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 "••< 
 
 MOSSES 
 
 WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 A Non-Technical Handbook of the More Common 
 
 and More Easily Recognized Mosses of the 
 
 North-Eastern United States 
 
 A. J. GROUT, Ph. D. 
 BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL, BROOKLYN, N. Y 
 
 ILLUSTRATED BY 
 
 MARY V. THAYER 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 
 
 360 Lenox Road, Flatbush 
 
 NEW YORK CITY 
 
Copyrighted 1900 by A. J. Grout, Ph. D. 
 
 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 
 
 PRESS OF 
 BlNGHAMTON REPUBLICAN 
 

 PREFACE 
 
 MOSSES are individually so small and inconspicuous that the 
 effect which they have as a mass in creating and enhanc- 
 ing the beauty of natural scenery is often overlooked. 
 Yet if one recalls the desolate and uninviting appearance of a 
 wood in which the mosses have been destroyed by fire, or observes 
 carefully the part which mosses play in completing the attractions 
 of mountain scenery, he will feel like saying a hearty amen to 
 Ruskin's enthusiastic words in the closing paragraphs of his essay 
 on " Leaves Motionless." 
 
 The freshness which a summer shower brings to the landscape 
 is largely due to the unfolding of the mosses on tree and fence and 
 boulder from patches of lifeless brown into soft cushions of living 
 green. 
 
 Many lovers of nature have observed the beauty of mosses 
 and have collected them for their beauty alone. Many more 
 would have collected and studied them had not the difficulties 
 been so numerous and hard to overcome. Until very recently 
 there has been no literature in the English language that was 
 suited to the needs of the beginner. Owing to the small size of 
 most mosses, the characters which separate species and even 
 genera are so largely microscopic that a compound microscope 
 has been considered an absolute necessity for their study. 
 
 Many years of study of mosses in the field and in herbaria 
 have convinced the author that any person of average intelligence 
 can easily learn to recognize seventy five to one hundred common 
 mosses with the aid of an ordinary hand-lens of ten to fifteen 
 diameters magnifying power. 
 
 The purpose of this work is to give, by drawings and descrip- 
 tions, the information necessary to enable any one interested to 
 become acquainted with the more common mosses with the least 
 possible outlay of time, patience, and money. The drawings were 
 made without the aid of the compound microscope in order that 
 nothing might be represented that is not readily distinguished 
 with the simple microscope. 
 
 Finally it must be borne in mind by the student that the 
 present work is limited and incomplete in its treatment, and is 
 but a stepping stone to the larger and more complete works, and 
 to the broader and fuller study of bryology. 
 
 A. J. GROUT, 
 
 Boys' Hr;ii School, 
 August, iqoo. Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 ^ 
 
 17160 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 SO many different kinds of plants are called mosses that it may 
 be well to clear the field by defining the true mosses as dis- 
 tinguished from the other plants popularly called mosses. 
 
 The sea weeds or marine algee are often known as sea mosses, 
 but no true moss grows in salt water. 
 
 The moss which drapes the trees in swampy regions of the 
 South is not a true moss, but a flowering plant bearing flowers 
 and seeds like a rose or a geranium. 
 
 Lichens are frequently confused with mosses, but they never 
 bear leaves and never are of a bright green, but a grayish or 
 brownish green, rarely black or bright colored. The majority of 
 species consist of a flat thin body usually prostrate and closely 
 applied to the substance upon which the plant grows (substratum). 
 The " Reindeer Moss" is a lichen with shrubby hollow stems; the 
 gray "moss" that hangs from the limbs of trees in Northern 
 swamps is also a lichen. 
 
 The Hepaticas, or liverworts, are most closely allied to the 
 mosses and some species are difficult to distinguish from them. 
 In general, however, the liverworts consist of a flat expanded 
 body like a bright green lichen, or, if leafy, the leaves are arranged 
 in two rows on opposite sides of the stem and in the same plane, 
 giving the plant a flattened appearance unlike the great majority 
 of mosses. In fruit the capsule opens by four valves instead of a 
 lid as in the mosses. 
 
 The terms used in describing mosses are fully defined and 
 illustrated in the glossary, and the student should make himself 
 familiar with the principal terms as early in his study of the 
 mosses as practicable. 
 
 The beginner in the study of mosses should be content with 
 the study of well developed fruiting specimens. Imperfect or 
 non- fruiting mosses often prove an insoluble puzzle to the ad- 
 vanced student and would be nothing but a source of discourage- 
 ment to the beginner. Many mosses of the more difficult genera 
 like Hypnum and Bryum are not included in this book because 
 they cannot be recognized with any degree of certainty without 
 the aid of the compound microscope. As some of these difficult 
 species are common they will prove a source of annoyance to the 
 beginner, and it is hoped will lead him to obtain, sooner or later, 
 the necessary books and apparatus for a more extended study. 
 
