are usually found on their surface, while the present plant is mostly confined to clefts of rocks. When barren it is very difficult to separate from the next species, though the leaves are somewhat shorter and less finely pointed, and the cells a little smaller. 2. Cynodontium polycarpum Schp. (Dicranum polycarpum Ehrh.; Oncophorus polycarpus Brid., Braith. Br. M. FI.) (Tab. XIV. E.). . Usually taller and more robust than the last species, 1-2 inches high, of a paler green. Leaves longer and gradually larger upward, when dry flexuose but not much curled or circinate, longer than in the last species, narrowly linear-lanceolate, very narrow at the point, margin recurved, usually with a single or double row of denticulate crenulations, serrulate towards point ; cells at base elongate-rectangular, above small, rounded-quadrate or irregular, smooth or finely papillose at back above. Perichztial bracts sheathing, longly acuminate-subulate; seta straight, about five lines long, capsule erect or unequal and slightly inclined, oblong-cylindrical, with a short symmetrical neck, pale, distinctly and regularly sulcate when dry ; annulus distinct, lid conical-rostrate, shorter than the capsule, crenulate- sinuose at margin. Peristome teeth perfect, cleft half-way into two unequal divisions. CYNODONTIUM. 73 Var. 8. laxtrete Dixon n. var. Leaves longer, broader, upper cells 3-4 times as large as in the type, quite smooth, more regularly quadrate; margin entire except at apex; capsule cylindrical, with a longer neck which is swollen at the base of the capsule, but equally all round, not forming a struma; when dry and empty the capsule is very long and narrow, gradually narrowing from the wide mouth downwards into the pedicel. Has. Rocks in mountainous districts. The var. 8 on a wall in Glenlyon, ‘Perthshire, July, 1893 (. W. Dexon.) Fr. summer. This species is subject to considerable variation, in points, however, which very little affect its general appearance ; the form and serrature of the leaves, the amount of papillosity of the cells, and the general size of the plant, being the characters most affected. The var. 6 is a very striking form in the shape of the capsule and the size and character of the areolation. C. polycarpum may readily be recognised by its narrow, striated, slightly unequal fruit. Except in its pale colour there is a certain superficial resemblance to Ceratodon purpureus. The differences between it and the allied plants of the present genus will be found noticed under the several species. * Cynodontium strumiferum De Not. (Dicranum strumt- ferum Ehrh.; Cynodontium polycarpum var. strumiferum Schp., Syn.; Oncophorus strumifer Brid., Braithw. Br. M. FI.) (Tab. XIV. F.). Leaves with the upper cells more papillose, in front as well as at back. Capsule broader, inclined and slightly arcuate, eibbous at back, with a distinct struma at base in front. Has. Rocks on the higher mountains; rare. Fr. late summer. The variations that occur in the form of the capsule, the varying amount of papil- losity in the leaves, and the occasional presence of a rudimentary strumain C. foly- carpum tend to show that the characters distinguishing C. strumzferum are hardly of sufficient importance to constitute specific rank. The papillae on the leaves are by no means distinct in some specimens with the typical capsule of C. strumzferum. * Cynodontium gracilescens Schp. (Dicranum gracilescens W.&M.; Oncophorus gracilescens Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XIV. G.). Differs from C. polycarpum in its more slender habit, the leaves slightly broader and more obtuse, usually more strongly papillose both on back and front, the margin less recurved above ; the perichetial bracts more shortly acuminate; the seta slender and flexuose, the neck of the capsule small and inconspicuous, mot strumose, the lid smooth at margin, the annulus rather narrower. 74 DICRANACE&. Has. Alpine rocks; very rare. Clova; Wales. Fr. late summer. The greater number of the above characters are subject to more or less variation. In the compact var. alfestre ( Cynod. subalpestre Kindb.) the papillosity of the leaves almost disappears, and the perichzetial bracts hardly differ from those of C. polycarpum ; it is indeed placed under that species by Boulay, and may be looked upon as a connect- ing link between the type and the present sub-species. The smallness of the distinctive characters as described above, justifies, I think, its present arrangement as a sub- species rather than as a separate species, although I am not aware that this view has been taken by any of the authorities since C. Miiller (Syx. Z/, p. 591). 3. Cynodontium virens Schp. (Bryum virens Sw.; Oncoph. virens Brid., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XIV H.). Plants ¢a/l, robust, 2-3 inches high, dright green above, brown or black below, in dense tufts, stems repeatedly forked. Leaves spreading, not increasing in length above, slightly crisped when dry, from an oval or oblong amplexicaul base gradually narrowed and lanceolate, acute or obtuse, carinate; margin recurved, entire, or sub-serrate above; nerve reaching apex or slightly excurrent ; cells of leaf-base rectangular, pellucid, shorter and broader towards the margin, becoming shorter and incrassate above, in the limb shortly rectangular and almost quadrate, smooth. Seta rather short; capsule dark reddish brown, oblong- cylindrical, arcuate, gibbous, with a sharp distinct struma, smooth. Peristome teeth large, regular, cleft to the middle. Var. B. serratum B. & S. Leaves widely spreading, coarsely serrate tn the upper part. Has. Wet rocks and stony ground on high mountains. Common on the Grampian range ; elsewhere rare. The var. 8 in similar situations. Fr. late summer and autumn. This fine species varies much in size, in the magnitude of the cells and the thickness of their walls, and in the length, form and serrature of the leaves ; and no clear line can be drawn between the type and the var. serratum. It cannot easily be mistaken for any other moss, at least when examined under the microscope. * Cynodontium Wabhlenbergii R. & C., Rev. Bry. 1892, p. 74. (Cynodontium virens var. Wahlenbergii Schp., Syn. ; Oncoph. Wahlenbergu Brid., Braithw. Br. M. FI.) (Tab. XIV. I.). Resembling C. vzvens but usually shorter; leaves more distant, more strongly crisped when dry, from an obovate base suddenly contracted to a longer, narrower, subulate, flexuose point. Capsule slightly shorter and thicker. CYNODONTIUM. 715 Var. B. compactum Schp. Tufts short, dense; leaves crowded, more erect, shorter, from a smaller base. Capsule smaller, less solid, short. Has. High alpine rocks. Rare. The var. 8 on the higher Grampians. Fr. late summer. The leaf-base in C. vzrens is sometimes oblong, hardly wider above than at the insertion, and very gradually contracted into the limb, which is usually short, and rather quickly narrowed to the apex. In C. Wahiendergzz, the leaf-base is very short and broad, widening considerably upwards from its line of insertion, then suddenly narrowing (so as to form a shoulder), into the much narrower and longer, linear- subulate limb. Although however there is a wide distinction between these two extreme forms, there are found many intermediate links, leaves of various forms often occurring in the same stem; indeed I have never examined a tuft of C. virens with- out finding some leaves that showed an approach to the leaf-form of C. Wahklenbergiz. The var. compactum too, while usually clearly referable to the sub-species, has the leaves in several specimens which I have examined, far from showing the ¢ypzca/ Wahlenbergii form, being indeed intermediate between the two. I have therefore felt compelled to deny C. Wahlenbergit specific rank, although in its most extreme form, did that alone exist, it might well lay claim to such a position. 19. DICHODONTIUM Schp. Plants loosely tufted, usually growing near rocky streams ; leaves spreading or squarrose, broad, opaque, papillose. Capsule smooth, thick-walled, peristome large, dicranoid. The two species of this genus are very distinct from the rest of the Order in the broad, obtuse, papillose leaves with plane margins, at least in the upper half. They are indeed more likely to be referred by the beginner to Tortulacez than to Dicranacez. The peristome is quite distinct, but more often than not the plants are barren. Few of the species of Tortulacee, however, for which the student is at all liable to take either of these plants, have the spreading, denticulate leaves of D. pellucidum or the coarsely serrate leaf margins of D. /lavescens. Oreowetsia serrulata Schp. has been recorded from Ben Lawers by Dr. Stirton, but its claim to be regarded as British is very doubtful. It is a native of the Austrian Alps, and is monoicous, with narrow, serrulate, obtuse leaves, having the basal areolation thin and hyaline, the upper obscure and highly papillose ; the habit is more slender than that of Dichodontium. Leaves rather obtuse, serrulate ; capsule CELNUOUS..........ceeeesseeeeeee ees r. pelluctdum Leaves acute, sharply serrate ; capsule suberect .......:.sseseseeeserereee vend, flavescens 76 DICRANACEA. 1. Dichodontium pellucidum Schp. (Bryum pellucidum L.) (Tab. XIV. J.). Pale or dull green, in rather lax tufts, 1-3 inches high. Stems slightly branched, flexuose, radiculose below. Leaves variously imbricated, but never very densely placed, recurved and spreading or squarrose from a more erect base, appressed and twisted when dry, varying greatly in length and width, from a broad, oval or oblong base narrowed into a longer or shorter oblong-lingulate, broad, concave limb, rounded and obtuse or obtusely pointed ; margin recurved below, somewhat undulated above, zucurved at apex, almost entire or more frequently crenu- late-serrate towards the summit, limb opaque, studded with sharp, ascending papille on both sides; cells at base elongated, narrowly rectangular, rather pellucid, wzth several rows at the margin to the base shorter and chlorophyllose, in the upper part small, irregularly quadrate or rounded, obscure. Nerve thick, vanishing below apex, rough with denticulations at back above. Dioicous. Fruitstalk short, thick, especially towards the top, reddish yellow ; capsule short, oval or subglobose, cernuous, some- what gibbous, with hardly any neck, but tapering at base into the fruitstalk, smooth, solid in texture, purplish brown, exannulate ; lid obliquely and shortly rostrate, rather thick. Peristome large, deep red, the teeth 2-3 cleft, papillose at apex, vertically striate below, from a rather high basal membrane. Var. 8. fagimontanum Schp. (Dicranum pellucidum var. fagimontanum Brid.). Shorter, with shorter branches; eaves short, more obtuse, hardly spreading ; capsule smaller. Var. y. strictum Braithw. Stems densely tufted, elongated, slender, stratght. Leaves distant, very short, suddenly con- tracted to a narrow-lingulate channelled limb, tapering to an obtuse almost entire point. Var. 6. compactum Schp. Stems very densely tufted, reddish brown below, very slender ; leaves smaller, short. Has. Wet rocks or sandy débrés near streams; common in mountainous dis- tricts, not common elsewhere. The var. 8 in more alpine districts; Ben Lawers, &c. The var. ‘y among grass, near Abergavenny. The var. 8 Scotland ; South Wales. Fr. autumn to spring. A variable plant, but when once known recognised without much difficulty by the form and structure of the leaves. The short, broadly pointed, obtuse leaves dis- tinguish the var. fag¢ontanum from the type. The fruit is not very commonly pro- duced, and the fertile plant is usually rather smaller and more slender. In the forms with short leaves the basal cells are generally shorter and more uniform, less pellucid. DICHODONTIUM. 17 The specific name is hardly an appropriate one, as the leaves are rather opaque, and even the basal cells are far less pellucid than in most of the species of this Order. D. pellucidum might be, and indeed has been taken, in some of its forms, for Leptodontium flextfolium, but the latter is usually a more slender plant, with smaller leaves not expanded at the base, less papillose, and of a different texture. 2. Dichodontium flavescens Lindb. (Bryum flavescens _Dicks.; Dichodontium pellucidum var. serratum Schp., Syn.) (Tab. XIV. K.). Taller, loosely tufted, yellawish green. Leaves more distant, erecto-patent and slightly recurved, but less squarrose than in the last ; when dry twisted but not appressed nor incurved ; longer, from a narrower base gradually tapering to a narrower, less obtuse flat point, faintly undulated; margin slightly less recurved below, 72 the whole of the upper part (and often below the middle) coarsely denticulate or serrate. Cells of leaf base more elongate, only a few rows (usually 1-3) at margin quadrate and obscure, sometimes hardly reaching to base, above incrassate, rounded- quadrate, minutely papillose. Capsule erect or nearly so, shortly oblong-cylindric, symmetrical or nearly so, pale brown; peristome paler, from avery short basal membrane, not papillose nor vertically striate. Has. Beds of mountainous streams. Not uncommon. Fr. autumn, rare. The characters derived from the fruit appear to be of good specific value; the foliar structure is somewhat variable, but the much less papillose cells, the margin sharply serrate to below the middle, and the narrower and more acute outline of the leaf are characters usually markedly present. The basal areolation, when typical, is very different from that of D. pellucidum, but it is unfortunately not constant, the upper leaves especially sometimes hardly differing in this respect from that species. The longer, narrower, more acute leaves as a rule readily distinguish this plant from the above; still I have found plants with the habit, colour, and leaf form of D. flavescens, but with the structure of the leaves just that of D. pedductdum, while occasionally on the other hand, especially in fruiting specimens, D. /lavescens takes a more slender, gréen form, resembling D. felductdum. It is not an uncommon plant beside mountain streams, but the fruit is rare; when present, too, it is often over- topped by the innovations, and so rendered inconspicuous, in both species. Tribe 4. Trematodontez. 20. TREMATODON Mich. Plants with short stems but tall fruitstalks. Leaves very narrow, subulate, smooth, cells rather lax, hexagonal-rectangular. Perichztial bracts distinct. Calyptra inflated below, rostrate. t 78 DICRANACE&. Capsule on a long seta, oblong or cylindrical, cernuous, wth a straight or curved neck, tts own length or longer. Peristome teeth 16 (rarely almost wanting), subentire, or more or less deeply divided into two unequal, papillose segments, which are usually somewhat united above, here and there perforate. Besides the present one, the section includes the genus Bruchia, with cleistocarpous, long-necked capsules. 1. Trematodon ambiguus Hornsch. (Dicranum ambiguum Hedw.) (Tab. XIV. L.). Densely tufted, pale green or brownish. Stems short, slightly branched. Leaves erecto-patent, flexuose, from an ovate-oblong concave base suddenly subulate-setaceous, channelled, faintly denticulate at the extreme apex. Nerve narrow, reaching to apex. Cells long, lax, hexagonal-rectangular and empty at base, quickly narrowing above and becoming irregularly quadrate in the subula, where they form a very narrow margin, and are small, chlorophyllose and obscure, becoming still more so at the apex where they are hardly distinct from the nerve, which is not, how- ever, strictly excurrent, or only rarely very slightly so. Perichztial bracts much larger, more gradually acuminate. Seta variable in length in the same tuft, %-7% ¢uches long, flexuose, straw-coloured, shining ; capsule (with the neck) clavate, arcuate, bright orange red; the capsule itself oblong or shortly cylindric, with a long neck equal to itself, which narrows gradually into the seta on the outer, convex side, or back of the fruit, but at the base on the front or inner side ceases abruptly and gives the appearance of a struma. Annulus broad; lid subulate-rostrate ; teeth confluent at base on a short membrane, irregularly perforated and divided, sometimes cleft to base. Autoicous; male flower on a basal branch, terminal. Spores large, granulose. Has. Bare turfy places in subalpine districts. Extremely rare. Perthshire. Fr. late summer. Only a single tuft of this beautiful moss has been found in Britain, by Braithwaite and Crombie, in 1883, at the base of Schiehallion. It is not very rare on the continent, and is frequent in N. America. Two other species are found in Europe, distinguished chiefly by the relative length and the form of the neck of the fruit. The long inflated neck gives the fruit a very peculiar appearance, and is totally different from anything else in this order, and indeed more resembles that of some species of Meesia’ or Webera, but only superficially. The inequality of the base of the neck is not very obvious until the fruit is ripe, but is of importance in distinguishing 7. ambiguus from other species of the genus. DICRANELLA. 719 Tribe 5. Dicranellez. 21. DICRANELLA Schp. The characters are those of the Tribe (v. p. 53). The small size and narrow silky leaves of most of the species, with capsules manifesting a somewhat uniform and distinct facies of their own, render this a well marked genus. D. sguarrosa alone of the British species widely diverges from the usual habit, but it is a plant which once identified will not easily be forgotten ; and the identification of the others is rendered the more easy from the fact that the greater number of the species are usually found in fruit, and those which are most likely to be found barren are the ones in which the vegetative characters are the most distinctive. All the species are dioicous except D. crispa, which is both dioicous and autoicous. I have not followed Braithwaite in adopting Mitten’s division into the two genera, Dicranella and Anisothecium, chiefly because the distinctive characters are hardly constant enough to be quite satisfactory, or clearly enough marked to be of much practical value tothe student. Thus D. cerviculata has the capsule smooth ; on the other hand in D. (Anisothecium) Grevtlleana it is lightly striate; while with regard to the nerve at base, there is practically no difference between, for instance, that of some forms of D. ‘heteromalla and D. (Anisothecium) varia. 7 Leaves oblong-lanceolate, Obtuse, SQUALTOSE ...... ces eee eee eeeeeeeeeeeeees IO. squarrosa Leaves mexrow-lanceclate Or subulale: ceerecscsiasconsmexinee orinecorcaratavnmniasreannenrs 2 Seta yellow ...ccccsescssccsecseeseeceeeeeneeeee sh nedaieilSeatamaonnecitedaw neuen 3 S Elle. TEM! senevanchaciad iacandadondandabandaceaanavectsnoeesparaiimiwononsductsorsQuoraandndqnensaats 4 Capsule: strumose at Neck? 2100 00225 seek enccens cade qeneaaeenniwengoniescnas 2. cerviculata Capsule not strumose, sulcate, with incurved mouth when dry ...... r. heteromalla Leaves subsquarrose, from a sheathing base.......c.scssecsseseseseeeesseeeseeseesanenseses 5 Leaves erect or secund, base scarcely sheathing ...........cccescesesceeeeseeeeeeeecen ens 7 Capsule erect, striate, furrowed when Cry ....ssceeeeeeseesssseeeseeeenaeeeeteey 3. Crispa 5 Capsule cernuous, smooth or substriate Only........sceescsseeeeeee see seseseeeessaneesenees 6 «8& Grevilleana 6 | eee entire ; capsule faintly striate when dry . Qe Schrebert Leaves serrulate above ; capsule smooth Capsule striate. furrowed when dry .......cseeceeteeeeetceneseseecenaneessseeeeaeneseseannns 8 7 Gapsnlé smooth: casusdenecanscamntigdnian as unnsmans sac saineanesamnnctioomauaadiacnetesigen Shane 9 Leaves entire ; capsule subcernuous ; perich. bracts sheathing............ 4. secunda 8+ Leaves with a few teeth at apex ; capsule erect ; perich. bracts half-sheathing 5. curvala Leaves entire, cells narrow ; capsule Cernuous .......eceeeeeeeeeeeeeeneeenees 7. varia 9 Leaves serrulate above, cells larger ; capsule suberect ......... ...cceeeaee 6.. rufescens 80 DICRANACE. 