IN I KODI CI ION V 
 
 Almost any form of simple microscope will serve, for the study 
 of mosses with this book, but to obtain the best results it should 
 be of a construction suitable for carrying in the pocket into the 
 field. It is also very desirable that the student have a lens that 
 can be used on a stand as a dissecting microscope. Lenses are 
 easily obtainable that can be used both as a pocket and as a dis- 
 secting microscope. The lens should be ten to fifteen diameters 
 magnifying power and with as large a field as one can afford. 
 
 In studying very minute parts it will often be of advantage to 
 remove them with forceps and mount in a drop of water between 
 two thin strips of glass or mica, the method used with the com- 
 pound microscope. 
 
 Much more definite data are needed with reference to the 
 habitats and time of maturing spores of even our common mosses. 
 The author has intended to give these as fully as the existing data 
 would permit. In using this book as a guide to the best seasons 
 for collecting any given species, it must be borne in mind that the 
 seasons are a month or so earlier in southern New York and New 
 Jersey than in northern New England and Canada. In the 
 former locality the earliest date given is the best ; in the latter 
 locality, the latest. 
 
 The following literature on mosses will be very helpful to 
 those desiring a more complete equipment for bryological study: 
 
 Mrs. Britton's Observer articles, the files of The Bryologist, 
 the author's Vermont Mosses, Barnes and Heald's Keys to the 
 Genera and Species of North American Mosses; the various 
 monographs by Mrs. Britton, Dr. Best, Prof. Barnes, Cheney, and 
 Grout; Lesquereux and James' Manual, and Dixon and Jameson's 
 Hand -Book of the British Mosses. Later on the bryological en- 
 thusiast will want more costly and extensive works in English 
 and in foreign languages. 
 
 In the pronunciation of the scientific names it is well to re- 
 member that the best authorities give the English pronunciation 
 ^of the Latin with the accent according to the rules of Latin gram- 
 mar. The Roman pronunciation so much in vogue in schools and 
 colleges is sure at some early date to supersede the English, but 
 at present the English has the weight of authority. 
 
 The pronunciation is indicated by the same signs as in the re- 
 cent works on the flowering plants. 
 
 \ Indicates the accent and the long, broad, open, or close 
 English sound of the vowel. 
 
 / Indicates the accent and the short English sound. 
 
Vi MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 KEY NO. 1 
 
 Based Mainly on Structural Characters. 
 
 Gray to gray-green ; growing only in bogs and swamps, 
 
 Peat Mosses. 
 
 Not gray (except White Moss) ; growing in various situations, 2. 
 
 2. Acrocarpous, A. 
 
 Pleurocarpous B. 
 
 1. Capsules square in cross- section; calyptra hairy, 
 
 Polytrichum. 
 
 Capsules rounded in cross-section ; calyptra various, . 2. 
 
 2. Blackish, or brownish-green ; growing on bark of living 
 
 trees, 3. 
 
 Green (except Hedwigia) ; not growing on trees, . . 4. 
 
 3. Capsule long exserted, not wrinkled when dry, 
 
 Drummondia. 
 
 Capsule barely exserted ; strongly wrinkled, or puckered 
 about the mouth when dry, .... Weissia. 
 
 4. Capsules sessile ; seta lacking, 5. 
 
 Capsules exserted ; seta evident, 6. 
 
 5. Capsules green, nearly spherical ; plants of sandy fields, 
 
 Pleuridium. 
 
 Capsules ventricose ; plants growing on shaded banks, 
 
 Webera. 
 
 Capsules subspherical, somewhat urn-shaped when dry 
 
 and empty; plants blackish-green, growing on rocks, 
 
 Hedwigia. 
 
 6. Capsules erect, urn-shaped, . . . Physcomitrium, 
 Capsules erect, greatly swollen at base, . . Splachnum, 
 Capsules strongly ventricose; mature plant without 
 
 leaves, Buxbaumia. 
 
 Capsules erect, cylindric, nearly or quite straight, . 7. 
 Capsules arcuate, unsymmetric, usually cernuous, . 10, 
 Capsules symmetric, cernuous or pendent ; ovoid, pyri- 
 
 form, or subglobose, . Mnium, Bryum, and Letobryum, 
 
 7. Plants growing on rotten wood, rarely on moist peaty 
 
 soil Georgia, Dicranum flagellare. 
 
 Plants not growing on rotten wood, 8. 
 
 8. Plants with hairy calyptra and appearance of the Hair- 
 
 cap Mosses, Pogonatum. 
 
 Without hairy calyptra, 9. 
 
 9. Growing in moist shady places, .... Catharinea. 
 Growing in dry exposed places, . . 
 
 . Dicranum, Dicranella heteromalla orthocarpa. 
 Growing on boulders, .... Dicranum fulvum. 
 