1. Dicranella heteromalla Schp. (Bryum heteromallum Dill.) (Tab. XV. A,). In dense silky bright yellowish or dark green tufts or sheets, pale below, 3-2 inches high. Stems simple or forked, /eaves falcato-secund, the upper hamate, more rarely erecto-patent ; gradually narrowed upwards from the point of insertion, so that the lower part of the leaf has a narrowly triangular form; rarely with a slightly more distinct, somewhat concave leaf-base; upper part of leaf subulate, channelled, fazntly or sharply denticulate at margin and back from the middle upward ; rarely entire to near the apex, with a few teeth at the point; margin plane. Nerve 3-3 width of leaf at base, broad above and occupying the greater part of the subula, usually with a very narrow margin of cells reaching nearly or quite to the apex, but often excurrent in a denticulate point. Cells at base rectangular, 2-5 ¢7mes as long as broad, shortly rectangular above with the end walls oblique. Perichztial bracts sheathing. Seta pale yellow, flexuose, 4 to 1 inch long; capsule elliptical-oblong, inclined, slightly curved, glossy brown, smooth or very faintly striate; when dry and empty deeply plicate, constricted below the mouth in front, with the mouth oblique and incurved, neck indistinct, gradually taper- ing, 2ot strumose. Lid subulate-rostrate, curved downwards. Peristome large, teeth red, cleft to middle into two or three divi- sions. Male plant smaller, leaves less falcate, forming a terminal coma enclosing the inflorescence. Var. B. stricta Schp. Leaves erecto-patent, straight ; seta longer, flexuose. Var. y. interrupta B. & S. (Dicranum interruptum Hedw.). Stem faller, 1-2 inches, more branched; leaves sometimes in interrupted tufts, patent or falcato-secund. Var. 8. sericea Schp. Short, in dense, dright or yellowish green, soft, silky tufts. Leaves delicate, narrower, erecto-patent or subsecund. Has. Banks in woods, roadsides, sandy hollows, etc., very common. The vars. B and y rare. The var. 5 on sandstone rocks, almost always barren, rare. Fr. winter. The commonest of our species and one of the most variable, but with a peculiar habit which usually permits of its easy recognition. The empty capsule especially is very distinct in its glossy surface with somewhat oblique furrows and in its tapering neck and very oblique mouth; the yellow seta, too, distinguishes it at sight from all but the next species; it must be borne in mind that o/d capsules have the seta blackish, as they themselves also become. Occasionally, especially in mountainous DICRANELLA. 81 districts, forms occur having the capsule very short, gibbous and rounded, and almost smooth as in D. cerveculata, differing only-in the non-strumose neck; the leaf characters being those of D. heteromalla. ; The var. sevzcea is an exceedingly pretty and distinct form, and bears some super- ficial resemblance to forms of B&ndza acuta, with which, it would seem, it has some- times been confused. The male inflorescence in this species, as in D. vzfescens also, is oval and con- spicuous, so large indeed that to the naked eye it often bears a resemblance to the fruit of a Pleuridium, and the plant might easily be taken at first sight for a species of that genus. 2. Dicranella cerviculata Schp. (Dicranum cerviculatum Hedw.) (Tab. XV. B.). Smaller in all its parts than the last species, which it much resembles; yellowish green, short; leaves less falcate, with a more adtstinct half-sheathing leaf-base, more abruptly narrowed into the limb, less sharply denticulate and often nearly enttre above ; nerve very broad; cells longer and narrower, 6-10 times as long as broad at base, narrow and elongate above. Setashorter, capsule smaller, more swollen and arcuate, gibbous, w7th a aistinctly strumose neck; smooth, very faintly and irregularly plicate when dry and empty. Var. 8. pusilla Schp. (Dicranum pusillum Hedw.) Shorter, leaves smaller, suberect ; capsule smadler, less gibbous. Has. Peaty banks and sides of ditches. Not uncommon. The var. 6 in similar localities and sometimes with the type. Fr. summer. A species quite distinct in its short, roundish capsule with a distinct struma. 3. Dicranella crispa Schp. (Vicranum crispum Ehrh.) (Tab. XV. C.). In small, loose tufts, yellowish; stems short (4 inch); leaves” flexuose-squarrose, slightly crisped when dry, from a broad sub- sheathing base abruptly narrowed to a long flexuose subula, minutely denticulate at apex ; nerve narrow, not excurrent; cells all rectangular, narrow above, at base wider, 4-8 times as long as broad. Capsule small, erect, oval or obovate, distinctly and regularly striate, when dry and empty somewhat urceolate, on a reddish seta; lid with a straight or slightly curved subulate beak. Male inflorescence on a separate branch or a different plant. Has. Wet sandy ground; rare. Fr. late summer. A rare species, readily known by its erect, symmetrical, striate capsule, and its leaves suddenly dilated and sheathing at base, with narrow cells compared with the other species having a similar leaf-base. G 82 DICRANACE&. 4. Dicranella secunda Lindb. (Dicranum secundum Swartz ; Dicranella subulata Schp., Syn., et plur.auct.) (Tab. XV. D.). In small silky tufts, about half-an-inch high. Leaves from an oval or oblong subsheathing base rather quickly narrowed to a long subula which is extremely fine above, entzve ; nerve thin, narrow, excurrent; cells narrowly rectangular at base, 5-8 times as long as broad, narrow-linear above. Perichetial bracts convolute and longly sheathing at base. Seta about half-an-inch long, red; capsule red, swbcernuous, slightly arcuate and gibbous, with the mouth oblique and incurved, faintly striate, obscurely sulcate when dry. Lid long-beaked. Has. Stony ground on mountain sides. Not common. Fr. late summer. Distinguished from D. heteromalia by the red seta, from D. Grevzlleana by the longer capsule and differently shaped leaves, from D. varéa by the plane margin, from D. rufescens by the entire leaves. From the next species it differs in the sheathing perichetial bracts, the entire leaves, and the subcernuous, unequal capsule ; forms however may be found with the capsule almost equal and erect, and very nearly identical with that of D. curvata, but they are rare, and the leaf apex and perichzetial bracts will then distinguish it. 5. Dicranella curvata Schp. (Dicranum curvatum Hedw.) (Tab. XV. E.). Much resembling the last species, and differing chiefly in the characters mentioned above, viz., the leaves with a few minute denticulations at apex, the perichetial bracts only half embracing the seta, the capsule narrower, erect and symmetrical or nearly so, deep red, narrow-oblong when empty, and distinctly striate, on a rather shorter seta. The stems are also sometimes rather elongate, and occasionally longer than the seta, so that the capsule is hidden in the leaves; and the leaf base is slightly shorter. Has. Wet sandstone rocks and banks. Rare. Fr. autumn to spring. Confusion has often arisen between this species and the last, and they are indeed closely allied ; but there is not much difficulty in distinguishing them except in extreme cases. 6. Dicranella rufescens Schp. (Bryum rufescens Dicks.; Antsothecium rufescens Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. FI.) (Tab. XV. F.). In small, short, dense tufts, yellowish green or more frequently reddish ; stems slender, simple. Leaves small, pelluctd, without a distinct base, gradually narrowed upwards, loosely placed, larger and more crowded above and subsecund, slightly flexuose when DICRANELLA, 83 dry ; nerve narrow, reaching to apex but not excurrent; margin plane, remotely and bluntly denticulate in the upper half ; cells /arger than in any of the previous species, with thinner walls, at base elongate-rectangular or sometimes prosenchymatous with oblique end walls, 6-8 times as long as broad, or longer, above similar, but rather narrower, occasionally rhomboid. Seta thin, red, twisting to the left when dry; capsule very small, erect or very slightly inclined, shortly elliptical, tapering at base, wide- mouthed when empty, smooth ; lid acutely conical or rostellate. Peristome large, red; teeth spreading when dry. Has. Wet clay and bare ground in woods, &c. Frequent. Fr. autumn. The smallest of the genus, usually recognised by its vinous red tint, and always turning red in drying. The plane-margined denticulate leaves distinguish it from D. varia, which almost always, also, has the capsule inclined. The pellucid leaves and smooth erect wide-mouthed capsule easily separate it from D. curvata and others of the genus. The same remark applies to this plant, with regard to the male inflorescence, as was made under D. heteromadlla. 7. Dicranella varia Schp. (Dicranum varium Hedw.; Antsothectum rubrum Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. FI.) (Tab. XV. G.). Densely gregarious or tufted, drzght or yellowish green ; stems short, divided below. Leaves resembling those of the last species, but hardly secund, larger, wth the margin narrowly revolute, quite entire or faintly sinuose-denticulate at apex ; cells similar in shape but smaller and narrower, especially the upper ones. Capsule larger, on a longer seta, twisting to the right, cernuous, ovate or oblong, curved, finally contracted below the wide mouth, smooth ; lid large, rostellate; peristome large, purple, teeth incurved when dry. Var. B. tenutfolia B. & S. Leaves more distant, longer, narrower, zerve thin and indistinct, areolation thin, looser ; margin denticulate above. Var. y. tenella Schp. Slender; leaves usually falcate, narrower, areolation thinner, /axer, margin hardly recurved, remotely denticulate. Var. 8. callistoma Schp. (Bryum callistomum Dicks.) Stem branched ; seta short, capsule minute, erect, obovate, truncate ; lid widely conical, almost as large as capsule. Has. Damp clay fields, woods, etc. Common. The var. 8 rarer. The var. 8 in more mountainous districts. Fr. autumn and winter. 84 DICRANACE&. A very variable species, as its name implies, especially in size, and in the form of the capsule. Some of the varietal forms, ¢.g., var. ¢eze//a, resemble the previous species, but that is 2 more delicate moss, and the capsule is different, as also the colour of the plant. D. varza usually has the leaves bright green and the seta and capsules deep red. The smooth capsule and the different form and texture of the leaves will serve to distinguish it from the other species. The var. 8 has somewhat the same relationship to the type as the var. e/ata bears to D, Schreberi ; I have found both these varieties growing together, in wet spots, and probably excess of moisture has something to do with the variation in question. 8. Dicranella Grevilleana Schp. (Dicranum Grevilleanum B. & S.; Anisothectum Grevillet Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. FI.) (Tab. XV. H.). Nearly allied to D. Schreberz. Plants of a more shining yellowish green, about a quarter of an inch high or rather more ; leaves from a rather wider sheathing base, more abruptly contracted into a narrower flexuose subula, which is guzte entire or only very faintly denticulate at apex ; cells rather narrower, jirmer. Capsule shorter, very faintly striated when dry, with a short indistinctly swollen neck; lid variable in length, shortly rostellate or subulate-rostrate from a conical base. Dioicous or more rarely autoicous. Has. Damp earth in mountainous regions. Very rare. Glen Tilt; Glen Shee; Ireland. Fr. summer. The differences between this and the next species are very slight ; the one, how- ever, is an alpine plant, the other an inhabitant of the lowlands; the almost entire margin and narrower areolation of the leaves, together with the short, faintly striate capsule, will serve to distinguish it from D. crzspa. 9. Dicranella Schreberi Schp. (Dicranum Schreberi Sw.; Antsothectum crispum Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. FI.) (Tab. XV.1.). Tufts bright or yellowish green, 3-1 inch high. Leaves from a broad, half-sheathing base rapidly contracted into a lanceolate- subulate limb, squarrose, not glossy, ¢rregularly denticulate throughout the greater part of its length, nerve narrow, reaching to the somewhat broad apex ; areolation at base rectangular, rather lax and pellucid, 4-6 times as long as broad, becoming shorter upwards, at the shoulder quadrate, in the limb shortly rectangular or narrowly hexagono-rectangular. Capsule cer- nuous, oblong, slightly curved, smooth, finally constricted in front a little below the mouth, lid large, rostrate. Var. 8. elata Schp. Closely tufted, taller, bright green; leaves broader, more obtuse and more distinctly serrated at apex, cells Jarger, broader. DICRANELLA. : 85 ; _Has. Sides of ditches, etc., on clay soil. Not common. The var. 6 in similar or somewhat damper situations. Fr. autumn and spring. D. Schreberd in its more luxurious forms resembles the next species in miniature, but with much narrower leaves; their squarrose direction from the broad, amplexicaul, erect base gives the stem a curious and characteristic appearance. The var. e/ata in its extreme forms differs greatly in appearance and leaf structure from the type, the cells especially being much larger, but intermediate links are often found, and it is frequently difficult to say to which of the two forms such specimens should be referred. The fruit, in the variety, is of rare occurrence. D. Schreberi differs from Ditrichum tenutfolium, when barren, as remarked under that plant, in the larger less obscure cells and smoother leaf point. 10. Dicranella squarrosa Schp. (Dicranum squarrosum Schrad.; Antsothectum squarrosum Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XV. J.). Very robust and tall, 1-4 inches, densely tufted, dright pale green; stem slightly branched, stout. Leaves /arge, distant, flaccid, flexuose when dry, sguarrose from a broad, oblong, erect, sheathing base, gradually narrowed to the broadly oblong- lanceolate channelled limb, which is rounded and obtuse at apex, or obtusely pointed ; margin faintly sinuose, crenulate at apex ; nerve very narrow, distinct, ceasing below the apex ; ce//s larger than in the other species, very similar to those of the last, but larger, with thicker walls, more irregularly rectangular above, sometimes slightly elliptical or rhomboid, elongated at base, with a distinct, sinuose “ primordial utricle.’”’ Capsule on a long stout seta, inclined, ovate, solid, smooth; /zd conical, obtusely pointed. Has. By streams and in moorland bogs in subalpine regions ; frequent, but rare in fruit. Fr. autumn. A very beautiful and conspicuous plant when growing, usually contrasting strikingly with the surrounding vegetation by its bright, yellow-green colour ; and quite distinct from any other species of this genus ; perhaps the plant most resembling it is Dichod. pellucidum, which is, however, of a duller green, with highly papillose cells and denticulate leaves. The fruiting plant is smaller, and much more rare. Tribe 6. Dicranee. 22. BLINDIA B. &S. Plants growing on mountain rocks, caspitose; leaves rigid, lanceolate-subulate, smooth, with distinct, coloured, angular cells. Capsule oval or subspherical, symmetrical, thick-walled. Peristome wanting or of 16 slender, smooth teeth, not or very slightly cleft, sometimes perforated. Plant minute ; capsule immersed, gymnostoMOUS.....-..seeeserereeeeer een Z. caspiticia Plant 4-4 inches ; capsule exserted, peristomate............+e+ eseeeseetteetenenes z. acuta 86 DICRANACE. 1. Blindia cespiticia Lindb. ears ae cespiticium Schwer.; Stylostegium cespiticium B. & S., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XV. K.). Dwarf, rigid, tufted, %-% inch high, yellowish. Leaves small, crowded, erect, the apical slightly secund ; scarcely altered when dry; from an oblong base about half the length of the leaf contracted to a narrow, subulate, almost terete point, composed entirely for the greater part of its length of the nerve, which is very narrow at base, but widens considerably upwards and becomes obscure; margin plane, guzte entire ; cells of leaf-base linear-oblong with rounded ends, incrassate, narrowest below and at the margins, gradually shorter upwards, so as to be elliptical or oblong-elliptical at the shoulder and in the narrow margin of the lower part of the subula; at the angles large, quadrate, inflated, hyaline in the younger leaves, rich orange brown in the older ; one or two cells at the acute apex of the leaf occasionally some- what hyaline. Perichztial leaves longer, sheathing. Capsule immersed, subspherical, finally wide-mouthed, gymnostomous ; calyptra short, hardly reaching below the lid, which is obliquely rostellate, and united with the columella. Autoicous. Has. Crevices of mountain rocks; very rare. Ben Lawers. Fr. late summer. A miniature of the next species as regards habit and leaf-structure, and not easy, in the barren state, to separate from starved alpine specimens of that plant ; such specimens are, however, rare, and there is generally a slight denticulation of the point in Bliindia acuta, which is almost always absent in the smaller species ; the areolation also is shorter, and as B. cespzticza is an autoicous species, the fruit is usually to be found. In some respects it resembles Zygodon lapponicus, which, however, is easily recognisable by its striated capsule, and the leaves crisped when dry. Grdmmza conferta, too, and the var. pumzla of G. apocarpa, which inhabit the same localities, have a certain resemblance ; but they will generally show some leaves or perichzetial bracts with distinct hyaline points, and the peristome, if the fruit is ripe, is con- spicuous ; under the microscope, of course, the resemblance vanishes. 2. Blindia acuta B. & S. (Bryum acutum Huds.) (Tab. XV. L.). In compact yellowish or olive green tufts varying greatly in length, from % an inch to 4 inches high; stems fragile, red. Leaves crowded, erecto-patent or slightly secund, convolute- concave, usually from an oblong-lanceolate base about 2 the length of the leaf gradually narrowed upwards to a subulate point, composed in the upper third of the excurrent nerve, which is generally rather rounded-obtuse at apex with a few obscure denticulations and short, irregular cells. Margin plane, slightly denticulate with the projecting apices of the outer cells or entire; BLINDIA. 87 areolation longer than in the last species, frequently with a slight sigmoid curve, the cell-walls often becoming very incrassate in the older leaves, rendering the cells very narrowly linear; angular cells large, orange brown. Capsule on a longer seta, exserted though often hidden by the leaves of the innovations, variable in shape, longly or shortly oval-pyriform, with a short wide neck, slightly contracted below the mouth when empty, so as to appear urceolate; perzstomate. Lid shortly and obliquely rostrate ; peristome teeth broad, deep red, erect or incurved when dry. Dioicous. Var. trichodes Braithw. (Dicranum trichodes Wils. MS.) Leaves more secund, from a much shorter leaf-base, 3-4 length of leaf, more abruptly narrowed into the long, very narrow, finely acute, denticulate subula, the apical cells of which are elongate- linear, angular cells fewer ; capsule shorter, peristome teeth short, truncate. Has. Mountain rocks, especially near water, common ; the var. 6 on rocks by waterfalls, etc., rare. Fr. summer. A somewhat variable plant in the relative size of its parts, but always identified at once by the yellowish leaves with deep orange basal angular cells; there is a peculiar facies which after a little practice makes it an easy plant to recognise in the field, but this is not easily described ; it is partly due to the somewhat rigid, glossy, not at all flexuose leaves, smaller and shorter for the size of the plant than in most species of Campylopus and Dicranum. The position and limits of the var. ¢rzchodes are very difficult to define. In Wilson’s original specimens the apex of the subula is quite different in areolation from ordinary B. aczta, the cells being very long and narrow, and in only one or two rows at the tip, which is consequently very acute ; whereas in B. acuta the apex is more or less wide and rounded, with short, irregular cells, and with crowded ¢lenticulations, and even when, as occasionally happens, it is very acute, the areolation is still the same. If this be held a distinguishing character, and it appears a fairly constant one, then the greater number of specimens labelled ‘‘ B. ¢rzchodes”’? must certainly be referred to the type, including for instance Nowell’s plant from Todmorden, specimens of which I have, through the kindness of Dr. Braithwaite, in my herbarium. In this case it will be probably found that the true var. ¢rzchodes is always a very small plant, as described by Philibert (Rev. Bry., 1884, p. 90). I have gathered this form barren on the Sow of Athol, Perthshire, and the greater number of the leaves show exactly the characteristic areolation of Wilson’s plant; though a few leaves show some approach to the normal acuwfa form. If, on the other hand, with most authors, the apical areolation is left out of the question, we can set hardly any satisfactory limits to the variety ; for forms of Bndia acuta are very frequent (especially on rocks constantly exposed to the action of water, as beneath waterfalls) which show the form of leaf exactly characteristic of ‘¢rdchodes,’ but with the apical areolation, and the fruit of B. acuta. The form of the leaf is therefore, alone, not a character of import- ance, and if the form ‘ zrzchodes’ is to be maintained, whether as a variety, sub-species or species, it must, I think, be confined to the dwarf, slender plants with the peculiar areolation above described, and with the fruit as defined by Braithwaite. 