 10. Greenish-white, Leucobryum. 
 
 Dark to light green, not white, 11. 
 
Mosses with a hand-lens vn 
 
 ii. Leaves two- ranked ; plants appearing flattened, 
 
 Fissidens. 
 
 Leaves not two ranked, arising from all sides of the 
 stem, 12. 
 
 12. Capsules smooth when dry, 13- 
 
 Capsules furrowed or wrinkled when dry, . . 14. 
 
 13. Capsules with a long slender neck, . . Trematodon. 
 Capsules with neck short or wanting, .... 
 
 Bryum, Dicranum, Pogonatum alpinum. 
 
 14. Capsules subglobose when wet, . Philonotis and Bartramia. 
 Capsules elongated, often subcylindric, . . . . 15- 
 
 15. Growing on rotten wood, Dicranum. 
 
 Growing on earth or bases of trees 16. 
 
 16. Growing in swamps or very wet places, . Gymnocybe. 
 Growing in barren places, roadsides, paths, etc. , . 
 
 Ceratodon, Funaria, and Ditrichum. 
 
 Growing in woods on soil, base of trees, or rocks, 
 
 Dicranella. 
 
 B 
 
 1. Growing on stones in running water, .... 
 
 Rhynchostegium, Fontinalis, Hypnum, Brachythecium. 
 Not growing in running water, 2. 
 
 2. Leaves apparently two- ranked; plants appearing flat- 
 
 tened, 3- 
 
 Leaves not two-ranked 4- 
 
 3. Growing on decayed wood, 
 
 . Plagiothecium, Raphidostegium, Entodon. 
 
 Growing on trees Neckera. 
 
 Growing on stones or soil in moist shady places, 
 
 Plagiothecium, Fissidens. 
 
 4. Plants regularly once or twice pinnate, looking like 
 
 miniature ferns, 
 
 . Thuidium, Hypnum, Hylocomium proliferum. 
 
 Plants not regularly pinnate, 5- 
 
 5. Capsules erect, straight, 6. 
 
 Capsules cernuous, curved, 11. 
 
 6. Growing on bark of trees 7- 
 
 Growing on soil or decayed wood 10. 
 
 7. Growing only near the base of trees, 8. 
 
 Growing at various heights on tree trunks, seldom near 
 
 the base, 9- 
 
 8. Light green; branches julaceous, .... Thelia. 
 Dark green; branches somewhat flattened or at least 
 
 not julaceous, . . . .... Anomodon. 
 
 9. Small ; seta many times as long as the perichuetial leaves, 
 
 Pylaisiella. 
 
 Larger ; seta not more than twice as long as the peri- 
 chaetial leaves, Leucodon. 
 
viii MOSSES WITH A hand-lens 
 
 io. Tree-like, growing on the ground in swamps, . Climacium. 
 Prostrate in mats on soil and decayed wood, . 
 
 . Brachythecium acuminatum, Entodon. 
 ii. Operculum with a very long beak, .... 
 
 Operculum without beak, . Cirriphyllum, Eurhynchium. 
 ... . . Hylocomium, Hypnum, Brachythecium. 
 
 KEY NO. 2 
 
 Based Mainly on Habitat 
 
 Mosses growing on the bark of living trees A. 
 
 Mosses growing on rotten wood, B. 
 
 Mosses growing on stones but not in water, . . . . C. 
 
 Mosses growing on stones in water, D. 
 
 Mosses growing on soil, E. 
 
 Mosses growing on decaying animal tissue or excreta, . 
 
 Splachnum. 
 
 Mosses growing in swamps and bogs, greenish-white, . 
 
 ■ ... Peat Mosses, 
 
 Seta many times longer than the perichsetial leaves, . 3. 
 Seta shorter than the penchsetial leaves, or at most not 
 
 more than twice as long 2. 
 
 Acrocarpous; capsules wrinkled or puckered about the 
 
 mouth Weissia. 
 
 Pleurocarpous ; capsules smooth, . Leucodon, Neckera. 
 
 Blackish-green, Drummondia. 
 
 Dark to light green, 4- 
 
 Capsules cernuous or curved; plants pinnate, . Thuidium. 
 
 Capsules erect, straight, 5- 
 
 Dark green, growing only around the base of trees, 
 
 Anomodon. 
 
 Light green, usually growing near the base of trees, . 
 
 Thelia. 
 
 Dark to yellotoish-green, usually growing higher up on 
 
 trees, Pylaisiella. 
 
 B 
 
 Capsules erect, cylindric and nearly symmetric, . . 2. 
 Capsules curved, horizontal or pendent, . . . •. 4- 
 Pleurocarpous, Brachythecium acuminatum, Entodon. 
 
 Acrocarpous, 3- 
 
 Peristome of four large teeth Georgia. 
 