23. DICRANOWEISIA Lindb. Plants in dense cushions; leaves crisped when dry, entire, with the angular cells more or less distinct. Capsule erect, 88 DICRANACE. smooth; peristome teeth cleft at apex or undivided, articulated and internally barred. The two species of this genus are closely allied to Cynodon- tium, especially to C. Bruntonz, but the presence of distinct angular cells, in D. crisputa particularly, is sufficient to justify the present arrangement. Leaves with narrow, acute points; capsule oval-elliptic.................::0608 2. crispula Leaves with shorter, subacute points ; capsule cylindric .............0c:seseeee Z. ctrrata 1. Dicranoweisia cirrata Lindb. (Mnium cirrhatum L., Wersia ctrrhata Hedw., plur. auct.) (Tab. XV. M.). Plants in close tufts or cushions, soft, dull or yellowish green, about 1 inch high. Leaves spreading, flexuose, closely crisped when dry, concave, deeply channelled on the upper side of the nerve, from a lanceolate base linear-lanceolate, gradually narrowed to a not very acute point ; margin recurved, especially in the middle of the leaf, entire ; nerve reaching to apex, but not excurrent. Upper cells small, regularly rounded-quadrate, smooth, below gradually becoming rectangular, larger, at base pellucid, broadly rectangular, lax, with thin walls; two or three rows of basal cells often coloured yellowish, but hardly otherwise distinct. Capsule on a pale seta (j-4 inch long), erect, cylindrical, pale, with a narrow red mouth, smooth, thin-walled ; calyptra narrow, shining; lid obliquely subulate-rostrate, long ; annulus broad. Peristome teeth undivided, red below, pale above, inserted below the mouth. Autoicous. Has. On trees, fences and thatch, sometimes on rocks; common. Fr. winter. Usually in small compact cushions and abundantly fertile. The capsule is some- times very slightly curved. The entire leaves and narrow capsule distinguish this plant from Cynodontium Bruntond ; the shorter seta, longer and narrower capsule, and revolute leaf margin separate it from the next species, the lower cells also are smaller. It has also some resemblance to Dicranum montanum, but the leaves of the latter will be seen even with a lens to be very rough and denticulate in the subula. 2. Dicranoweisia crispula Lindb. (Wedsia crispula Hedw., plur. auct.) (Tab. XV. N.). In dense cushions, bright or dark green above, black below. Leaves spreading, often secund above, strongly crisped when dry, longer, from a broader base more quickly narrowed to a longer,. narrower, flexuose, concave subula, acute at apex ; margin plane, quite entire; cells mamillately papillose above, resembling the last, but smaller, more incrassate, narrower below and less DICRANOWEISIA. 89 pellucid, wth distinct hyaline or coloured inflated angular cells. Perichztial bracts more distinct, pale, sheathing. Capsule on a longer seta (4-4 inch), oval-elliptical, shorter and wider, broadest near the base, with a wzder mouth, faintly plicate-rugose when dry, exannulate. Peristome teeth inserted below the mouth. Autoicous. Has. Mountain rocks; not common. Fr. early summer. On high mountains this species becomes almost black; and at great heights, when exposed to dripping water, it becomes dwarfed, with shorter leaves and capsules (var. atrata N. & H.). D. compacta (Schleich.), which appears to be properly regarded as a variety of this species, has been recorded from Ben Lawers, but incor- rectly, according to Braithwaite. It has shorter, more obtuse leaves, hardly crisped when dry. D. crispula will easily be distinguished from D. cérrata by the characters italicised above. Grimmdza contorta closely resembles it when growing, but the present plant is usually taller, a little more glossy in its leaves, which are often secund above when moist, rather more twisted and curled when dry, and, of course, entirely wanting in the hyaline tip to the leaves. Still plants may be found which defy recognition until placed under the microscope, when, of course, their identifica- tion is easy. : 24. CAMPYLOPUS Brid. Mosses of varying size, often robust, usually growing in wide patches, resembling Dicranum in habit, but with the leaves more rigid, less flexuose, and generally straight; not papillose; nerve mostly very broad, often longitudinally furrowed at back, usually with one or more layers of larger, hyaline, thin-walled cells on the anfertor or ventral surface. Angular cells often forming distinct concave auricles. Calyptra cucullate, generally fringed at base. Seta flexuose, usually cygneous, rarely erect (becoming erect when dry and mature); capsule small, ed/¢ptic, symmetrical, usually striate ; peristome dicranoid. All the British species are dioicous, and the fruit in most cases is extremely rare; hence their determination must rest mainly on vegetative characters. The width of the nerve and its structure for the most part furnish important distinctions, as does also the basal areolation ; the cells in the upper part of the leaf, however, are too uniform to be of much aid, except in one or two cases. These islands are particularly rich in species of this genus, more so than any continental country; indeed, all the Evropean species are found in Britain, while two of our species are endemic. In several of the species the leaves are extremely fragile and deciduous, and, being capable of producing out- go DICRANACEA. growths in the form of protonemoid filaments, afford a means of propagating the species. The measurements of the width of the nerve are taken just above the auricles when these are present. The number of layers of cells in the nerve as shown in section is a character of slight value, as is also the presence or absence of furrows on the dorsal surface, except in the case of C. introflexus ; Limpricht has however pointed out two distinct types of structure in these cells which are quite constant, and by which the species may be divided into three groups; (1) C. brevipilus; unique in having the single layer of wide thin- walled empty cells median (Tab. XVI. I. 1x). (2) C. subulatus, C. Schimpert, C. Schwarzit, C. Shawit; in all these the layers (usually about two) of thin-walled larger empty cells are anterior, and the posterior layers while variable in size, etc., are unxzform, moderately incrassate (Tab. XVI. A. 1x). (3) All the remaining species have the same anterior series of thin-walled cells, but the dorsal layers are composed of ¢wo forms of cells, small groups of minute, very incrassate cells, almost without lumen, being inter- spersed between the larger ones (Tab. XVI. E. 1x). Leaves With hyaline POM, . vases rawnsndenddiisnrnnsaa semtaotandcecamanmnnnennmmeaiesuidians di 2 Leaves without hyaline points Hyaline points short ; nerve with central large cells ...............0000 9. brevipilus Hyaline points usually long ; nerve with anterior layer of thin cells ............... 3 Ls. auricled, dark-green ; upper cells long and narrow .................. 7. atrovirens 3\Ls. not auricled, olive-green ; upper cells short............... ..8. tntroflexus Ls. not: (or searcely)auricled. at baseiivn.sccsisararcaunoensmeeiumngoeasiaatibenvenseneaepaenned 5 Ls. auricled at base with swollen cells ............... os) {i straight, entire; cells near base very narrow............c1eeeeees 6 5\ Ls. almost setaceous, serrulate towards apex ; basal cells lax ........eeceeeeeee eee 7 6 Stent} inch, Hot PAdICUI OSE sas.diisiccccsesestebicn sed oomeredernuoimenacimendon r. subulatus Stent taller; densely tomentose: .....0sccencsnesoenssisesaseneseaeomene ennaes r*, Schimpert Nerve about % of base of leaf; lamina usually widest at base......... 4. pyriformis 7, Nerve about 4 base; ls. from longer base, lamina narrowed at insertion 5. fragilis Ls. strongly serrate above ; stem tall, not radiculose .............0:0006 6. setifolius Ls:,-entire, or serrulate near apex only: cesncauenunssakormaceraemesadiatnd set manden denned 9 Nerve! 34—34: OP hase: Of leafy scissicsangennaneceasnsegannanivouconedins aiserleaae 4. flexuosus Nerves 94 or moreiOf Base: .syasncneaiageiinaicanacuu abu aasmansdenomnigstanin. when sanavmaee 10 Ls. gradually tapering almost from base, entire ...............ccccseeeeees 2. Schwarzit 104 Ls. with longer and wider base, more suddenly narrowed to the long Subula, Centiculate Ati Pex ac siesscinvesuencdeeageeteacenbcas aitasauisdirete sh 3. Shawit 1. Campylopus subulatus Schp. (C. drevifolius Schp., Syn.) (Tab. XVI. A,). Very short, yellowish, resembling the small forms of C. fragilis, but with shorter, more rigid leaves; stems slender, fragile, {-3 inch in height, densely gregarious or loosely tufted, not radiculose above. Leaves short, erect, rigid, from an oblong CAMPYLOPUS. g! base half the length of the leaf, narrowed, with the margins involute, to a straight short tubular subula, not hyaline pointed ; cells at angles vesicular, hyaline, hardly auriculate, rarely forming distinct, minute, slightly inflated auricles; dasal cells narrow, rectangular, hyaline, very soon passing into the shorter, obliquely thomboid or sub-elliptical chlorophyllose cells which occupy the greater part of the lamina; a band of extremely narrow, thin, hyaline cells usually forms a narrow border to the leaf base for some distance higher than the hyaline cells extend in the interior of the leaf ; towards the apex of the leaf the lamina consists of a single row of short oblique cells reaching very nearly to the summit, where however the nerve is very shortly excurrent with a few denticulations; at base the nerve is very broad, usually nearly 2 the whole width, and forming the greater part of the subula above; in section of about 4 layers of cells, two ventral layers usually large, thin-walled, and hyaline ; posterior layers of smaller, uniform cells, the alternate cells of the dorsal row usually slightly projecting, owing to a slight longitudinal furrow- ing of the nerve at back. Seta straight. Var. 8. elongatus Bosw. In wide patches, closely tufted ; stems fad/, slender, 1-2 inches high, copiously radiculose in the lower part. Leaves more distant, somewhat longer in the subula. Has. Dry sandy spots by roadsides, etc. Rare. The var. 6 in muddy débris near the Wye, Builth ( Boswe/Z). A pretty little species, known by its minute size and short leaves. The narrower hyaline cells at the base, extending only a short distance upwards, together with the much shorter, straight subula, will distinguish it from almost all forms of C. fragilis and C. pyriformis, both of which differ also in the nerve section. C. Schwarzd¢ has the leaves distinctly auricled. The presence or absence of auricles in this as in some other species is a very uncertain character, some plants showing distinctly inflated tufts of angular cells, while in others they are barely distinguishable from the other basal cells. The nerve section too shows a considerable amount of variation in the number of layers and the protuberance of the dorsal cells. Indeed it is a difficult plant to distinguish certainly from starved forms of several of the other species. The fruit has only been found in a single station in Norway. * Campylopus Schimperi Milde (Tab. XVI. B.). Differs from C. subulatus in the usually ¢al/er, more robust stems, with leaves more densely imbricated, the plants densely tufted and usually interwoven to near the summit with brown radicles, 1-3 inches high, usually bright green above, pale or brown below. Leaves much like those of the above species, but often longer, with a setaceous subula; basal cells very narrow, the angular vesicular, sometimes brown, and forming more or less distinct but minute auricles. g2 DICRANACE-. Has. Earth and rocks on mountains. Rare. All the above characters are more or less variable, and there is in fact’ nothing to distinguish C. Schimperi specifically from C. sadeZatus. The more robust habit and radiculose stems are the best characteristics, but the latter is by no means constant. Nor do I find that characters derived from the section of the nerve are of any more value. I have seen no description of the fruit (which has only once been found) that mentions the form of the seta. On the other side C. Schémperz very nearly approaches C. Schwarzdz, but is of smaller size, with less defined auricles. The fruit has only been once recorded, in the Austrian Tyvrol. 2. Campylopus Schwarzii Schp. (Tab. XXI. C.). In dense, silky tufts, 2-4 inches high, bright or yellowish green; stems more robust than in the species hitherto described, attenuated at the points, slightly radiculose. Leaves erecto- patent, straight when dry or slightly bent at apex, gradually narrowed with incurved margin from near the base, tubular, larger and longer than in C. Schimperz, entire or with one or two indistinct teeth at apex, not hyaline pointed. Nerve very broad, %-% width of leaf at base, in section of 3-4 layers of cells, resembling those of the last species, grooved at back above ; auricles distinct, slightly dilated, hyaline or red; cells of the leaf-base narrowly rectangular, very narrow at margin, above smaller, narrowly rectangular or subquadrate-elliptical. Fruit unknown. Has. Alpine rocks; not common. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to point out any important structural character in which this species differs from C. Schzmperz, although its size and habit preclude any great difficulty in distinguishing it from that plant. The presence of distinct auricles, slightly wider than the rest of the leaf-base, is the feature commonly relied on; but forms of C. Schimperi show a distinct approach to this structure, although in a minor degree. The grooving of the nerve at back might also be pointed to, but this feature also exists in some forms at least of the other plant, which Braith- waite indeed describes as having the posterior cells of the nerve turgid and prominent. From the next species it differs in the much shorter leaf and leaf-base, with the nerve occupying a greater proportion of the width, and with shorter, almost perfectly entire points, and in the usually more attenuated, slender plants with more distant leaves. 3, Campylopus Shawii Wils. (Tab. XVI. D.). In tall, dense, slightly radiculose tufts, 2-4 znches high, yellowish green or brown, dark brown below; plants robust, not much attenuated above, the leaves closely set, erecto-patent or spreading and recurved-falcate, slightly flexuose when dry, larger and longer than in C. Schwarait, from a much longer leaf-base, quickly contracted to a longer, much narrower, setaceous but not hyaline potnt, distinctly denticulate at apex, with often a few CAMPYLOPUS. ; 93 obscure denticulations for a little distance below; tubular with the margin incurved from near base or somewhat higher up; nerve thinner and less opaque, with wider cells; rather narrower, usually about % the width of the base, but somewhat variable, smooth at back; in section resembling the previous species. Cells at base rectangular, rather wide, quickly becoming rhomboid, above rhomboid with rounded angles, or oval ; auricles large, inflated, hyaline or coloured. Fruit unknown. Var. 8. hamatus Schp. Stems shorter, stouter; leaves very densely imbricated, broader, Aamato-secund. Has. Peat bogs and moors; Hebrides; Skye. The var. 8 in N. Uist, with the type. Nearly resembling C. Schwarziz, this fine species is distinguished by the still taller and more robust habit, and the longer leaves of somewhat different form. I do not think much reliance can be placed on the relative commencement of the incurva- tion of the margin of the two species, basal or otherwise, for I have found in C. Shawi¢ the margin involute from quite the base more frequently than not, while, on the other hand, this is certainly not a constant feature in C. Schwarz?z. A more certain character can, I think, be found in the /fovm of the leaf base, that of C. Schwarzté being very short, hardly twice as long as broad, and bearing a very small proportion to the length of the leaf; while that of C. Shawz7z is twice as long, and is more suddenly narrowed into the subula. This gives a generally broader appearance to the leaf of C. Shawz?, by which it may be distinguished in the field. I have always found the nerve of C. Schwarzzz distinctly wider in proportion at the base. Indeed, C. Shawzz seems more liable to be confounded with some forms of C. flexuosus ; but that species has a narrower nerve, which is different in section, and the leaves are usually more denticulate above and narrower at the base; it is not often so robust » plant as our present species, which, indeed, to the unaided eye, more closely resembles some forms of Decranum Bonjeant than any of the other species of Campylopus. It is especially interesting from having been found nowhere but in the Hebrides. 4. Campylopus flexuosus Brid. (Bryum flexuosum L.) (Tab. XVI. E.). Extremely variable, in size, colour, and habit; 4-4 inches high; as slender as C. sududatus, or almost as tall and robust as the preceding species; leaves straight, small and rigid, or long and secund, often rather flexuose when dry. Usually in rather dense tufts, ¢omentose. Leaves lanceolate-subulate from a narrow, oblong base, tubular above, the lower usually reddish at base; without a hyaline point; margin usually denticulate for some distance below the apex ; nerve %-¥% width of base, cells of the two anterior layers larger, thin-walled, of posterior layers smaller, interspersed with groups of minute, very incrassate opaque cells: arcolation rectangular and pellucid at base, with 94 DICRANACEZ. large, distinct, brown or hyaline auricles, cells above shortly rhomboid or oval. Capsules often aggregated, thick-walled, dark brown, furrowed. Var. B. uliginosus Ren. Tall and slender with fewer radicles, and less crowded leaves, which are more elongated, with a narrower nerve. Var. y. paradoxus (C. paradoxus Wils.). Shorter; dull green; stems sparingly radiculose. Leaves very short, with much broader somewhat obtuse points, nerve narrow, vanishing in apex. Has. On turfy ground in woods, and on rocks, common. The var. 8 in marshes ; the var. yon rocks and soil usually in sub-alpine districts. Fr. winter and spring. The commonest and most variable species, and difficult to define, though as a rule fairly easy of determination, the leaf-base, although variable, having a facies of its own, perhaps chiefly arising from its narrow outline, with the nerve mostly narrower than in the allied species, and usually with distinct auricles. These are, however, occasionally almost obsolete, in which case we have a transition to the subspec. pyréformzs. The marsh form usually in English books given as_ var. _ paludosus Schp. would appear to be the same thing as the var. zdgznosus Ren. (Rev. Bry. 1887, p. 81) and should be so cited. The var. pavadoxus is in most works treated—though often doubtfully—as a species; there is little doubt that Braithwaite is right in finally sinking it to varietal rank. Many other forms might be described ; one, a tall, robust plant, with leaves regularly falcato-secund, not altered when dry, is described by Boulay as var. major ; this I have gathered in N. Wales. The most frequent form has usually a bright reddish brown tint in the interior of the tufts, which is hardly found in the allied species. * Campylopus pyriformis Brid. (Dicranum pyriforme Schultz; C. éurfaceus B.& S., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XVI. F.). In short dense wide patches, %-1 inch high, yellowish or olive | green above, pale or reddish below; stems slender, radiculose only at base. Upper leaves longest, from an ovate-lanceolate base, +3 length of leaf, quickly narrowed to a_ setaceous channelled subula ; nerve 4-3 width of base, excurrent in a short denticulate point ; in section similar to C. flexuosus ; basal cells rectangular, /ax, hyaline, narrower at margin, the angular few, hardly distinct; the cells as they ascend the leaf base become smaller and shorter, at the shoulder becoming chlorophyllose, shortly rhomboid and oblique or sub-rectangular, and continuing so, but smaller, to the summit. Calyptra fringed at the base or rarely entire. Capsule smaller, elliptical, cylindrical when dry and empty. Has. Peaty moorlands, heaths, etc., common. Fr. spring and summer. CAMPYLOPUS. 