 Peristome of numerous smaller teeth 
 
 Dicranum flagellars 
 
 Capsules ovoid to subglobose, horizontal to pendent, 
 
 Mnium. 
 
 Capsules subcylindric, arcuate, .5- 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 1* 
 
 5. Acrocarpous, Dicranum. 
 
 Pleurocarpous • 
 
 Brachythecium, Raphidostegium, Hyloconuum, Hyp- 
 
 nura, Plagiothecium. 
 
 C 
 
 1. Blackish-green to brownish-green, 2. 
 
 Green. 3- 
 
 2. Capsules exserted, Weissia Americana. 
 
 Capsules immersed, Hedwigia. 
 
 3. Flattened; leaves two-ranked, .... Fissidens. 
 Leaves spreading in all directions 4- 
 
 4. Capsules ovoid to oblong, unsymmetric, . Brachythecium. 
 Capsules subcylindric, not furrowed when dry, 
 
 1 )icranum. 
 
 Capsules subglobose, deeply furrowed when dry, . 
 
 Bartramia, Philonotis. 
 
 D 
 
 1. Long, slender, and floating, Fontinalis. 
 
 Short, not more than one or two inches in length, . 2. 
 
 2. Leaves ovate; operculum long beaked, . Rhynchostegium. 
 Leaves ovate; operculum conic, . . Brachythecium. 
 Leaves orbicular, operculum conic, . Hypnum dilatatum. 
 
 E 
 
 In wet shaded places 
 
 Catharinea, Fissidens, Gymnocybe, Mnium, Hypnum, 
 
 Plagiothecium, Climacium. 
 
 In moist shaded places 
 
 Catharinea, Hypnum, Thuidium, Hylocomium, Eu- 
 rhynchium, Plagiothecium, Brachythecium, Webera, 
 
 Pogonatum, Leucobryum. 
 
 In dry open places with grass, . . .... 
 
 Polytrichum, Cirriphyllum, Pleuridium, Thuidium. 
 In dry waste places, old paths, old ploughed fields, etc., 
 
 Pogonatum, Ditrichum, Trematodon, Ceratodon, Fu- 
 
 naria, Physcomitrium, Bryum. 
 
 In various situations 
 
 Dicranum, Dicranella, Leptobryum, Thuidium, Hylo- 
 comium, Buxbaumia, Leucobryum, Bryum. 
 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
 
 I wish to acknowledge my great obligation to Miss Mary V. 
 Thayer for her careful and artistic work in the preparation of the 
 drawings. By an oversight, Miss Thayer's initials were omitted 
 from a few of the cuts. She made all the drawings to illustrate 
 the text. I am also greatly indebted to Mr. Paul R. Jenks, and 
 to Dr. Marshall A. Howe of Columbia University, for reading 
 the proof and for assistance in determining the pronunciation of 
 the scientific names. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 Introduction, iv. 
 
 Keys, vi. 
 
 Acknowledgements, x. 
 
 Text, i. 
 
 Numbered List 56. 
 
 Errata 59. 
 
 Glossary, 60. 
 
 Index, 74- 
 

 h 
 
 m 
 
 Mm 
 
 Soon 
 
 Explanation of Plate I. — a. Sphagnum squarrbsum Pers. 
 Fig. b, 5. acutifblium Ehrh. Fig. c, S. cymbifblium (Ehrh.) 
 Hedw. d, Capsules. 
 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS I 
 
 THE PEAT MOSSES 
 
 THE Peat Mosses (Plate I.) are so different from the other 
 mosses that many authors favor putting them in a separate 
 class. Their protonema is much like the prothallium of 
 the ferns, and the stalk on which the capsule is borne is in no way 
 homologous with the seta of other mosses. The structure of the 
 leaves is also very different from that of the other mosses. 
 
 Economically, the Peat Mosses are of more value than any 
 others. In many portions of Ireland and Scotland peat is almost 
 the only fuel supply of the peasantry. In the United States there 
 is an abundant supply of peat. Dana estimates that there are 
 15,000,000,000 cubic feet in Massachusetts alone. Cheaper and 
 more satisfactory fuels are so abundant that peat is little used in 
 this country. 
 
 Peat Mosses grow in and near water in swamps. They keep 
 growing at the top and dying below. Sticks, leaves and other 
 vegetable matter is washed in among the decaying stems. The 
 whole mass, being saturated with water, decays slowly, leaving a 
 black substance whose combustibility depends upon the purity of 
 the carbon. The " muck" of the farmers is an incomplete or an 
 impure peat. 
 
 Peat Mosses grow into small ponds from the margin and fre- 
 quently fill them entirely, forming quaking bogs. In other in- 
 stances there is a small black pool in the center of the bog, all that 
 remains of a much larger body of water that once occupied the 
 whole area now occupied by the bog. 
 