95 I have, after much hesitation, followed Boulay (Muscinées de la France, p. 511) in placing this plant under C. flexzosus ; for, distinct as is the habit in the typical and most frequent form, the distinguishing characters of real importance are slight, if not entirely wanting. The usual form of C. pyrtformds described above is 1 much more slender and delicate plant than the ordinary forms of C. flexuosus, with much smaller leaves, hardly showing a trace of auricles; and it is probably the wide difference in general appearance that has caused the real affinity to be overlooked. On the other hand C. flexuosus frequently presents forms quite as slender, and the leaves are some- times quite as free from auricles, and I have found plants which I have been quite unable to refer with certainty to either species, leaves being found on the same plant with considerable variation as regards the development of the auricles, and inter- mediate between the two as regards the other characters. Indeed both the width of the nerve and the form and areolation of the leaf-base vary greatly in both plants. Nor do the other characters, sometimes given, as for instance differences in nerve- section, appear constant; indeed this latter structure, although of great value in separating certain of the species of Campylopus, does not appear to give characters of sufficient constancy to distinguish those which are closely allied. In C. pyrtformzs the areolation of the leaf-base is usually hyaline for a greater distance upwards than in C. /lexzosus, and this gives the leaf and indeed the stem a whitish appearance. On the other side this feature brings it nearer C. fragilis, from which it is sometimes with difficulty separated ; but the lamina in that species is narrower at the line of insertion than above, while in this the leaf is usually widest at the very base ; and the habit of C. fragz/7s is usually very different. When fertile, the fruit is produced in abundance, and the leaves are then usually not very deciduous ; but in barren plants the broken off leaves often cover the whole surface of the tufts. The var. Afiiller?(C. Miillerié Jur.) is only a form with the calyptra entire or very slightly fringed at base. 5. Campylopus fragilis B. & S. (Bryum fragile Dicks.) (Tab. XVI. G.). In its typical form distinguished by its slender stems, 4-14 inches high, more radiculose, less densely tufted than C. pyriformis, with longer, straighter very silky leaves, less flexuose when dry; the colour of a brighter green, often yellowish, whitish below and shining from the hyaline leaf-bases. Frequently it becomes densely tufted, when the stems are usually more robust and often two inches high, and the leaves broader, shorter, more rigid, more closely imbricated, very white and shining below. The leaves are fragile and deciduous, but not so generally so asin C. pyriformis. The form of the leaf is rather different, the leaf-base being somewhat longer in proportion to the whole, and the lamina is contracted at the base of the leaf ; nerve broad, %4-% width of leaf at base, in structure similar to that of C. pyriformis ; cells of base lax and hyaline, the angular hardly distinct, upper cells, capsule, etc., as in that plant. Has. Turfy soil and rocks. Fr. rare ; spring. Best distinguished by the nerve section, the wide hyaline cells of the leaf-base, which separate it from C. Schimperi and C. seébulatus, and the wider nerve and lamina contracted at the base, by which it is known from C. pyriformis. The compact forms with shorter leaves have been distinguished as a variety and even as a species under the name of C. densus B. & S., and they are markedly different from 96 DICRANACE&. the type, but are connected with it by too many intermediate links to be separated. On the whole, the more robust habit and distinct facies make this a species not difficult to recognise from C. pyrtformds ; and from most of its congeners it is usually distinguishable by its short, neat habit, and shining leaf-bases. It usually grows in smaller, neater tufts, and is more frequently found on rocks than most of the species. 6. Campylopus setifolius Wils. (Tab. XVI. H.). In large, bright glossy or yellowish green tufts, dark brown below, 4-70 inches high; rather slender, usually attenuated at point, radiculose only at base. Leaves not much crowded, erecto-patent, mot flexuose when dry, shining, very longly setaceous from a short wide base, tubular with the margin involute all its length, denticulate-serrate in the upper part for some distance below the apex, which is not hyaline; nerve broad, half the width of the base, excurrent, spiznosely denticulate above ; in section resembling C. fexuosus ; angular cells large, forming wide inflated auricles, red or hyaline ; above the auricles the cells are short, hardly rectangular, shortly rhomboid or elliptic ; very small and rhomboid-elliptic in the upper part of the leaf. Capsules aggregated, ovate-pyriform, lid rostellate, half the length of the capsule. Has. Rocks among grass and heather ; very rare in England, Wales and Scot- land, less so in the west of Ireland. Fruit very rare. Another very fine and interesting species, hitherto unknown outside the British Is. It is easily known by the wide auricles and the strongly hispid-denticulate, not hyaline, longly setaceous leaf-points. The outer cells of the auricles are usually hyaline, the inner, together with the base of the nerve, deep orange red. There is some resemblance between the leaves of this species and those of some of the species of Dicranum and of Décranodontium longirostre ; but the present is a more robust plant than most of these, with the leaves not falcato-secund ; and in any case of difficulty it will be certainly dispelled with the microscope, those species at all resembling it in habit having always a much narrower nerve; D. longérostre var. alpinum is the only one about which confusion is really likely to arise, and this has the leaves less strongly denticulate above, and of a different form at the base, being more quickly narrowed and with the margin more strongly enrolled below, and the nerve narrower. 7. Campylopus atrovirens De Not. (C. longipilus Brid., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XV. J.). Tall, 2-8 inches high, bright green above, db/ack or golden yellow below. Stem soft, very slender, hardly radiculose above, leaves rather laxly placed, long, straight, tubular above from an oblong-lanceolate base, margin entire, zerve half width of base, somewhat variable, excurrent in a hoary, denticulate, very slender hyaline artsta of varying length ; in section of about four CAMPYLOPUS. 97 rows of cells, median cells mostly of the opaque, incrassate form, the dorsal series larger, grooved at back; auricles distinct, coloured, inflated ; basal cells rectangular, quickly becoming obliquely rhomboid and elliptic, in all the upper part of the leaf narrowly oblong or linear, vermicular. Var. 8. falcatus Braithw. More robust, shorter; leaves falcato-secund or regularly circinate. Var. y. eptlosus Braithw. More slender; leaves shorter, the hair—-potnts almost entirely wanting. Has. Rocks and bogs on moors and mountains. Fruit unknown. The var. B in Western Ireland, and Skye. The var. y rare, England ; Wales. A handsome moss, almost always recognised at once by the blackish tinge which is nearly constantly present in some degree and by the hoary leaf-points. These latter are variable in length, and are also very fragile ; it sometimes happens, there- fore, that they are inconspicuous and only to be found by careful search. They are not fully developed until the leaves are mature, hence in the youngest leaves of all they are short ; however, they will usually be found most distinct in the upper leaves, as in the older ones they are frequently broken off. In the var. efz/osus the upper leaves show no trace of hyaline points, but are rounded-truncate and slightly cucullate at apex ; a careful examination will, however, usually reveal a very short hair-point on some of the older leaves. The var. falcatus in its typical form is a very pretty plant, with its leaves beautifully circinate. Intermediate forms occur, but rarely. In the absence of obvious hair-points the distinct auricles taken in conjunction with the narrow vermicular upper cells, and the dark colour, will readily distinguish it. 8. Campylopus introflexus Brid. (Dicranum introflexum Hedw.; C. polytrichoides De Not., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XVI. K.). Shorter, 4-2 inches high, dense, rigid, dark olive or golden green above, reddish brown below. Leaves crowded, rigid, straight, imbricated when dry, shorter, from an oblong less concave base shortly lanceolate-subulate with the margin incurved, tubular above, entire; nerve very broad, % width of base, excurrent ina conspicuous hyaline denticulate arista, deeply grooved at back above, with alternate furrows and ridges which may almost be termed lamella; angular cells hyaline or reddish, rather wider than the rest of the basal cells, forming zmdistinct, hardly inflated auricles, which however are usually conspicuous in the older leaves from their reddish brown coloration; basal cells small, rectangular, hyaline, passing obliquely upwards and out- wards in a triangular marginal band; very abruptly passing into small, obliquely rhomboidal chlorophyllose cells, almost uniform throughout the rest of the leaf. Capsules aggregated, hardly furrowed, rugulose at base. Male plant simple, slender, the leaves small and distant below, gradually enlarging to a coma at apex H 98 DICRANACEZ. Has. Heaths and rocky ground; rare. Fruit only known in Portugal. C. introflexus is easily known from all the other species except C. brevépelus by the characters italicised above ; indeed the colour and the hair-points alone serve to distinguish it at first sight ; the sudden transition from the hyaline to the chlorophyllose cells in an obliquely ascending line is very noticeable ; this is however more or less shared by the next species, which in other respects also is somewhat difficult at first to separate. The hair-points in the present plant are usually longer and more conspicuous,—in the dry state by the imbrication of the leaves they are collected into a very distinct penicillate tuft at the top of the stem,—the margin is not recurved in the upper part, the cells are shorter and hardly sinuose, and the deeply furrowed ‘nerve is distinctive. In winter, when the young leaves are hardly mature, the hair- points are sometimes very inconspicuous, but are later on developed. The leaves are broader, shorter, and more rigid than in most of the species, and the aspect of the plant when dry, and especially the male plant, is not unlike that of Polytrichum piliferum. An allied species, C. adustas De Not., resembles dwarf plants of C. atrovzrens, but has a narrower nerve, 4 width of leaf-base, and shorter cells. Specimens gathered in the Channel Is. have been referred to this species, but they are by Braithwaite considered to be a form of C. atrovirens. 9. Campylopus brevipilus B.&S. (Tab. XVI. 1). A variable plant in size and colour, 1-3 inches high, usually pale; resembling C. flexuosus var. uliginosus, but with less flexuose leaves when dry; stems easily separable, slender, leaves usually rather loosely set, sometimes interruptedly tufted. Leaves subulate from a lanceolate base, rather narrow, margin involute, towards the summit very narrowly recurved faintly denticulate above, at apex with a toothed point which is usually slightly elongate and hyaline; nerve rather narrow, % width of base or less, in section of 3-5 rows of cells, the larger thin-walled series occupying the middle of the nerve, instead of the anterior part as in all the other species; ot grooved at back, very slightly denticulate at back above. Angular cells very variable, hardly distinct, or forming distinct auricles; cells pale, the basal rectangular, passing into the chlorophyllose as in the last, but less abruptly ; upper cells longer than in that species, narrowly linear-rhomboid or elliptical with a sigmoid curve; the marginal very narrow. Fruit unknown. Perichetial bracts with the margin recurved. Var. 8. auriculatus Ferg. Auricles enlarged, very distinct. Has. Moist heaths and bogs. Not unfrequent. The var. 8 less common. A very variable species in size and habit, and also in the development of the auricles and of the hair-points; the latter may be altogether wanting, and every form of transition may be found between the var. auréculatus and the forms with the auricles scarcely traceable. The areolation is however distinctive, and taken with the narrow nerve and the usual presence of the hair-point, will afford a pretty certain means of determining the plant; the recurved margin in the upper part is also characteristic, but is sometimes very slight and inconspicuous. Occasionally, in drier spots, the hair-points become elongated and the plant then simulates C. cz¢roflexus. DICRANODONTIUM. 99 25. DICRANODONTIUM B. &S. Stems slender, tomentose; leaves sefaceous, with a broad nerve. Capsule symmetrical, on a flexuose curved seta ; calyptra enttre at base; peritstome teeth cleft to base into two sub-equal, subulate divisions, remotely articulate. Somewhat intermediate between Campylopus and Dicranum, with the habit and entire calyptra of the latter genus, but with the deciduous leaves, the capsule and broad nerve of the former ; differing from both in the peristome. Dicranodontium longirostre B. & S. (Didymodon denudatus Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XVII. A.). In soft, sz/ky pale green tufts, with slender flexuose radiculose stems; leaves easily deciduous, flexuose-spreading or falcato- secund, from a semi-sheathing convolute base gradually narrowed to a flexuose, very finely setaceous point, tubular above; margin involute, sub-entire or faintly denticulate near the apex ; nerve 3-4 width of base, excurrent at apex in a rough point, thick, prominent at back, 2% section of several rows of minute incrassate cells with a single median row of larger hyaline ones. Auricles large, inflated, distinctly wider than the leaf base, hyaline or reddish brown; basal cells rectangular, upper narrowly elliptic, or rectangular-rhomboid. Seta cygneous, capsule small, cylindric; lid straight, subulate, as long as capsule. Peristome pale red. Dioicous. Var. B. alpinum (Schp.) (Campylopus alpinus B. & S.) Taller, more robust ; leaves not deciduous, firmer, usually more erect. Has. Banks and rotten wood in mountainous districts; not common. The var. 8 in grassy places on mountains, rare. Somewhat resembling Detrichum flexecaule, but with more divergent, flexuose leaves, which differ entirely under the microscope in the large auricles ; the Ditrichum too is almost confined to calcareous rocks. The var. 8 resembles certain species of Dicranum; but the form of the leaf base and its areolation will separate it with ease from most of them; D. asgerulum has a rougher subula and both it and D. dongfoldum have a very different nerve section. 26. DICRANUM Hedw. Plants varying in size, often tall and robust; leaves often falcato-secund, smooth or papillose, /anceolate or lanceolate- subulate, elongated ; nerve usually narrower, sometimes dilated ; 100 DICRANACE. areolation rectangular at base, with distinct angular cells. Seta erect, capsule erect or inclined, rarely strumose, often unequal, curved ; lid rostrate. Calyptra entire at the base. Peristome teeth red, confluent at base, broad, cleft about half-way into 2 or 3 unequal divisions, minutely vertically striate below, barred within. After a little practice the student will not have much difficulty in recognising a species of this genus, but it is difficult to define the characters which give it its distinctive habit ; the leaves are usually falcato-secund and subulate, and the capsule has an appearance rather distinctive ; the larger species could hardly be taken for anything else unless for a Campylopus, and that genus usually has the leaves more erect and straight. However there are a few species which it would be hard to distinguish as belong- ing to this genus upon first acquaintance, without microscopical examination. The species fall somewhat naturally into the following Sections :— A. ARCTOA. Plants autoicous, stems hardly radiculose ; leaves lanceolate-subulate, entire or nearly so. Capsule very small and very little exserted, or distinctly strumose when dry on a longer seta. Plants usually small. B. EU-DICRANUM. Plants robust, the leaves usually broad, mostly serrate; lower cell-walls, and often the upper, interrupted by pores. Capsule on a long seta, cernuous, more or less curved, rather large. C. APORODICTYON. Plants dioicous ; stems radiculose ; leaves subulate, entire or serrate, lower cell-walls (alone) rarely porous. Capsule rather small, usually erect and symmetric, longly exserted. Leaves transversely UNdulate’s, iis csiassasscnadndwndenionaatasnedonnnesal caietinanenmeansaiiens Leaves not transversely undulate ..........ecseeeeeeeneee eens Upper cells long and narrow, communicating by pores .. ae Upper cells short, quadrate or irregular, not POrOS€ ..........ceceesseeeeeeeeeesee see nee Plant firm ; Is. recurved, with long spinulose teeth at margin and back of nerve ADOVE, s ss43n saqeossmuenmaniamaonteanunnscatimensetoN Ten INCEMNTERREN NEES 6. undulatum Plant weak ; Is. with saw-like teeth, nerve almost smooth at back ...9. Bonjeani f Leavesrtapering, not papillose® csvecsincsnasccoessnaaiagotangneenogengan eae neesiogs & Bergert \ Leaves more suddenly acuminate, papillose above...........0..seseeeeeeneee 7. spurtum 5 yee cells long and narrow, porose ; plant robust seine sine Upper cells with Out POreS: sscidassasanranaosrataniswatenmuunandlcninm bdaeanaatiawusteasiernan vesieu wae 7 Sete solitary ; leaves spreading or secund............. «LO. Scoparium Setee aggregate ; ls. more uniformly falcato-secund............cceeceseeeee eee II. majus 7 {3 erve } or more of base, forming a long, fine subula... .20. longifolium Nerve not ¢ ‘of base: sssccnssaweiseaseatinicciariwosvoasans ean ae 8 DICRANUM. IOI 8 { Ls. suddenly narrowed above the wide base to long, fine, toothed points ......... 9 Ls:, gradually tapering’ ‘scasuscaxsijecsisan evve. rovnsatannneanaitcansenniieaenrenvedvocniecuncics be) Leaves with basal wing serrulate ......... LQ. asperulum 9 Basal wing entire, leaves falcato-secund .............00000 8 uncinatum id Ls. distinctly serrulate above, papillose at back of apex ....ccceceeesssseseeeeeeeneees II Ls. entire, or serrulate at apex only, smooth or nearly SO ......ceseeeeeeeeeeeeeee eee 12 + Plant small, ls. strongly curled when dry ; capsule erect Z7. montanum Plant larger ; Is. scarcely curled ; capsule cernuous ... 0.0... ceeseeee 12. fuscescens Plant slender, densely matted with tomentum ; lower cells of leaves porose 12 14. elongatum Plant less compact ; basal cells not porose (except mzol/e and fuscescens) ......... 13 3 pee small ; leaves nearly all broken across ......... Sranvianined Ss SEMCCCUME PSeAVeS HOt AKAGIIE! ca si son sioeseria vbewacrsanrnnaumanadueedllceaninaa teen wan ca dri teamnatinmainst ai 14 Ls. strongly curled when dry, with distinct teeth at apex.. 16, flagellare T4\ Ls. not or slightly curled, entire or finely serrulate ........0.. cece eee eee 15 i bes cells of ls. all quadrate ; stem radiculose ..............0.000008 we T6 5 Upper cells (or some of them) elongate ; stem rooting at base only ............... 17 16 Basal cells rather short, not POrOS€ ...........6cc6 ce eeee seca eee eeee eens 13. Scotttanun Basal cells. longer, porose asccsatsaassisascndiuatonasavin casiasesccadtanaeaenee 12, fuscescens 17 ae suberect, furrowed, neck tapering ; seta short .... wt. fulvellum Capsule cernuous, neck strumulose when ripe ; seta longer...............ccceeeeeeeee 18 8 Tall ; ls. silky, basal cells porose ; capsule oblong............. 25 molle Plant 4-2 inches high ; basal cells not porose ..........6...sseeeeeseeeeeaeeceeuesennes 19 19 ae flexuoso-patent ; male flower far below perichzetium.. 4. schisti Ls. falcato-secund ; male flower close below pericheetium ............c.0:00ceseeeeee 20 36 Ls. with few angular cells ; capsule short, obovate ........... 2, falcatum Angular cells distinct, coloured ; capsule oblong-cylindric.............0..4, 3. Starkez A. ARCTOA. 1. Dicranum fulvellum Smith (Bryum fulvellum Dicks.) (Tab. XVII. B.). Very densely tufted, dark or yellowish green, brown or blackish below ; 1-2 inches high. Leaves secund, falcate above, flexuose when dry; from an oval base quickly narrowed to a subulate limb, very narrow at apex and entire or minutely denticulate ; angular cells large, few, brownish, not inflated; the basal narrow, linear, upper also linear but shorter, the marginal row often of almost quadrate cells; nerve very narrow at base, forming the greater part of the subula. Capsule s/zghtly exserted on a short seta, reddish brown, oval, with an equal neck, or very slightly asymmetric, wzde-mouthed and almost turbinate after the fall of the lid, sulcate ; lid obliquely rostellate ; peristome teeth large, wide-spreading when dry. Male flower just below the perichetium, gemmiform. Has. Clefts of rocks on high mountains. Not common. Fr. summer. 102 DICRANACE&, Somewhat resembling B/india acuta, but with less rigid, secund leaves, and less distinct, not enlarged nor orange auricles. The capsules are usually present in great numbers, and readily distinguish it from others of the genus by their small size, their form, erect and equal, and their striation and wide-spreading peristome. There is some variation in the form of the 7zge and empty capsule, which may be found in the same tuft rounded-oval with an abrupt neck and only slightly striate, or narrower, turbinate with » tapering neck, wide-mouthed, and more deeply sulcate. The latter form approaches D. hyperboreum C.M., which appears to be hardly deserving of specific rank. This and the two following species are among the smallest of the genus ; the latter differ not only in the fruit, but in having longer, more gradually narrower leaf- bases. The marginal cells of the base in all three above the coloured angular cells are wider than the median. 2. Dicranum falcatum Hedw. (Tab. XVII. C.). In wider, looser patches than the last, which it resembles in size and colour. Leaves regularly falcato-secund, especially at the summit of the stem, glossy, hardly altered when dry, froma lanceolate base gradually subulate, concave, margin entire or slightly denticulate at apex; angular cells few, brownish, xot very distinct, the other basal cells linear, the upper shortly rectangular, small. Capsule ox a longer seta, small, sub-gibbous, oval, smooth, when dry and empty contracted below the wide mouth, with a more or less evident struma. Peristome bright red. Male flower close below the perichzetium. Has. Rocks and stony ground on the higher mountains; not common. Fr. summer. Readily known by its beautifully and regularly falcate or circinate leaves; the oblique and unequal, smooth capsule separates it from the last ; the shorter capsule, the closer, firmer falcate leaves, and the indistinct angular cells from the next two species, than which it has a much neater, more compact habit. 3. Dicranum Starkei W. & M. (Tab. XVII. D.). Resembling the last, but taller, 1-3 inches high, with looser stems and more distant /ess firm and less strongly and regularly falcate leaves, slightly flexuose when dry; of a brighter, not brownish green. Leaves longer, from a broader lanceolate base ; entire or frequently denticulate for some distance below the apex ; areolation rather wider and larger, angular cells d7stinct, brown, forming clearly-marked auricles; nerve very narrow, excurrent. Seta considerably longer ; capsule long, cylindric, inclined, curved, striate when dry, strumose ; lid longly subulate, oblique, peristome paler. MMale flower chose below the pert- chetium. Has. On mountains, in similar localities to D. falcatum. Fr. summer. DICRANUM. 103 Distinguished from D. falcatum by the distinct auricles; from D. schéstz by the characters detailed under that plant; it is usually a larger plant than either, with looser, longer leaves, secund but not so regularly falcate as in the former, and the capsule is quite different. It is, however, in several respects a rather variable plant, usually growing in more open spots than D. schzst2. 4. Dicranum schisti Lindb. (Bryum schisti Gunn.; Dicranum Blyttii B. & S., Schp. Syn., et plur. auct.) (Tab. XVII. E.). Differs from the last in its darker, lurid colour, stems more slender, branched, fragile; the leaves flexuose-patent, hardly secund, less rigid, somewhat crisped when dry, entire or almost so, smaller; capsule shorter, smooth, paler. Male flower far below the perichetium, usually near the base of the branch. Has. Clefts of mountain rocks, not common. Fr. summer. Very near D. Starkez, and perhaps properly a sub-species, but differing in habit, colour, in the smooth capsule, and especially in the position of the male flower. 5. Dicranum molle Wils. (D2. arcticum Schp., Syn.) (Tab. XVIL. F.). Taller than D. Starkez, with which it has considerable affinity ; 2-5 inches high, yellowish or olive green above, dark brown below, in large, soft tufts; leaves long, straight and erecto- patent, or slightly secund, rarely falcato-secund; from a broadly lanceolate base longly subulate with the margins incurved, entire, acute at apex; nerve very narrow, hardly excurrent; angular cells distinct, large, orange brown, forming distinct auricles ; the other basal cells long, narrow-linear, with the cell-walls interrupted by pores, upper cells linear or narrowly and sinuosely elliptical. Capsule oblong-cylindric, incurved, cernuous, slightly strumose, smooth ; peristome dark red. Male flower close to the perichetium. Has. On the highest Scotch mountains; very rare. Fr. summer. D. molle seems best placed in this Section, to which it belongs by the form of leaf, the sub-strumose capsule, the autoicous inflorescence, and the non-radiculose stems, and indeed by its general nearness to D. Starkez ; but its size and habit is almost that of D. fuscescens or small forms of D. Bonjeanz, and in the porose cell- walls also it comes close to Lu-dicranum. Wilson (Sry. Brit.) treats it as a var. of D. Starkei, to which it bears much resemblance in its smaller forms with secund leaves ; but the leaves are distinctly larger, broader as well as longer, the areolation is different, and the lamina of the subula is continuous to the apex and broader. The stems are soft and flexible, whence the name. given to it by Wilson. The leaves are hardly twisted or altered when drying, by which it may usually be distinguished in the field from D. fuscescens, but some forms of that species, especially the var. congestum, are hardly separable from it without the microscope, though perfectly distinct when so viewed ; and the same may be said of D. scoparzum var. spadiceum. 104 DICRANACE&. B. EU-DICRANUM. 6, Dicranum undulatum Ehrh. (Tab. XVII. H.). Stems robust, tall, 3-10 in. high, decumbent at base, in loose, wide tufts, densely coated with tomentum, bright shining yellowish green. Leaves very long, spreading or squarrose, slightly turned to one side at times, the upper erect or faintly secund, forming a cuspidate tuft, not much altered when dry, from a long broadly lanceolate base gradually narrowed to an elongate, flexuose, but not very narrow, sharp acumen, margin recurved below for about 1-2 the length of the leaf, thence upward strongly spinosely serrate to apex ; nerve narrow, vanishing in the apex, with two serrated ridges at back above; cells at angles wide, orange brown, a patch of interior ones often hyaline, forming auricles which together cover about half the width of the leaf, the median cells between these and the nerve very narrow;; all the rest of the cells almost uniform throughout the leaf, linear-fusiform or narrowly and longly elliptical, the walls incrassate with rather few but very distinct pores, the marginal cells somewhat shorter. Perichztial bracts long, broad, convolute, forming a cylindrical sheath; sete aggregated, 2-5, rarely single, pale red, long; capsule rather small and short, gibbous, curved, striate and pale brown when ripe and empty. Has. Woods and heaths. Very rare. Wolford, Warwickshire (Bagzall, 1887) ; Perthshire (AZeddrum). Fr. late summer. D. undulatum is one of the finest of our species, and it is remarkable that its presence should have been so long undetected in this country, being as it is a widely- distributed plant on the Continent and in N. America. It recalls the most robust forms of D. scoparzum, but its leaves are as long as and longer than those of D. majus, though straighter, and so strongly undulated and rugose as to give the dry plant a distinct silky sheen. The recurved margin at base and the very coarse serratures above are quite enough, by themselves, to separate the plant from all forms of D. Bonjeanz, while the undulated leaves mark it off at once as distinct from D. scoparitum and D. majus. The fruit has not been found in this country. 7. Dicranum spurium Hedw. (Tab. XVII. G.). Green or yellowish green, robust, 2-4 inches high, less densely tufted than the next species, less tomentose. Leaves somewhat larger at the summit of the stem, when dry ¢xcurved and cirrate- crisped in the upper half, strongly rugose, broadly oval, wider above than at the line of insertion, quickly contracted to a more acute acumen, which is usually ¢w7sted; margin more or less serrate above; cells at base similar to D. Bergerz, above also DICRANUM. 105, similar, but rather smaller, more crowded and more irregular, with somewhat sinuose walls, at back muriculate with strong, rather distant, conical papille; rough also at back of nerve. Seta pale, rather short ; capsule rather broader than in D. Bergert, curved, irregularly sulcate when dry, with a short often strumulose neck. Has. Boggy heaths; rare. Fr. late summer. Easily known from the next species by its leaves broader at the base and more quickly acuminated, twisted when dry, papillose at back; from all the other species with undulate leaves by the small, irregular, papillose upper cells. It is a less distinct plant in its habit than D. Bergerz, owing to the more convolute leaves with narrower points, which bring it nearer to D. Bonjeanz, but it is sufficiently marked to be quite recognisable in the field by its much broader, more flaccid, and more rugose leaves than the ordinary forms of that or any other species; certain states of D. Bonjeanz, however, can hardly be separated except with the aid of the microscope. The nerve, on the other hand, in the present plant is more yellow and conspicuous at the back of the leaves than I have ever seen it in D. Bonjeani. 8. Dicranum Bergeri Bland. (D. Schraderi W.& M., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XVIII. A.). In large dense tufts, 2-6 inches high or more, dull green or more usually bright yellowish green, robust, tomentose with brown radicles. Leaves crowded, erect, and slightly spreading, hardly secund, -when dry little changed, only very slightly flexuose, strongly undulated and rugose, especially when dry; slightly widening upwards from the insertion as in the last species and broadly ovate, rather quickly narrowing to an oblong or broadly linear limb, somewhat obtuse at apex or obtusely pointed; margin slightly denticulate towards apex, but variable, sometimes almost entire; nerve narrow, vanishing below the point, faintly denticulate or almost smooth at back, when dry conspicuous and shining ; cells at angles orange brown, quadrate, forming conspicuous auricles, narrow on each side of the nerve; above these a few cells are rectangular, the rest all narrow-linear, sinuose with the pores of the cell walls, incrassate, gradually shorter upwards, in upper part of leaf sma//, short, with incrassate walls, irregular (rounded, quadrate, triangular, etc.), smooth at back. Seta pale; capsule rather small, subcylindrical, curved, striate when dry. Autoicous. Has. Bogsonheaths. Very rare. Fr. autumn. Very distinct in its broad, rather obtuse, strongly undulated leaves, with short, irregular areolation. From the last species it differs in its leaves less flexuose when dry, less convolute above, and smooth at the back. The seta is rather longer, and the capsule a little narrower. It resembles in habit Awdacomnium palustre more 100 DICRANACE&. closely than any species of its own genus, but the strongly undulate leaves will distinguish it in the field, and under the microscope the auricles, the elongated basal cells, and the non-papillose upper ones will readily determine it. Not only are the leaves of D. Bergerd actually broader at the points than in the allied species, but this feature is the more conspicuous from the fact that they are less convolute or tubular, both when moist and in the dry state. Both this and the last species have the nerve at back markedly yellow and shining in the upper leaves when dry. , D. Bergeri is sometimes found with short, dwarf, compact stems (var. compactum Ren. & Card.); and there is also, as in the last, some variation in the amount of denticulation of the leaf-margin. I have received forms from North America with short narrow leaves, and with the cells more or less elongated and large even to the apex; it can then only be separated from D. Bonyeanz by the non-porose upper cells, which are shorter than in that plant. 9. Dicranum Bonjeani De Not. (D. palustre B. & S., Schp. Syn.) (Tab. XVIII. B.). In its typical form the species grows in close tufts of a pale fawn or light green colour, more slender than D. scoparium, with the leaves erecto-patent or only very slightly secund, straight and appressed when dry, often in interrupted tufts, shorter (2-3 lines), and less narrowly acuminate above, with a broad point, transversely undulate when moist, distinctly serrate on the borders, less concave, the nerve smooth or faintly serrate at the back, very narrow at base, the upper areolation rather shorter and wider, irregularly hexagonal-elliptic. Seta solztary, paler, rather more slender; capsule very similar, but shorter and usually lightly striate, rather paler. Habit somewhat of Campy- lopus flexuosus var. uliginosus, but more robust, and with the upper leaves forming a more or less distinct coma. Male flower usually on a separate plant. Var. B. juniperifolium Braithw. Leaves éroader, rigid, erect, straight, brownish. Var. y. calcareum Braithw. Shorter, more rigid; leaves secund, sub-falcate, concave, and sub-tubular above, undulate only at apex, and slightly serrate only towards point. Has. In marshes and on heaths in shady places. Common. Var. 8 less common; var. y on chalk hills, rare. Fruit rare, late summer. Besides the above varieties, D. Bonjeanz presents many other less distinct or less widely spread and hence unnamed forms ; it occurs with long, flexuose stems and distant, bright green, strongly falcate leaves, resembling slender states of the next species ; sometimes it is very tall and robust, 4-6 inches high, with densely packed leaves ; the latter vary greatly in length, form, and amount of serrature and undula- tion ; a form occurs in bogs with long narrow leaves, the whole of the blade strongly undulated, remaining rugose when dry, and reminding us of D. undulatum. I have also found a form in Cornwall, with slender stems and small, short, distant, falcate leaves, presenting an appearance like that of the most slender forms of D. fuscescens. DICRANUM. 107 On the whole, however, it is not a difficult plant to distinguish. The short leaves with broad points, less serrate at back, the rather wider and more pellucid areolation, and the more or less strongly undulated leaves are characters one or more of which will always be found, and in practice the only plant with which there is likely to be any confusion is the var. paledoszm of the next species, which, however, almost always has longer, narrower, linear-subulate points and nerve serrated at back. The habit and the upper areolation separate it easily from D. Berger2. It varies much in colour, being sometimes almost black below. The fruit is much more rare than that of D. scoparzum, but I have found it in several localities in the south of England. In North America the fruit would appear to be not at all uncommon. The name falustre by which it is often known, but which should give place to the earlier name, is fairly appropriate, but the plant is by no means confined to marshy ground. I have found it growing abundantly on the thatched roof of a church in Suffolk ! Hobkirk (Syxopszs) describes a var.—rugifolium Boswell—(perhaps only a form) with the leaves somewhat contorted and crisped and more strongly undulate ; I have seen no specimens, but I have plants from several localities, usually distinctly paludal, with the elongated leaves very strongly rugose when dry as well as when moist for the whole length of the leaf, not merely in the upper part ; they seem quite deserving a varietal name, but I cannot certainly refer them to the above var. in the absence of authentic specimens, especially as the terms contorted and crisped are hardly applic- able to the leaves of the plants in question. 10. Dicranum scoparium Hedw. (Bryum scoparium L.) (Tab. XVHI. C.). A very variable species, in its typical form somewhat resembling D. majus, but smaller, more densely tufted, the leaves shorter (24-4 lines), more crowded,. often in interrupted tufts, less regularly falcate, sometimes erecto-patent, but almost always more or less turned to one side, glossy yellowish green, narrower at base, less concave, not, or very rarely, undulate, slightly flexuose at the point when dry, the subula broader and shorter, the nerve slightly narrower at base, with four ridges at back above, which, with the margins, are usually serrate ; lowest basal cells rather laxer, rectangular, with thinner walls, the upper rather wider, the marginal cells in the upper part usually pellucid, forming close but less acute serratures ; cell walls all porose, the contents more distinctly chlorophyllose, often, in the younger, active leaves, mixed with oil globules. Seta solitary, reddish, rather stouter; capsule cernuous, arcuate-cylindric, rufescent, not striate, with a distinct but not strumose neck ; lid with a stouter beak. Var. 8. paludosum Schp. Tall, bright green, usually very white with tomentum; leaves secund, hardly falcate, sharply toothed, transversely undulate near apex. In boggy places. Var. y. orthophyllum Brid. In dense tufts; leaves erect, spreading equally or slightly secund, subula narrow, distinctly toothed. 108 DICRANACE&. Var. 8. spadiceum Boul. (vars. alpfestre and turfosum, Braithw. Br. M. Fl.). In dense tufts ; leaves erecto-patent, more or less appressed and rigid when dry; varying in length and acumination, entire and smooth at back above, or faintly denticu- late, canaliculate or tubular in the upper part. Has. Woods, heaths, etc. Common. The var. 8 in bogs, not common. Var. y on heaths, frequent. Var. 8 on moorland heaths and rocks and in mountain woods, not common. Fr. late summer. The various forms of this common species defy description, and I have selected those alone which have the most salient points; but the student will find many intermediate forms, the naming of which would be found difficult, and will probably be far better not attempted. Under the head of var. spadzceum Boulay has united the various forms with erect, almost or quite entire leaves, the most distinct of which are described by Braith- waite under the heads of var. algestre Hiibn. and var. ¢urfosum Milde; these although differing in habit are much alike in form and structure of leaf, and together constitute a well-marked variety, which has been by many authors ranked as a separate species (D. spadiceum Zett.) It connects the present species with D. Juscescens through the smooth-leaved vars. of that plant ; I have indeed seen specimens which it is very hard to separate from forms of D. fuscescens var. congestum except by the rather more elongated cells with the upper cell-walls somewhat porose. It comes also extremely near D. mo/le, and some forms can hardly be distinguished from that plant except by the porose upper cell-walls and rather wider upper areolation. On the other hand, through the var. paludosum, D. scoparium is closely linked with D. Bonjeanz ; indeed Roll, in an interesting discussion on the forms of these two species (Hedwigia, 1893, pp. 198, sqq.) states that in N. America so many intermediate forms are found that it is quite impossible to refer certain barren plants without doubt to either species, and all that can be done is to refer the forms with more narrowly acuminate, often falcate leaves and rather longer upper areolation, to D. scoparium, and those with the contrary characters to D. Bonjeanz. The forms of D. scoparium however with undulated leaves are rare, and may usually be recognised by their longer finer points more strongly toothed at the back. When in fruit it may be recognised by its firmer, red seta, and reddish brown capsules, but even these characters are occasionally found in D. Bonjeanz. 11. Dicranum majus Turn. (Tab. XVIII. D.). Very tall and vrodust, 2-5 inches high, the stems tomentose, only loosely coherent above, glossy yellowish or deep green, slender, prostrate below and ascending. Leaves very long (3-5 lines), not crowded, always regularly falcato-secund, hardly altered when dry, from a broad half-amplexicaul concave base gradually narrowed to a long canaliculate subula, zot transversely undulate, the lamina distinct to the apex; nerve narrow, vanish- ing in the point, w7zth several rows of teeth in the upper part at back; margin strongly toothed above; angular cells lax, quadrate, brown, next the nerve thinner and paler ; above linear-rectangular, 5-8 times as long as broad, very stmilar to apex but shorter and smaller in the upper part ; all with the walls very porose, giving a sinuose outline to the cell; rather obscure, smooth at back. DICRANUM. 