 These bogs are very treacherous, and men and animals not 
 infrequently perish through being engulfed in the black slimy 
 mud. There is some antiseptic property in this mud which pre- 
 serves animal and vegetable tissue for a long time. Huge logs 
 are often dug out of these swamps in a condition fit for excellent 
 lumber. In Ireland the body of a woman dressed in haircloth was 
 unearthed from under eleven feet of peat, where it must have lain 
 for centuries. 
 
 Peat Mosses absorb water very freely and serve to hold back 
 the water that falls during heavy storms, preventing floods, and 
 retaining the water until it is more needed. Because of this ab- 
 sorbent power these mosses are much used by tlorists for pack- 
 ing flowers. 
 
 These mosses are easily recognized by their light gray-green 
 color (sometimes pink or red at the top) and their peculiar shape, 
 which is well illustrated in the figures. 
 
 norm* library 
 
 fl. C. State College 
 
2 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 The Peat Mosses of Europe and America are the same in the 
 main. There are, according to recent continental authors, a great 
 number of species, which it requires all the trained ability of an 
 expert to recognize. But for our purposes there are two easily 
 recognized groups, each of which contains many so-called species. 
 
 The Spoon-leaved Peat Mosses, fig. c, c', c", are easily recog- 
 nized by their thick branches and their broad spoon-shaped leaves. 
 The Acute-leaved Peat Mosses are figured in a, a and b, b. Fig. 
 b represents the Acute-leaved Peat Moss, which is common in all 
 the peat bogs of Europe and America. It is often tinged at the 
 top with a bright red or crimson color. The Squarrose Peat Moss 
 is one of the Acute-leaved group, but is easily distinguished by 
 the spreading tips of the leaves, as indicated in fig. a, a. The 
 branches are much stouter than in the Acute-leaved Peat Moss 
 proper. 
 
 T 
 
 BUXBAUMIA* 
 
 HE drawings speak for themselves. No one who finds the 
 queer looking objects figured here will have any difficulty 
 in identifying them. 
 
 Buxbaumia is more 
 highly modified than al- 
 most any other moss. 
 Its leaves are few and 
 are clustered at the base 
 of the seta. They en- 
 tirely disappear before 
 the capsule ripens, so 
 that the mature plant 
 consists of 'only the seta 
 with a few rhizoids at 
 the base and the queer, 
 bug-like capsule. Mrs. 
 Britton calls the Buxbau- 
 mias "The Hump-backed 
 Elves." To the author 
 they look like bugs on a 
 stick. 
 
 The capsules are in the 
 Fig. i. a, a, two different views of Bux- , , ... . , 
 
 bautnia aphyllaX^h y two different views best condition late in 
 X4 . autumn or early winter. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 WEBERAf 
 
 MUCH more common than Buxbaumia and scarcely less in- 
 teresting, is the odd little Webera shown in figure 2. The 
 capsules have much the same one-sided tilt, but are less 
 irregular in outline and are partially incased in the fringed peri- 
 
 ch;ctial leaves. The capsule is 
 almost sessile, the seta being so 
 short as to be scarcely apparent. 
 The leaves are persistent and the 
 non-fruiting plants are frequently 
 so abundant as to make a broad 
 mat of dark green, dotted here 
 and there with the lighter colored 
 capsules. In looking for Webera 
 search for a moist bank where 
 there is little or no tall vegetation, 
 and which at a little distance ap- 
 pears dark green mottled with 
 white. (The white is a lichen that 
 is nearly always found with the 
 Webera). Webera is so common 
 and so easily recognized that every lover of mosses should be 
 able to collect it in his home locality. The capsules persist for a 
 long time, but July is a good time to collect this species. 
 
 t\Ve have but one species of Webera, IV. sdssilis (Schmid.) Lindb.— 
 Diphyscium folwsum of many authors. 
 
 Fig. 2. a 
 b, Leaves 
 leaves X 4 
 
 Webera sessilis X 4. 
 X 4- v, Perichaetial 
 d and e, Peristome 
 
 and operculum X 10. 
 
 *The species fierured is Buxbaumia aphylla L. The only other Eastern 
 species is /■>'. mdusiata Brid. The two are very much alike, but are sepa- 
 rated by Mrs. Britton, thus : 
 
 On earth; capsule red-brown, shining B aphylla. 
 
 On wood; capsule green or yellow, dull .... B.inausiata 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 GEORGIA* 
 
 THE botanists of preceding centuries were often under royal 
 patronage and frequently found it convenient to pay their 
 respects to kings and queens. Thus Georgia is named for 
 King George III. of England, and Catharinea for Empress 
 
 Catharine II. of Russia. 
 
 Georgia is very abundant on de- 
 cayed stumps in moist woods. On 
 the western end of Long Island where 
 decayed wood is scarce, it grows 
 luxuriantly on the banks of brooks in 
 swamps, the black peaty soil being 
 as rich in organic matter as decaying 
 wood. 
 
 The Flagellate Dicranum {Plate 4,c\ 
 which in New England grows almost 
 exclusively on decayed wood, on Long 
 Island has a habitat similar to that of 
 Georgia. This goes to prove that some 
 mosses growing on decayed wood are 
 true saprophytes, although their sap- 
 rophytism has not gone so far as to 
 enable the plants to dispense with chlorophyll. 
 
 Georgia has two characteristics that will serve to make its 
 identification easy. Its peristome consists of four long teeth 
 that are readily distinguishable under the lens. It is the only 
 moss with this number of teeth in the peristome (except a very 
 rare species known from only four localities in the United States, 
 and so small as to be difficult of observation). The other char- 
 acter is the possession of slender branches bearing cup-like 
 clusters of leaves. In this cluster of leaves are minute green 
 bodies, gemmse, which fall off and give rise to new plants in the 
 same way that the bulblets of Cystopteris give rise to that fern. 
 Georgia fruits very abundantly and the capsules persist for a 
 year or two, so that there is no difficulty in finding or identifying 
 it. The capsules are in the best condition late in autumn. 
 
 * Georgia pellucida (L.) Rabenh. Tetr aphis pellucida of many authors, 
 
 Fig. 3. a, Georgia pellucida 
 X 12. b. Gemmiferous branch 
 X 2. Capsule x 10. c, Peri- 
 stome X 20. 
 
Explanation of Plate II.— a. Fruiting Polytrichum com- 
 mune x i, dry. b, The same moist with the calyptra removed, 
 c, Leaf of the same X 10. d, Capsule of the same x 5- e, Capsule 
 of P. Ohioense X 5- f. Male plant of P. commune x i. g and 
 h, P.ptizferum, dry and wet, x i. o, Leaf of P. juniper inum 
 X io. 6, Portion of the same X 30. p, Leaf of P.piliferum X 10. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 5 
 
 THE HAIR-CAP MOSSES 
 
 THE Hair-Cap Mosses, called Bird Wheat in many localities, 
 are the largest and most highly developed of all our mosses, 
 and by reason of their size and common occurrence are 
 familiar objects to nearly every one. Many an old field and 
 meadow is carpeted with the dark rich green of the Common 
 Hair-cap. The farmer, however, votes it a pest, as it often 
 entirely supplants the grass over large areas of meadow. 
 
 The hairy cap that gives this genus of mosses its name is 
 composed of long hairs growing from a little scale-like body, the 
 calyptra proper, at the top of the capsule. 
 
 The Hair-caps, in common with most other mosses, are sub. 
 ject to great extremes of moisture and dryness, and their appear- 
 ance when dry is very different from what it is when moist, as 
 the leaves fold up against the stem to check the rapidity of evap- 
 oration. Some plants that do not produce a sporophyte end in a 
 rosette of highly modified leaves. These are the male plants, and 
 among the leaves of the rosette are numerous anthendia. The 
 male plants of many other dioicous mosses end in a similar rosette. 
 
 There are four common species of the Hair-caps, all having 
 square capsules. The Pogonatums are put with the Hair-caps by 
 some authors, but are readily distinguished by the cylindric cap- 
 sules. In other respects there is very little to distinguish the two 
 genera. 
 
 The Common Hair-cap is our largest moss, sometimes having 
 stems a foot long, although usually much smaller. It is one of 
 of the most widely distributed of plants, being found in all parts 
 of North America, in Europe and in Asia. It is also one of the 
 very few mosses put to some economic use. The Laplanders use 
 it to stuff pillows and beds. In England it is sometimes used for 
 brooms. 
 
 The leaves of the Common Hair-cap are very thick and strong, 
 with a thinner clasping base and serrate margins. The capsules 
 mature in June or early July. 
 
 The Ohio Hair-cap without the sporophyte (seta and capsule, 
 commonly called fruit) is not readily distinguished from the Com- 
 mon, as the leaves and general appearance are very similar. Hut 
 with the sporophyte present, the distinctions are clear. In figs, band 
 d, note that the capsule of the Common Hair-cap is almost cubical, 
 that the lid has a very short beak, and that the capsule is entirely 
 covered by the calyptra. The capsule of the < >hio I lair-cap (e) is 
 
6 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 elongated, slender with a tapering neck, and with a much longer 
 beak to the lid. The lid and the calyptra of the Ohio Hair -cap 
 fall early in June, very soon after the spores are ripe, and it is not 
 always easy to find either in position, but if the calyptra be found, 
 it will be seen to cover the upper portion of the capsule only. The 
 Common Hair-cap, although occurring in woods, is most common 
 in open fields; the Ohio Hair-cap being most frequent in shady, 
 more moist spots, often in deep woods. The remaining two spe- 
 cies are easily distinguished from the two mentioned above by the 
 margins of the leaves, which are thin and membranaceous, and 
 are folded in over the central portion of the leaf, as illustrated in 
 o, 6, and p. 
 