109 Setze 2 or more, sometimes as many as 5, from the same perichztium, rarely single, slender, flexuose, pale yellow ; capsule arcuate, oblong, greenish brown, faintly striate, finally blackish ; lid with a very long and slender beak. Male flower gemmiform, among the tomentum of the stem. Has. Woods in mountain districts, not unfrequent. Fr. late summer. One of the finest species of the genus, almost always readily known by its tall lax stems with regularly falcate leaves, larger and longer than in D. scoparcum, the only plant with which it is likely to be confused. When in fruit the aggregate capsules on pale slender sete are unmistakeable ; tall barren forms of D. scopardum may occasionally resemble it, but the leaves of that plant are always shorter, and usually less regularly falcate, the areolation rather wider and more pellucid, more distinctly chlorophyllose, looser at base, and the tufts denser. I have however seen forms of D. majus which it is extremely difficult, in the absence of fruit, to separate from D. scoparium. D. majus, unlike its near allies, is not a very variable species. 12. Dicranum fuscescens Turn. (Tab. XVIII. E.). Usually robust, 1-4 inches high, dull or yellowish green, tomentose. Leaves rather closely set, more or less secund or sometimes strongly falcato-secund, when dry distinctly crisped, especially the upper ones, from an oblong-lanceolate base gradually narrowed to a long flexuose channelled subula; nerve somewhat variable in breadth, 2-1 width of leaf at base, or some- times wider, closely denticulate at back above, often excurrent in a more or less strongly toothed point ; margin usually strongly denticulate above, but sometimes entire or nearly so, occasionally slightly recurved ; cells at angles lax, quadrate, brown, narrower towards the nerve, forming distinct coloured auricles ; other basal cells elongate, linear, 3-8 times as long as broad, with the cell- walls more or less interrupted by pores ; in the upper part of the leaf base becoming shorter and more or less quadrate, or irregular, angular, at apex often rather larger and elliptical- rhomboid; upper cells usually very strongly papzllose at back, but variable in this respect, and sometimes quite smooth. Capsule on a long rather stout seta, zzclzned, gibbous, arcuate, greenish brown till ripe, finally reddish brown, striate, when dry and empty sulcate, constricted below the mouth in front; lid longly subulate, oblique. Var. B. falcifolium Braithw. Densely tufted, deep green ; leaves all falcato-secund, shorter and less attenuated above. Var. y. congestum Husnot (D. congestum Brid., Braithw. Br. M. FI.) Leaves broader, the nerve narrower, the subula less IIo DICRANACEA. elongate, Jess serrate at margins and back, smooth or only faintly papillose. Upper cells /arger, longer, sinuosely elliptic-rhombotd ; not short, quadrate and angular. Var. 8. flexicaule Wils. (D. congestum var. flextcaule B. & S., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) Stem elongated, 4-8 inches, decumbent at base, hardly tomentose; leaves lax, long, falcato- Secund ; areolation as in var. y congestum. Var. «. robustum B. & S. Tall, rodust, resembling D. scoparium, hardly radiculose ; dull green above, blackish brown below; leaves hardly secund, broad, concave, shining, almost entire, areolation as in var. congestum. Has. Among grass and upon rocks, on mountains, frequent. The vars. 8, 8, more rare. The var. y very rare; Ben Lawers. Fr. autumn. A very difficult and variable specieS ; the leaves may be smooth or highly papil- lose, entire at margin or closely denticulate, narrow or broad at the base ; the fruit varies in colour, in the amount of striation, in direction, and in form from broadly ovate to narrowly cylindric. The form that must be looked upon as typical has very narrow elongated flexuose leaves, from a narrow base, with rather broad, thick nerve, about + width of base, highly denticulate at back and margins above, with the cells spinosely papillose; areolation quickly becoming shortly rectangular and almost quadrate at the upper part of the leaf-base, rather regularly arranged, and more or less uniform from thence to the apex, or somewhat elongated above ; in the var. congestum the leaves are less elongated and flexuose, the nerve narrower and leaf-base wider, and the cells, instead of quickly becoming short and sub-quadrate in the upper part of the leaf-base, become very gradually shorter, elliptical, and sinuose, and it is only quite high up in the subula that they become short, irregularly rhomboid or elliptic, at the apex sometimes much elongated and larger ; in no part does it show the minute more or less regularly sub-quadrate cells of typical D. fuscescens. I have not, however, found the characters other than that of the areolation ascribed to D. congestum by Braithwaite either constant in or peculiar to the congestum form, and I do not think it can properly be accorded a higher rank than a variety. I gathered it, for instance, very distinct in areolation and form of leaf-base, on the summit of Ben Lawers in 1893, but with longer leaves much more narrowed above, than in the plant described and figured by Braithwaite. Several other varieties have been described, of greater or less importance ; the var. robustum, approaching D. scoparium in habit, with taller, stouter, hardly tomentose stems, the leaves scarcely secund, is probably British. D. fuscescens may be recognised from D. scoparium by the narrower leaves more crisped when dry, and the minute upper areolation. It much resembles JD. Scotttanum, in some of its forms, but the basal areolation is longer, with the cell walls perforated by pores, and the upper part of the leaf is almost always more or less papillose and denticulate ; the form of the capsule distinguishes the species further, but this is often absent, especially in D. Scottianum. C. APORODICTYON. 13. Dicranum Scottianum Turn. (D. Scotti Turn., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) (Tab. XVIII. F.). Robust, in dense large rounded tufts, 1-3 inches high, dull or yellowish green, tomentose. Leaves crowded, larger than in the DICRANUM. III allied species of this Section, rather rigid, glossy, slightly twisted and appressed when dry, patent and subsecund when moist, from an oblong base gradually linear-lanceolate, broader than in any of the following species in the upper half, quite entire or with only a few very obscure denticulations at the apex; nerve 3-1 width of base, thick, shortly excurrent; smooth above, areolation at angles large, orange brown, forming distinct auricles; above these, almost from the base, the cells are very small, narrow-linear or rhomboid, 2-4 times as long as broad, quickly becoming shorter, elliptic-rhomboid ; in the upper part as wide as long, rounded, quadrate, or irregular, very smad/ ; all golden yellow or pellucid, with rather thick walls, smooth at back. Capsule sub-cylindric, erect, straight or slightly curved, subplicate when dry. Peristome teeth short, only slightly cleft at apex, fragile. Has. Rocks in subalpine regions ; not common. Fruit rare, late summer. A fine species, larger than its allies, with stouter dense-leaved stems ; closely resembling D. fuscescens, but with entire leaves, and with the basal areolation usually shorter, the cell-walls not porose, the upper cells not papillose; the leaves are also shorter in the subula, more densely crowded and less flexuose when dry. It is very near D. fu/vum, a continental species, which however has denticulate leaves and still shorter, chlorophyllose cells. 14. Dicranum elongatum Schleich. (Tab. XVIII. G.). In very compact neat tufts, densely tomentose, yellowish green, 3-6 inches high. Stems straight, with the leaves erect and appressed when dry, the upper very little twisted; erecto-patent or slightly secund when moist, straight, rather small and short ; from an oblong-lanceolate base linear-subulate, ending in a very narrow, acute, but not very elongate or flexuose point, canaliculate above, entire or very faintly toothed at apex; nerve narrow and rather ill-defined below, excurrent; angular cells large, orange, forming distinct auricles; basal cells linear, incrassate, with the cell-walls porose, above shorter, elliptic, in the upper part of the leaf minute, oval. Capsule smaé/, greenish brown, subcernuous, ovate and gibbous, rarely shortly oval, erect and symmetrical (var. orthocarpum C.M.); peristome teeth irregular. Has. Mountains; rocks and wet places, very rare. Scotch Alps. Cheviots. Fr. late summer. Easily known by its yellowish green very dense tufts with straight, slender stems interwoven with reddish tomentum. In the leaf it is almost a miniature of D. fuscescens, but is known from the ordinary form by the smaller almost entire leaves. Several allied species have been described on the Continent and in N. America, 112 DICRANACEZ. 15. Dicranum strictum Schleich. (Tab. XIX. A.). Slender, in bright or yellowish green tufts, resembling D. fragellare, but with the stems fragile, the leaves erect or spread- ing, straight or slightly flexuose when dry, ot crisped, very fragile, with the apex usually broken off; from a narrow lanceolate base finely canaliculate-subulate, ext:re or almost so, nerve narrow at base, about + of width of leaf, smooth at back above ; cells at angles lax, brown or hyaline, forming moderately distinct auricles; usually, but not always, a few narrower cells intervene between these and the nerve; basal cells elongate- rectangular, thin-walled, 4-8 times as long as broad, gradually becoming shorter above, very shortly rectangular or almost quadrate near the summit, smooth at back. Capsule oblong- cylindric, rather small, smooth ; lid subulate, straight. Has. Old rails and trunks of trees, rarely on walls; very rare, and sterile in Britain. Near Abbot’s Bromley, Stafford (Bloxam); Bathfield Park, Staffs., etc., ( Bagnall). Bloxam’s plant was recorded as D. wzrzde, and is described by Braithwaite and our other authors under that name. Mr. Bagnall has however kindly sent me one of Bloxam’s original specimens, together with specimens gathered by himself in one or two other localities in the same district (one from a mud-capped wall near Alton, Staffs. !), and an original type specimen of Sullivant’s of D. vzride ( Campylopus viridis Lesq. and Sull.); and after carefully comparing these and other specimens of D. strictum and D. vzride, I have no hesitation in saying that all our British specimens belong to D. strictum. In D. viride the areolation of the whole leaf, almost to the auricles, is very small, firm and short, the cells even close to the base being hardly twice as long as wide, and almost all are chlorophyllose. On the other hand D. strictum has a much longer areolation throughout at least the greater part of the leaf, all the cells of the leaf-base being elongated, and for a long distance upwards from the base free of chlorophyll. All our plants agree exactly with the latter, with perhaps a slightly less clear demarcation of the basal auricles. The basal cells are quite as long and narrow throughout the whole expanded part of the leaf, and show no approach to the short, chlorophyllose, firmer-walled cells of D. vzride. Husnot gives a further distinction, viz., that the wide auricular cells of D. wzride extend to the nerve, while those of D. strictum do not occupy the whole width of the lamina, a few rows of narrower cells intervening between them and the nerve; I am inclined to doubt whether this distinc- tion is a perfectly constant one ; but so far as it goes it distinctly supports the view taken here, our British plants never showing the auricles extending markedly to the nerve asin D. wzride. The leaves too, though slightly crisped when dry, are much less so than in that species, and even the amount of curling which is present is chiefly accounted for by the plants being for the most part young. Mr. Bagnall’s later gathering, from Alton, in which the plants are older, show the typical straight, rigid leaves of D. stréctum. Bloxam’s specimen is mixed with a little Dicranoweista cirrata, and it seems just possible that a leaf or two of this may have been examined with the Dicranum, and have given rise to a supposition that the basal areolation was variable in character ; at any rate the cells in that species have a marked resemblance to those of D. viride, although the basal angular cells are less distinct. It may be noted that quite recently, indeed since the above was written, M. Camus has published a paper showing that the French plant, hitherto recorded as D. veride, from Coétquen (Cotes-du-Nord), is really D. stréctum, a species which he remarks has hitherto been considered absent from the lowlands of middle Europe. DICRANUM. 113 D. fragilifolium Lindb., another very brittle-leaved plant, is nearer D. fuscescens and D. elongatum, with the lower cell-walls distinctly porose; it is found in Scandinavia and N. America. N.B.—In the plate representing this species (Tab. XIX. A.) one or two slight errors have crept in; the single denticulation in the magnified apex of the leaf (1a) has become enlarged in the process of lithographing and is a little too strongly shown. The plate also shows the areolation near the base of D. wzride (for vitzde read viride), as well as that of D. strzctem, for purposes of comparison. 16. Dicranum flagellare Hedw. (Tab. XIX. B.). In close tufts, 1-2 inches high, bright or yellowish green, radiculose, frequently emitting numerous axillary, erect, strazght flagellz with minute leaves. Leaves curved, subsecund, cr7sped when ary, from an oblong base gradually narrowed to a linear- subulate tubular acumen, slightly denticulate at and near the apex; nerve narrow but variable, usually +-1 width of base, not excur- rent, slightly denticulate at back near apex; angular cells wide, quadrate, yellowish brown, reaching to or almost to the nerve ; above rather loosely rectangular, becoming shortly rectangular in the limb, towards the summit quadrate or nearly so, ¢rregular, angular, smooth at back. Capsule elongate, cylindric, symmetrical or faintly curved, striate when dry, lid subulate, oblique. Has. Rotten tree trunks, very rare. Sterile in Britain. On the Continent this is a not unfrequent species, and its rarity here is therefore somewhat remarkable. The flagelliform ramuli are not always present. It is then much like D. montanum, but that species forms neater rounded cushions usually (in this country at least) on Zuvzng trees, and has the leaves papillose at back, more denticulate above and more closely and strongly crisped when dry. From D. strictum it differs in the hardly fragile, denticulate leaves, the latter character also separating it from D. Scottianum, which also has much smaller, more rounded areolation. 17. Dicranum montanum Hedw. (Tab. XIX. C.). In small dense rounded cushions, bright or dark green, hardly 1 inch high. Leaves spreading or subsecund, strongly crisped when dry, rather shorter and smaller than in the last species, from a lanceolate base gradually narrow-linear, less acutely subulate, slightly tubular above, dustzuctly denticulate towards apex at margin and on the back of the nerve which is narrow, about 4 width of base, not excurrent; cells at angles not much enlarged, hyaline or brown, the other basal cells narrowly hexagonal-rectangular, thin-walled, above shorter, in the upper part sub-quadrate, strongly papillose. Capsule oblong- cylindric, erect or slightly curved, finally plicate. ’ Has. Roots and trunks of trees in woods, etc. ; rare. Sterile in Britain. I 114 DICRANACEA, The distinctly papillose and strongly denticulate shorter leaves, much crisped when dry, abundantly distinguish this plant from the allied species. The margin is frequently minutely denticulate almost to the base by the projecting transverse walls of the cells. The apex is wider than in the preceding species or indeed than any of this section. The small deep green cushions with strongly crisped leaves are not unlike those of Décranoweisia ctrrata, but under a strong lens the denticulations of the subula are apparent. 18. Dicranum uncinatum C. M. (Thysanomitrium uncin- atum Harv.; Dicranodontium circinatum Schp., Syn.) (Tab. XIX. D.). Golden green, in lax patches, 2-5 inches high, robust. Leaves glossy, laxly placed, regularly falcato-secund, in the upper part of the stem circinate, hardly altered when dry; the upper very long, from a short, broadly oblong sheathing base, hardly + the length of the leaf, quickly contracted into a lanceolate-subulate channelled limb, which gradually narrows to a long setaceous point. Nerve 3-4 width of base, very thin, of three layers of small cells, at apex finely denticulate at back, excurrent in a spinulose arista; margin at base entire, near the summit finely denticulate. Angular cells wide, very thin and hyaline or pale brown, occupying all the base to the nerve, very distinctly marked in the older leaves from the rest of the cells; above these the cells are golden green, the median widely rectangular with dark walls, gradually narrowing upwards, the outer in several rows of very narrow linear cells forming a broad marginal band becom- ing wider as it passes upwards; about the shoulder of the leaf- base the cells become uniform, narrow-linear, obscure, continuing so to the summit, a single marginal row usually being rhomboid or elliptical with projecting oblique walls forming minute denticula- tions which become more distinct towards the apex. Seta short, flexuose or straight; capsule erect, cylindric, dark brown; peristome teeth cleft half way, the divisions subulate. Haz. Mountain rocks and grassy places, rare. Fruit very rare, not found in Britain. A very fine plant, resembling a small form of D. majus in aspect. It differs from D. longifolium in the narrower nerve of very different structure, and in the larger size and more robust habit. WD. asperulum is very nearly allied, but differs in the less falcate more flexuose leaves, the margin sharply and closely denticulate from the base of the limb, ete. The distinctive areolation of the leaf base is best seen in the older leaves, and their rich and varied colour makes them a beautiful object under the microscope. The calyptra appears to be slightly fringed at base, in this respect showing an approach to Campylopus. DICRANUM. 115 19. Dicranum asperulum Mitt. (Dicranum aristatum Schp., Syn.) (Tab. XIX. E.). In paler, more silky tufts than the last species, less robust and less glossy; stems very slender. Leaves erecto-flexuose or falcate, from an oblong-lanceolate sheathing base, rather longer in proportion to the length of the leaf, narrowed to a fine channelled setaceous subula; margin from the middle of the leaf- base upwards densely and strongly denticulate; nerve about + width of base, at back above with several serrate ridges, excurrent into a densely spinulose arista; angular cells lax, hyaline, reaching to the nerve; above rather laxly rectangular, chlorophyllose, narrower towards margin, decreasing in width upwards, in the upper part resembling those of the last species but shorter and less obscure. Seta straight, capsule oval- cylindric, erect. Peristome teeth cleft half-way. Has. Sandstone rocks on mountains. Rare. Sterile in Britain. A somewhat variable plant, and occasionally coming very near the last species ; usually however the much closer denticulation of the margin, from very near the base of the leaf, and the very rough arista, together with the more slender habit and smaller, less regularly falcate leaves, will distinguish it. The auricles also are some- what wider and more distinct. There is a tendency towards the same peculiarity in the basal areolation, but it is not nearly so marked. It resembles Dzcranodontzum Jongtrostre even more closely, but the same characters will usually separate the two, and the auricles of the latter plant are more distinct and the nerve rather wider. This and the preceding species resemble Dicranodontium in the habit and the leaves, and have been included in that genus ; but the capsule and peristome are quite dicranoid. 20. Dicranum longifolium Ehrh. (Tab. XIX. F.). Slender, in pale, bright green, soft, silky tufts, stems ascend- ing, here and there geniculate. Leaves long, falcato-secund, hardly crisped when dry, from a lanceolate base longly subulate- setaceous, tubular above; nerve very broad, % or more width of base, widening a little just above the line of insertion, occupying all the upper part of the leaf, remotely denticulate above at back, more closely at apex, in section of three rows of nearly equal, empty, hyaline cells; margin slightly denticulate above ; angular cells lax, hyaline or brownish, reaching to nerve, above hexagonal- rectangular, decreasing in size upwards, to narrowly elliptical or ‘linear. Capsule erect, straight or incurved, cylindric, smooth. Has. Mountains, rare. Sterile in Britain. Distinct from all the other British species in the great width of the nerve, render- ing the leaf-bases pale and shining, and therefore not likely to be taken for any other ‘under the microscope; in habit however it is much like forms of D. fuscescens, and 116 DICRANACEA. is hardly to be recognised certainly by the eye alone, though the leaves are more finely setaceous than in that and most other species. D. albicans B. & S., a continental species, has a still wider nerve, occupying the greater part of the leaf-base; indeed leaving hardly any margin, and in this respect forming a transition to Leucobryum. D. Sauteri B. & S. is described by Braithwaite as British, but its authority is doubtful, being confined to unnamed specimens found in a herbarium mixed with other mosses labelled as from Breemar. In addition to this uncertainty there is considerable doubt whether D. Sauterz is anything more than a var. of D. longifolium ; the only important differences being the more sparing denticulation and the considerably narrower nerve, + width of base ; several observers have found, however, that the former character is not constant, and the Marchese Bottini states that he has found both plants growing together, with many intermediate forms as regards even the width of nerve. I have hardly felt justified, therefore, in retaining it as a species, whether or not it is actually a British plant. Tribe 7. Leucobryee. 27, LEUCOBRYUM Hampe. Mosses of a peculiar habit, growing in dense whzte or glaucous tufts, with close tumid foliation. Leaves composed entirely of the nerve with the exception of a few rows on each side (principally near the base) of very thin hyaline cells ; nerve of two or more layers of large rectangular hyaline cells, their internal walls perforated with large circular pores, with a central layer of narrow chlorophyllose cells. Calyptra, capsule and peristome dicranoid. The species of this genus are for the most part tropical, and bear some superficial resemblance to Sphagnum in their colour and their hygroscopic properties; they are, however, intimately allied to the Dicranacez, and between them and species of Dicranum such as D. longifolium and D. albicans, or, as far as the leaves are concerned, C. fragilis in Campylopus, there is practically no difference in structure of any real importance except the pores in the cell-walls of the nerve. Tall; leaves 2-4 lines long ; capsule arcuate, strumose .............0e.0000 4. glaucum Short ; leaves 1-2 lines long, thin ; capsule almost erect, hardly strumose 1. albidum 1. Leucobryum glaucum Schp. (Tab. XIX. H.). In very dense soft tufts or patches, 2-8 zuches high; pale glaucous green above, whitish below. Stems dichotomously forked, robust, without radicles, very fragile. Leaves crowded, erecto-patent or slightly secund, appressed when dry, entire, tubular from the incurved margins, oblong-lanceolate or lanceolate from an oval base, contracted at the insertion; formed almost LEUCOBRYUM. 117 entirely of the broad thick nerve, with 2-6 rows of very thin hyaline, rectangular or linear cells on each side, forming a pale inconspicuous band widest below and vanishing at about half-way up the leaf or higher; the apex either acute or rather obtuse with a short apiculus. Dioicous; capsule variously exserted, on a dark brown seta, inclined, more or less arcuate, small, castaneous, oblong or cylindric, striate, when dry furrowed, stramose. Peristome deep red, dicranoid. Lid longly rostrate. Male plants in distinct tufts, more slender, flowers terminal. Has. Heaths and woods on turfy ground. Common. Fruit rare, all through the winter months. The apical leaves often produce at their tips a tuft of radicles, whence are developed a cluster of minute plants, these subsequently falling off and giving rise to new colonies. Minute, lanceolate leaves are often found among the ordinary ones. When dry the plants lose much of their green colour, becoming almost white. The capsules are small for the size of the plant. * Leucobryum albidum Lindb. (Dicranum albidum Brid.; L. minus Hampe., Braithw. Br. M. FI., Vol. I., Suppl.) (Tab. XIX. G.). Much smaller than the above species, in dwarf, very dense tufts. Leaves crowded, shorter, narrower, more acute, less spreading. Capsule slightly inclined, a/most symmetrical, scarcely strumose. Has. New Forest (Pifard). This plant has been variously ranked as a variety of Z. gdauceum and as a species, but I am convinced that it is hardly deserving of specific rank. The New Forest plant, of which I have a specimen, through the kindness of Dr. Braithwaite, is very distinct in its minute capsules, only slightly curved, and the general smallness of its parts ; but even there the leaves are variable in width, and the neck of the capsule is distinctly unequal and prominent, almost amounting to a struma. Moreover, in specimens from the U.S.A., sent by Mrs. Britton, the plants, though slender and small- leaved, are taller, and the capsule is exactly that of Z. glaucum. And further, I have gathered a plant in the New Forest, which, while named Z. glaucum by Dr. Braith- waite, much resembles the smaller form, and in the capsules, indeed, comes certainly nearer Piffard’s plant than does the above-mentioned American one ; in fact, it con- stitutes an intermediate link. On the whole, I do not think the characters of Z. albidum are sufficiently marked or constant to warrant its maintenance as a species. Another plant (Z. pwmzlum Britton), which was formerly confused with this sub- species under the name of Z. »znus Hpe. is found in the Southern States of America and is a very pretty, still smaller species, with extremely short leaves, very beautifully and regularly imbricated in eight rows. According to Lesquereux and James (Manual of N. A Mosses) L. albiduin differs from Z. glaucum in its time of fruiting, which is said to be in summer, not in winter. In Piffard’s New Forest plant, however, which was gathered in April, the capsules are ripe and appear to have just lost their lids, and there can hardly be any difference between the two. On the other hand the fruiting plants of Z. elaucum which I gathered in the same neighbourhood, were just ripe in July ; and evidently no reliance can be placed on this character. : 118 FISSIDENTACEA. OrDER VII. FISSIDENTACE. Plants with truly distichous, vertically placed leaves, in one plane; in all the British species more or less oblong-lanceolate, and equitant or clasping the stem, the basal part of the upper side of the limb being as it were split to the nerve into two lamine ; the cells hexagonal or rounded. Fruit lateral or terminal, exserted, small, peristome dicranord. The plants of this Order belong with one or two exceptions to the large genus Fissidens,—Conomitrium and Octodiceras being by many authors considered as sub-genera—and, although very variable in size, possess a uniform habit by which they are readily known, and indeed form one of the most natural of the Orders of mosses. 28. FISSIDENS Hedw. The diagnosis given above includes the most important characters of the genus; to this it may be added that the fruit somewhat resembles that of Dicranella, but is always smooth, not striate ; the peristome is usually very densely and highly papillose, the papillz often tending to take a spiral arrangement, instead of being in vertical lines, and the divisions are subulate, straighter and more rigid than is usual in Dicranum. The position of the male inflorescence is exceedingly variable, and in the descriptions as well as in the arrangement of the species I have paid little heed to this character. The synonymy of the various species, especially of the more minute ones, is exceedingly involved and complicated; I have for the most part followed Braithwaite in his original nomenclature (Brit. M. Fl, Vol. 1., pp. 67-80), as being on the whole the most rational. I have used almost the same terms as Braithwaite in designating the different parts of the leaf, indicating by ‘ sheathing laminz’ the conduplicate portion, by ‘superior lamina’ the part of the leaf beyond the sheathing lamine on the upper side of the nerve, by ‘inferior lamina’ the whole of the lamina on the lower side of the nerve. The nerve itself will in most of the species be found to reach just to the apex, where it often becomes confluent with the cells of the thickened border when that is present. The calyptra is small and cucullate, but occasionally it may be mitriform, and more rarely quite entire at the base; but these differences do not appear to mark any important divergence of types. The areolation of the lowest leaves on the stem is usually laxer than that of the upper ones. FISSIDENS. 119 7 pee with distinct hyaline border (seta terminal) .............cccccsecsccsseceveseereues 2 Leaves without hyaline border ...........cccccesesssseseeseccvceserssseseeeesecventeesetees 10 3 ee inflorescence axillary ; nerve usually percurrent, and forming a mucro ...... 3 Male inflorescence basal or terminal ; nerve rarely reaching apeX.........s.0ceccse0+ 5 (ae matted with red radicles............cccceecceceesseveeeeeeeseeeeesesensaees 6* Curnowtt SF Set TIDE PEMEMN OH gs 1.35 gakneeidens ctetoeteapen in meee a esse ee 4 Plant small ; leaf-border narrow ; on banks, &C. ...cecceseeeeecaeceseae ees 6. bryotdes Plant larger ; 1s. opaque, nerve and border thick ; on wet rocks ......7. rivudards 5 Plant small; border narrow, colourless...........cccccceceeceeseeeuece sevsseseueateeecenees 6 Plant taller ; border strong, coloured ........cccssceceseeccseeeccueeseeeueseeseueesenanees 9 Capsule ineurved, cernuous: jis. cccesce wir emaitnensiveuesiesyiesausecanapnanmnauetcnease sania 7 Capsule erect (or inclined), Symmetric ...........eccceccceecccceessaueceeseeesseneceaeeeaes 8 7 Ls. 3 or 4 times as long as broad.......cececeeeceeeeeceeceeeeeeeeeneeteeaeeeees 4. tncurvus Ls. very short, about twice as long as broad ; capsule shorter...5. camarindifolius 8 Autoicous ; seta very short 5 Is. more or less uniform ...........0.:0c0eeee 2. viridulus Dioicous ; minute; upper ls. longer and narrower, ensiform.............-. 3. pusillus &. crassipes Ls. bluntly acuminate, border yellowish, cells rather lax, not incrassate Ls. usually obtuse, nerve and border reddish, cells smaller, incrassate...9. refulus cal Plant minute, with only 3 or 4 pairs of leaves; seta terminal . wD. excelas Plant rather tall, with several pairs of leaves..........ccccssseceeeseeeeesseeeseaeeeeenees II i Nerve excurrent in apiculus; seta from base of stem. 15. laxtfolius Nerve: ceasing below: apex sisciguesassasieggagaavusaansvgons ons desiniuamanneseqeegensurensumedtie 12 ie Ls. entire, or obscurely toothed near apex..... .oeccceeceee sees eee enees see 3 Ls. sharply toothed near apex, usually with paler marginal band .................. 14 : Ls. scarcely 1 line long; seta terminal .............c sce seeeee eee eenee 10. osmundoides 3\Ls. 2-3 lines long, very NUMEFOUS............ cee cceseeeee ee eeeeeenenenenees 12. polyphyllus I Cells obscure, about 6-8 «4; marginal band conspicuous ............... 4. decipiens 4\ Cells clear, 10-12 3; marginal band usually less marked oo... ieeeeee eee eee eee 15 Ls. ligulate, long ; cells conically papillose .............00000 w IL. Serrulatus S\Ls. oblong ; cells scarcely prominent ..........seccseeeseceeeeeeeeeeen ees 13. adiantocdes 1. Fissidens exilis Hedw. (F. Bloxami Wils.) (Tab. XX. A.). Minute, gregarious. Stem about 1 line long, simple, pro- cumbent ; leaves zz 2-4 pairs, the lower very small, upper longer, oblong-ligulate, at apex acute or obtusely acuminate, not bordered, nerve rather thick, reaching to the apex ; sheathing lamine rather short, inferior lamina gradually narrowing downwards, ceasing distinctly above the insertion of the leaf; cells pellucid, to-12 wide, more or less regularly hexagonal, the marginal smaller in a regular series, with the transverse walls somewhat projecting so that the margin is regularly crenulate, usually more strongly so onthe sheathing lamina. fruit terminal. Capsule minute, erect, symmetrical, elliptic, on a red seta rather long for the size of the plant (2-3 lines) ; lid acutely conical-rostellate, almost or quite as long as the capsule. Male flower minute, on a short radical or separate stem. Has. Woods and. shady banks. Not common. Fr. winter. 120 FISSIDENTACE, One of the smallest species, and often more conspicuous from the red tinge of the set than from the stem and leaves. Under the microscope it comes nearest in structure to F. wzrédulus var. Lyled, but that plant always has a distinct border of narrow cells to the sheathing laminz, and usually shows indications, in other parts of the leaf-margin, of a similar structure, of which there is no trace in the present plant ; it cannot, thus examined, be mistaken for any other species. In the field the longer, red seta will distinguish it from the above plant, and from other forms of 7. viredulus, the erect capsule from 7. zzcurvus, and the small size from most of the other species ; F. pusillus is more difficult to distinguish, but has usually a paler seta, and more numerous leaves, the uppermost pair distinctly longer. 9. Fissidens viridulus Wahl. (Dicranum viridulum Swartz.) (Tab. XX. B.). Very small, closely gregarious, bright green. Stems longer than in the last, the leaves usually more numerous, in 4-8 pairs, broader, oblong-lanceolate, acute, the sheathing laminz longer, inferior lamina reaching to the insertion or nearly so, nerve reaching apex, leaves bordered with a very narrow cartilaginous thickened margin of narrow-linear cells without chlorophyll, which becomes less distinct at the apex or disappears, often giving place to a few minute and obtuse denticulations. Areolation slightly smaller than in the last, about 8 » wide. Calyptra occasionally entire at base. Capsule on a short terminal seta (about 2 lines), erect and symmetrical, more rarely inclined, occasionally slightly unequal, oval ; lid conical-rostellate, short. Male inflorescence as in the last, occasionally synoicous. Var. B. Lylet. (F. pusillus var. Lyle: Wils., Braithw. Br. M. Fl. p. 68; F. exiguus Sull., opus cit. p. 81). Minute. Leaves in 3-6 pairs, less acute, border wanting except on the sheathing laming where it is usually distinct, or very faint on other parts of the leaf; capsule erect, or slightly inclined, short, oval. Has. Clay banks, and rocks in shady places. Frequent. Thevar. Brare. Fr. winter. This and the two following species are so closely allied, and are indeed separated by so few, unimportant characters, that the true positions of their various forms are very difficult to define, and, as has frequently been observed, it is doubtful whether they should not properly be united under a single specific type. The main points of difference between this and the next are the broader leaves in the present plant, more or less uniform in length in the upper part of the stem, and the somewhat larger size ; the inflorescence, too, is usually autoicous, while in that species the male plant is generally separate from the female and thus the plant is dioicous. All these characters, however, are variable. The var. Zylez, which is by several authors considered a separate species, is remarkable for its almost total absence of border to the leaves; I have, however, found several intermediate forms growing in the same localities, and in /. wzrédulus, indeed, the border is far from being uniform, and I have gathered specimens otherwise typical in which the border in the inferior lamina becomes very narrow and almost obsolete. I am compelled, therefore, to consider it as only a varietal form. The cells of the var. Lyle? are, sometimes at least, slightly larger and more pellucid than in the type. I do not find the lid, as Mitten describes it, longer than in /. puszllus. FISSIDENS. 121 3. Fissidens pusillus Wils. (Tab. XX. C.). Closely resembling the last, but with the Jeaves much narrower and more acute, the uppermost pair especially being often much elongated, and slightly falcate in outline, the border slightly stronger, the inflorescence more frequently dtotcous. Capsule erect or inclined; lid shortly rostellate. Peristome inserted below the mouth. Var. B. madidus Spruce (F. minutulus Sull., Braithw. Br. M. Fl, p. 81). Rather taller, with more numerous, longer and narrower leaves. Capsule rather narrower, /id longer, obliquely rostrate, sometimes as long as the capsule. Usually, but not always autozcous. Has. Shady rocks, principally sandstone. Not uncommon. The var. 8 on dripping rocks, rare. Fr. autumn. The long, narrow, very acute leaves distinguish this plant from 7. vzridulus, but specimens may often be found with the leaves broader and more approaching that plant. The cells are usually a little larger and more pellucid in /. puszllus. The brown radicular tomentum from which the stems springs is often very copiously pro- duced and conspicuous. It is rather curious that whereas /. vzrzdze/us is found on no particular matrix, the var. Zy/ez seems to be almost confined to chalk, and 7. puszdlus to sandstone rocks. I find, however, a plant on the oolitic limestone in Northampton- shire, which I can only refer to the present species, with smaller, still narrower leaves than the type, and with the border very faint and occasionally almost obsolete. 4. Fissidens incurvus Starke. (Tab. XX. D.). Resembling F. viridulus, but rather larger; leaves broadly oblong-lanceolate, rather obtuse and apiculate, narrowly bordered, more widely at base; seta Jonger, flexuose, bright red, capsule cernuous or horizontal, unequal, often arcuate, oval or shortly cylindric, larger. Male flower on a very short basal branch. Has. Clay banks, etc. Frequent. Fr. winter. The form of the capsule is almost the only distinguishing feature between this and F. viridulus ; in its typical form it is quite a different looking plant, but forms occur with shorter, less curved capsules, and these must be looked upon as inter- mediate links. The fruit-stalk is usually taller, of a brighter red; when in fruit and closely tufted the plant bears a superficial resemblance to Décranella varia. 5. Fissidens tamarindifolius Wils. (Hypnum tamarindifolium Don; F. incurvus var. tamarindifolius Braithw., Br. M. FI.) (Tab. XX. E.). Closely allied to F. zmcurvus, but very different in habit. Stems taller, slender, fasciculate at the base with barren shoots ; 122: FISSIDENTACE. leaves distant, very short, about twice as long as broad, oval- oblong, spreading and slightly recurved, apiculate, in 6-10 pairs ; cells a little more pellucid; fruit either terminal or lateral, on a stouter seta, shorter, peristome paler. Has. Similar to the last, rare. Fr. winter. The differences in the fruit between this and the last are slight, but appear to be constant ; and the very distinct form and arrangement of the leaves is so marked that the plant has certainly a better claim to specific position than many others which have been awarded that rank. The variation in the position of the fruit is similar to that in the var. zzconstans of F. bryozdes. 6. Fissidens bryoides Hedw. (Hypuum bryoides L.) (Tab. XX. F.). | Very densely gregarious or tufted ; dark green, }-1 inch high. Leaves in few or many pairs, oblong-lingulate, abruptly acuminate or rather obtuse and apiculate; border strong, especially on the sheathing laminz; at apex continuous and confluent with the nerve or becoming faint and almost disappearing, with a few obscure denticulations ; zxfertor lamina distinct to base. Cells about the same as in the three previous species, obscure, rounded- hexagonal, 8-10 » wide. Autoicous; male inflorescence con- spicuous in the axils of the leaves, the antheridia naked or more frequently bracteate. Seta red, terminal, capsule erect, symmet- rical; lid acutely conical, peristome highly papillose. Var. B. intermedius Ruthe. Leaves less acuminate, with shorter and wider points, the inferior lamina not continued to base, often ceasing half-way down the leaf, border narrower, sometimes almost obsolete on the superior and inferior lamine; male flowers very minute and inconspicuous. Has. Clay banks, woods, etc., common. The var. 8, Sussex; Dublin. Fr. winter. The axillary male flowers form the character by which this species is most readily recognised from its allies ; these are, however, sometimes very minute, and very rarely the male flower is found on aradical branch, according to Braithwaite ; in such cases it is known from all the preceding species by its larger size, more distinct border, symmetrical capsule, and continuous, almost decurrent inferior lamina of the leaves ; the nerve also is as a rule more percurrent, usually passing into the apiculus. /. inconstans Schp., found by Boswell in Oxfordshire, and later by Bagnall in Warwick- shire, is now generally admitted to be a form or sport rather than a permanent variety, far less a separate species; and this is supported by the fact that similar variations occur in other species, e.g, F. tamarindzfolius. In this form the fruit is sometimes terminal, sometimes lateral, the two conditions sometimes occurring on the same stem ; at other times it is basal, while the position of the male flower is equally variable. In other respects it is similar to /. dryoddes. The var. zwtermedius is peculiar in habit, the short inferior lamina giving it a very singular appearance, . FISSIDENS. 