 The Juniper Hair-cap resembles the Common very closely in 
 general appearance and is commonly confused with it, as it grows 
 in similar but usually drier situations. It is, however, lighter in 
 color, and a glance at the upper surface of the leaves under a lens 
 will serve to distinguish it without the shadow of a doubt. Its 
 capsules mature about the same time as those of the Common 
 Hair-cap, or slightly earlier. 
 
 The Awned Hair-cap also has its leaves turned in at the 
 margin, but they differ in shape, as shown in the figure, and end 
 in long white awns. The entire plant is much smaller than any 
 of the other species, and grows in much drier places, the edges of 
 soil around ledges in rocky pastures being a favorite habitat. It 
 matures its capsules in June and July. I have found the Awned 
 Hair-cap on ledges next the bare rock, the Juniper Hair-cap a 
 little farther down but bordering on the Awned, and the Common 
 Hair-cap growing in moist depressions in the ledge partially filled 
 with soil. 
 
 Those who climb mountains will be sure to find a fifth species, 
 the Erect Hair-cap, which is very common in boggy places at an 
 elevation of 3,000 feet or more. It is closely related to the 
 Juniper Hair-cap, but can readily be distinguished by the more 
 slender, densely radiculose stems and the much smaller capsules. 
 
 Leaf margins serrate, not infolded, 2. 
 
 Leaf margins entire, thin and infolded, .....'.. 3. 
 2. Capsules cubical, beak short, Common Hair-cap, 
 
 {Polytr k hum commune L.). 
 
 Capsule much longer than broad, beak long, neck taper- 
 ing, Ohio Hair-cap {P. O/iioe'nse'R.. & C.) 
 
Explanation of Plate III. — a, Pogonatum tenue X 
 Leaf x 15. a", Capsule X 10. b, P. urnigerum X 2. b 
 X 10. c, P. alpinum x 2. c', Leaf X 10. c", Capsule X 
 
 2. a . 
 , Leaf 
 10 
 
. II II A II AND-: I 7 
 
 Plants of dry situations, small. Leaves with long white 
 awns, .... Awned Hair-cap (/>. pilifrrum Schrel>.) 
 
 Plants larger, leaves without white awns, 4. 
 
 Plants of lowlands without felted radicles 
 
 Juniper Hair-tap, (/'. ju>iip< ( rinitm Willd.). 
 
 Plants of alpine or suhalpine regions; steins covered with 
 a dense felt of radicles, Erect Hair-cap (/'. StrU (urn Banks). 
 
 THE POGONATUMS 
 
 THE Pogonatums differ from the Hair-caps mainly in the 
 cylindrical capsules, not square or angular in section. 
 The Slender Pogonatum is probably the most common 
 of our species. It grows on bare moist banks of clay or loam 
 where other plants have not yet obtained a foothold. The plants 
 do not grow close together as with most mosses, but singly and 
 scattered, the soil between them being covered with green felt- 
 like protonema. All mosses grow from just such green felt; the 
 spore germinates and grows into the protonema and a branch 
 of the protonema develops into the moss plant. After the 
 moss plant proper has developed, the protonema usually dis- 
 appears. In the Slender Pogonatum, however, the protonema 
 is persistent and plays an active part in the nutrition of the 
 plant, seeming to perform the function of leaves, for the leaves 
 on this plant are very few and short as compared with the 
 allied species. This is well illustrated by the figures, the 
 shaded upper portion of the leaf being the only part that con- 
 tains chlorophyll and therefore the only portion that performs 
 the functions of a leaf. These marked and interesting modifica- 
 tions may be due to the fact that this moss grows <>n freshly dis- 
 turbed earth and by this method is enabled to fruit befoi 
 competitors for the space are able to develop. The capsules 
 mature in late autumn. 
 
 In woods and shady places, especially in elevated regions, 
 
 the Alpine Pogonatum is common. It is a- ognized by 
 
 its larger size and longer curved capsule with long beaked oper- 
 culum. The leaves, also, are much longer and more slender. 
 Without the sporophyte the Alpine Pogonatum is most likely to 
 
 be mistaken for some of the Hair caps. Its capsules mature in 
 June or early July. 
 
 The Urn-like Pogonatum grows in woods and shady pi 
 
 ins. It is not uncommon and in some 
 localities may be even more common than either of the B] 
 
8 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 mentioned above. I, however, have met with it much less fre- 
 quently. It is at once distinguished from the Alpine Pogonatum 
 by its straight erect capsule, which is scarcely to be distinguished 
 from that of the Slender Pogonatum. It is usually smaller than 
 the Alpine Pogonatum and much larger than the Slender Pogo- 
 natum, but is so variable that this is not to be depended upon. 
 Its leaves, however, will serve to distinguish it readily from the 
 Slender Pogonatum when its size is deceptive. The capsules 
 mature in autumn. 
 
 Those who climb mountains will find on all alpine heights a 
 fourth species, the Hair-like Pogonatum. It has broad leaves 
 like those of the Urn-like Pogonatum, but they are much more 
 strongly curved when dry. It is also much smaller, with simple 
 unbranched stems and shorter capsules. 
 
 Capsule curved, long-beaked, Alpine Pogonatum, 
 
 . . . .... [Pogonatum alp\num (L.) Roehl.] 
 
 Capsule erect, straight, short-beaked, 2. 
 
 Plants small, unbranched 3. 
 
 Plants larger, branched and variously divided, 
 
 . Urn like Pogonatum [P. urnigerum (L.) Beauv.] 
 Alpine, growing close together; leaves numerous, 
 
 . Hair- like Pogonatum [P. capillare (Mx.) Brid.] 
 Plants of lowlands, growing scattered ; leaves few, . . 
 . Slender Pogonatum [P. tenue (Menzies) E. G. Britton.] 
 
 THE CATHARINEAS 
 
 THE Catharineas are very closely related to the Hair-caps, but 
 have the calyptra nearly bald. It is merely roughened 
 with a few vestigial hairs. 
 The Wavy Catharinea is one of the very common mosses, 
 occurring everywhere in eastern North America. It grows best 
 on moist shady banks of brooks. It can be easily recognized by 
 its long, slender, slightly curved capsules and leaves strongly 
 crisped when dry. 
 
 The Narrow-leaved Catharinea resembles the Wavy Cath- 
 arinea very closely, but grows in dryer, more sandy soil, and is 
 usually much smaller with narrower straighter capsules, as shown 
 in the cut. The only sure way to distinguish them is to mount 
 the leaves in water and study with the lens. The differences are 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LKNS 
 
 Fig-. 4. a, a, a, Catharinea undulata, wet and dry, Xa, and Capsule • 5. 
 b, Leaf ;■; 10. c, c, Capsule and leaf of C. angustata s and 10, respectively. 
 
 shown in the cut. Although the leaf of the Narrow-leaved Cath- 
 arinea is narrower, the midrib is much broader, constituting 
 one-third to one-quarter the breadth of the leaf. 
 
 The sporophyte of the Catharineas is in good condition from 
 late autumn to early spring. 
 
 In swampy places by brooks along the south shore of Long 
 Island, and probably along the coast of New Jersey, Connecticut. 
 and Rhode Island, the Crisped Catharinea is not infrequent. Its 
 leaves are twice as broad in proportion to their Length as those of 
 the Wavy Catharinea, and are not at all wavy when moist. The 
 capsule is very much shorter than in either of the other species 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 KEY. 
 
 Capsule 4:1; leaves not at all wavy on the margins when 
 
 moist, Crisped Catharinea, 
 
 {Catharinea cr v 'spa James). 
 
 Capsule 6-8 : 1 ; leaf margins wavy when moist, ... 2. 
 
 Midrib constituting A - T V of leaf, Wavy Catharinea. . . 
 . [C unduldta (L.) Web. & Mohr.] 
 
 Midrib constituting J, - } of leaf, Narrow-leaved Catha- 
 rinea, (C angustata Brid. ) . 
 
 T 
 
 FISSIDENS 
 
 HE genus Fissidens is most distinct and easily recognized, 
 but to recognize the species with certainty requires a com- 
 pound microscope and considerable experience in the study 
 
 of the genus. 
 
 The leaves of Fis- 
 sidens are in two 
 ranks on opposite 
 sides of the stem, 
 and as both ranks 
 lie in the same plane, 
 it gives the plants a 
 peculiar appearance 
 not possessed by any 
 other moss and re- 
 minding one strong- 
 ly of the Hepatics. 
 The leaves of Fissi- 
 dens have a very 
 peculiar structure, 
 the exact meaning 
 of which is still a 
 puzzle. If a small 
 plant be mounted in 
 water between two 
 glass slips and ex- 
 amined with the 
 lens, the basal por- 
 tion of the upper 
 margin will be seen 
 Fig..;. 1. Fruiting Fissiden s cristatu s (WilsO to be considerably 
 
 2. Capsule with calyptra removed. 3. Leaf and 
 
 portion of stem to which it is attached. 4. darker than the rest 
 
 Leaves, showing how they overlap each other , , . ,. . 
 
 and sheath the stem. ot tne ieai » as 1S 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS n 
 
 shown in Figs, i, and 3, a. This darker portion of the leaf is 
 double, being composed of two entirely separate layers. A 
 cross section through this portion of the leaf would have