123 - F. Orrit Lindb. ( fF. teqguendamensis Mitt.) must, I think, undoubtedly be excluded as an introduction ; its main feature is the longly excurrent nerve. * Fissidens Curnowii Mitt. (7. dryoides var cespitans Schp., Syn.) (Tab. XX. G.). Taller, r-2 zuches, soft, caespitose, often very densely and compactly tufted, bright glaucous green above, pale red or whitish below; stems clothed with red radicles. Leaves very numerous, rather narrower and often more acute; the border variable, but, with the nerve, usually strong, white and shining when dry. Capsule small, slightly inclined and unequal, often hidden by the upper leaves of the innovations. Has. Cliffs and caves, principally near the sea; rare. South-west England ; North Wales. Very noticeable in size, colour, and mode of growth, of a more delicate texture than /. éryoddes, and with the capsule distinctly asymmetric; I do not, however, find the other characters sometimes given,’as to width of limb, form of leaf, etc., by any means constant. I have also several times found intermediate forms difficult to determine, in the absence of fruit. Mitten places it under the Section with the ‘male fl. either basal or terminal,” but in all the specimens I have examined (some of them plants of Curnow’s own gathering and verified by Braithwaite) they are axillary, and no less conspicuous than in 7. dryozdes. The presence of abundant radicles on the stem is an unusual feature in this genus. 7. Fissidens rivularis Spruce. (Tab. XX. H.). Allied to &. dryoides, but taller, 3-1 inch high, dull green, not radiculose. Leaves long, crowded, elongate-lingulate, broad at apex or narrowly acute; dorder very thick and yellowish, con- tinuous to apex as is also the nerve, which runs out into a point, forming with the borders a stout mucro; areolation very dense and opaque, distinctly smaller than in /. bryordes, 6-8 » wide, not incrassate. Capsule on a terminal slender flexuose seta, erect or slightly inclined, symmetrical, similar to that of F. dryordes. Male flowers axillary, as in the latter species. Has. Wet rocks by springs and waterfalls. Very rare. Fairlight Glen, Hastings. Fr. winter. A very distinct species, separated from the following ones by the axillary male inflorescence and the minute areolation, from /. dryoddes by the more robust habit, the smaller opaque, chlorophyllose cells, and the very thick, solid border. F. Curnowid is a more delicate plant with narrower border and thinner, more pellucid areolation. The strong border and nerve are obvious with a lens, especially in the dry state, but it would be difficult to distinguish 7. rzva/aris in the field from F. rufulus and F. crassifes, except perhaps by the stout rigid mucro of the leaves, which are wanting in the red tinge so often found in those plants. | According to my experience, the fruit is only just ripe in January. The plant appears to have become destroyed in Holmes’ original station, but has turned up in several other spots in Fairlight Glen, so that fortunately it is not likely to be lost. 124 FISSIDENTACE. 8. Fissidens crassipes Wils. (F. viridulus var. fontanus Braithw., Br. M. FL, p. 71) (Tab. XX. [.). In dark green dense tufts, often submerged, Za//, 3-2 inches long, rather rigid, often emitting tufts of red radicles from the axils of the leaves. Leaves oblong-ligulate, shortly and obtusely acuminate at summit, border thick, vanishing below the minutely serrulate apex, often irregularly nodulose or denticulate, frequently tinged with red; nerve thick, reddish, vanzshing in the apex. Cells large, 12-18 « wide, rather lax and irregular, with thin walls, deep green with chlorophyll and opaque. Dzozcous. Male inflorescence terminal, conspicuous. Fruit ¢ermina/, on a short, thick, reddish flexuose and often geniculate seta, erect or inclined ; lid acutely conical. Spores twice as large as in /. viridulus. Has. Stones in streams, especially in calcareous districts. Not common. Fr. late autumn. Although by many authors this is united to /. vzridulus, it appears to be a good species, differing not only in the much larger, opaque cells, but also in the form of the leaf apex, which in this is bluntly triangular, sometimes almost rounded, but in the smaller plant is acute and often apiculate. The seta is also thicker, and this must not be looked upon as a necessary consequence of its aquatic habit, since in /. rzvularis, equally aquatic, it is particularly slender. It is much nearer /. raufulus, and indeed can sometimes hardly be separated except by the larger, thin-walled cells. I find it abundantly fruiting in Northamptonshire with the capsules exceedingly polymorphous both as to form and direction, sometimes being arcuate as in F. zncurvus. The apex of the leaf is frequently eroded and may thus appear to be more obtuse than is really the case. 9. Fissidens rufulus B.&S. (Tab. XX. J.). Resembling the last, but with the leaves slightly shorter, broader and more obtuse, almost always with some tinge of red, especially on the nerve and border of the older leaves. Cells smaller, incrassate, more regularly hexagonal, rather obscure but less so than in F. crassiges. Fruit terminal on a paler, more slender seta, the capsule more regular ; lid variable. Has. Stones in mountain streams; very rare. Fruit late summer, rare. The incrassate cells are the chief character by which this may be known from the last. As occurs in other mosses with a somewhat solid leaf texture, the thickening of the cell-walls takes place in the interior of the leaf rather than on the surface, hence if the microscope is focussed on the surface they do not appear incrassate, and their true character is often only seen on focussing lower down. In the present case the thickening matter is so deposited that the cell-lumen is left rounded, while the actual form of the original cell (as it still appears on the surface) is rectilinear and more or less hexagonal. This is best seen in the older leaves ; in the younger ones the cells are rendered rather obscure by chlorophyll granules. The fruiting characters must certainly be considered untrustworthy, as however constant they may be in the present plant (though there is considerable discrepancy in the various descriptions) similar FISSIDENS. 125 forms may with certainty be looked for in the variable /. crassifes. Fruiting specimens gathered by the Rev. H. G. Jameson in the R. Wharfe (from which the above description of the fruit is taken) do not agree with the descriptions of either Braith- waite or Boulay ; they have the cells however less incrassate than usual, and possibly are not typical /. rz/2lus, but they certainly cannot be referred to the last or to any other of our species. 10. Fissidens osmundoides Hedw. (Dicranum osmundoides Sw.) (Tab. XX. K). _ Tall, zz dense tufts, very compact at the base, 2-6 zuches high, bright or yellowish green; stems slender, branched, radiculose. Leaves short, broadly lingulate, abruptly narrowed at apex and apiculate, or broadly pointed; sheathing laminze more than half the length of the leaf, broad; inferior lamina reaching nearly to the base of the leaf, often abruptly ceasing; areolation larger than in any of the foregoing species, 74-20 p. wide (but often much smaller even in leaves from the same stem), more regularly hexagonal-rounded, zzcrassate, a single row at margin smaller and often paler or discoloured, but wzthout a thickened border of narrow cells ; a row or two on each side of the nerve also often paler and more pellucid ; xerve ceasing some distance below the apex ; margin faintly and regularly crenulate with the projecting cells, which are also turgid and prominent at the back of the leaf. Seta terminal, purple; capsule rather small, narrow-oblong, erect or slightly inclined, thick-walled, dark coloured; calyptra mitriform, lobed at the base, or cucullate ; lid long, rostrate. Dioicous; male flower terminal. Has. Wet rocks and mountain slopes. Not common. Fr. summer. Quite distinct from any of the other terminal-fruited species in the tall, slender growth and non-bordered leaves. It is more likely, in the absence of fruit, to be confused with one of the following species, especially /. ¢axifolius and F. decipiens, the latter of which it much resembles in habit ; the former will be easily known by its shorter stems and narrower leaves with the nerve percurrent or even excurrent; and F. decipiens by its longer, serrated leaves with broad margin of paler cells, and much smaller areolation. The cells in this species vary considerably in size, even on the same stem, but ordinarily they are of about the dimensions given above, or even larger in the lower leaves of the stem ; the smaller cells appear indeed to be confined to the upper leaves. 11. Fissidens serrulatus Brid. (Tab. XX. L.). Loosely tufted, pale green, vodust ; stems simple or branched at the base, 1-3 inches high, erect. Leaves very large, crowded, longer towards the top of the stem, broadly lingulate, sometimes 2 inch in length, straight, solid; at apex shortly acuminate or acute, the tip often irregular and turned to one side, unequally 126 FISSIDENTACEA. serrate; nerve rather thick, vanishing at apex; cells rather large, 10-15 #4, incrassate, often in two strata ; highly papillose with broad conical protuberances, hexagonal-rounded, at margin with about four rows of thinner, paler or yellowish cells, \ess chlorophyllose and more incrassate, forming a more or less distinct pale marginal band to the leaf, regularly crenulate ; inferior lamina wide and ceasing abruptly at base. Dioicous; male flowers axillary or terminal, large, conspicuous ; fruit terminal, seta stout, yellowish, flexuose; capsule inclined, oblong, dark brown, thick-walled. Has. Damp banks by streams, and rocks. Very rare ; near Penzance. The male plant alone has been found in this country. It is a very rare European species, but grows and fruits abundantly in Teneriffe. From its large size it can only be confused with the following species, or with very robust forms of F. adzantozdes ; the latter however never equals it in the length of the leaves, and the cells are larger and much less papillose. #. polyphyllus differs in the characters detailed under that species, of which this is by some writers considered a variety. 12. Fissidens polyphyllus Wils. (Tab. XX. M.). Very robust and tall, 3-12 inches long, deep green, rigid, stems often prostrate or pendent, radiculose. Leaves crowded, sometimes slightly falcate, incurved and flexuose when dry, narrowly lingulate-lanceolate, very long, without any distinct band of marginal cells, obtusely pointed, minutely crenulate all round, or with a few obscure serratures at point; nerve thick, rather broad; inferior lamina more narrowed at base, less abruptly ceasing; cells as in &. serrulatus but smooth or only faintly pro- tuberant. Dioicous; male inflorescence as in the last; fruit lateral, near the top of the stem; capsule as in /. serrulatus. Has. Wet rocks. Very rare. Cornwall; Devon; N. Wales; Ireland. Fruit not found in Britain. A still finer plant than the last; it has only recently been found in fruit, in Finisterre. The narrower leaves without the pale marginal band, and with almost entire less acuminate apex, and the hardly papillose cells, separate it from the last, as do also the habit and colour ; these characters with the different position of the female flower appear amply sufficient to warrant its retention as a species. I have found the nerve in /. ‘polyphyllus constantly broader and less well-defined than in /. serrzlatus. 13. Fissidens adiantoides Hedw. (Hypnum adiantoides L.) (Tab. XXI. A.). Deep or yellowish green, 1-4 inches high, variable in size and habit, sometimes slender and short-leaved as in F. osmundoides, sometimes robust and rivalling 7. polyphyllus. Leaves without a FISSIDENS. 127 thickened border, usually crowded, broadly oblong-lanceolate, acute or shortly acuminate, crisped when dry, especially at the tip, inferior lamina broad and usually ceasing abruptly at base ; margin crenulate, towards apex more distinctly and unequally serrate ; nerve vanishing at apex. Cells rather large, 12-78 p» wide, 2-4 rows at edges often a little paler, forming an obscure marginal band, which is however variable and not always present, most distinct in the older leaves. Autoicous; fruit lateral, from the middle of the stem, several arising from the same stem ; seta stout, red, flexuose, long ; capsule horizontal and arcuate, or erect and symmetrical, dark-coloured; lid long-beaked. Male flowers axillary, small. Has. Bogs, wet rocks on mountains, etc. Common. Fr. winter. Very variable, but readily recognised at sight by its larger size, etc., from all but fF’. decipiens ; from this it is known by the larger cells and less distinct marginal band, from /. osmundozdes and F. taxifolcus by the larger, more serrate leaves, and from the latter species also by the shorter nerve. The fruit when it occurs is usually produced in abundance. F. collinus Mitt. appears to be only a dwarf form found among grass on the chalk downs of the south coast; according to Braithwaite there is no difference in the size of the cells between this and /. adzantozdes, but it is described by Mitten as with smaller cells than the present species. 14. Fissidens decipiens De Not. (Tab. XXI. B.). Intermediate in size between /. adiantoides and F. taxifolius, usually more slender than the first and taller than the last, but variable; indense dull greenor blackisherecttufts. Leavescrowded, lingulate, acute but not acuminate, crenulate at margin, zm the upper half unequally serrate; cells smaller, 6-8», more obscure than in /. adiantoides, incrassate; about four rows at margin more incrassate and less obscure, forming a more distinct pale or yellowish band round the leaf. Dioicous or autoicous ; . female flowers often very numerous, seta from middle and lower part of stem, short, slender, pale red; capsules oval-oblong ; lid rostrate. Var. B. drevifolius Lindb. Leaves crowded, much shorter, less distinctly serrate, with a narrower band of pale cells. Has. Wet rocks in mountainous countries ; rarely among grass at lower levels. Frequent. The var. 8, Killarney. Fr. winter and spring. The distinctly smaller areolation and the more conspicuous band of marginal paler cells chiefly, and in general easily, characterise this species. It is usually but not always distinguishable from / adiantoides by the more slender stems, from F. taxifolius by the taller stems and different habitat, and from /. osmundoides by the serrate apex of the leaf and small cells. 128 FISSIDENTACE. 15. Fissidens taxifolius Hedw. (Hypnum taxifolium L.) (Tab, XXL C). The smallest of the lateral-fruited species, usually less than $ inch high, rarely exceeding one inch; dark green, often with a tinge of reddish brown, branched from the base, suberect. Leaves crowded, usually longest in the middle of the stem, oblong- lingulate, broadly pointed and apiculate with the percurrent nerve, not bordered ; inferior lamina ceasing abruptly at base; cells as in the last species, but less opaque and with thinner walls, marginal cells not distinct, though those of the outer row are occasionally more pellucid and slightly different in shape, regularly and almost uniformly crenulate or finely serrulate from base to apex. Autoicous, male flowers on short basal branches. Seta red, from near the base of the stem, flexuose, rather long ; capsule equal and suberect or variously inclined and gibbous, sometimes almost pendulous ; lid longly rostrate; peristome large, bright red. Has. Woods, roadsides, etc., usually on clay. Common. Fr. winter. Readily known, in its usual form, from the larger species by its shorter stems and leaves ; under the microscope the percurrent or excurrent nerve and entire absence of marginal band easily determine it. It is not a variable species except in the form and direction of its fruit. ORDER VIII. GRIMMIACEE. Plants of varying habit, most frequently in dense tufts or cushions. Leaves in many rows, crowded, frequently hyaline- tipped, ovate-lanceolate or rarely linear-subulate; upper areola- tion small, usually opaque and often 2 or 3-stratose, lower longer, with the walls frequently sinuose. Capsule on a straight or arcuate short seta, symmetrical or very slightly unequal, oval or cylindric. Calyptra mitriform or cucullate, sometimes papillose, smooth or sulcate. Peristome single, resembling that of Dicranum, but without vertical striz, less regularly cleft, the exterior plates usually thickest and often transversely trabeculate. Male flowers gemmiform. Almost entirely confined to rocks. The Order, as above defined, forms an exceedingly natural one; there is a great uniformity in habit, areolation, fruit, and especially in peristome. The peristome of Orthotrichum and its allies is of an entirely different character, and in other respects nothing is sacrificed by separating the two Orders, an arrange- ment which will also probably be tound by the student to simplify their study. GRIMMIA. 129 It is a curious fact, and one which a beginner will find worth remembering, that with the exception of Rhacomitrium lanuginosum and R. canescens, every British species is a rock growing plant. The leaves of most of the species of Grimmiacez, as con- trasted with those of most Orders, are extremely hygroscopic, that is to say while undergoing considerable change of form when becoming dry, they very quickly recover their normal shape when moistened, usually from being twisted or incurved rapidly becom- ing recurved, and then returning to their normal, more or less straight position. This character they hold in common with the Orthotrichacez, the Andrezeacez, and many of the Tortulacee. 29. GRIMMIA Ehrh. Mostly short-stemmed mosses, growing in close cushions or tufts on rocks; stems dichotomous. Leaves crowded, more or less lanceolate, usually hyaline-pointed, margin frequently thickened, almost always entire; areolation short and often opaque above. Seta arcuate or straight. Calyptra smooth ; capsule ova/. Peristome teeth 16, cleft at apex or entire, lanceo- late. The species of Grimmia are for the most part recognisable as belonging to that genus at first sight, but are difficult of determination specifically. When the fruit is present it forms a material aid to identification, but it is frequently wanting, indeed in some species it has not yet been discovered, and the determina- tion then usually rests on minute differences of areolation, difficult to define ; and a microscopical examination of specimens, in some of the critical species, is almost imperative. It should be noted that the hyaline leaf-point is not, as in Barbula, formed by the excurrence of the nerve, but by the prolongation of the lamina; the nerve being lost, in most of the species, in the apex, at the base of the hyaline point. The leaves are extremely hygroscopic, and in most cases when wetted immediately become squarrose, then slowly take their normal, more or less erecto-patent position. In examining the basal areolation, mature leaves must be chosen, as in the young leaves the cells often present a very different appearance, as do those of the perichetial bracts. The margin of the leaves is often recurved, and the presence or absence of this character affords a useful and a fairly constant distinction between species. It should be noted that in many, if J 130 GRIMMIACE&. not in most cases, it is only oe margin that is recurved, the other being plane. The transverse sections in the Plates are taken from about the middle of the length of the leaf; the margin being often plane at the summit and towards the base, while recurved in the middle portion. i ce all without hyaline Points............scscscesteeecteestereeneeesanneneoeaereerenee eaaanens 2 Upper ls. with hyaline points.............55- a, Siiene dite 6 Nerve 2-winged at back above ; plant tall .. 16. patens Nerve not winged at back: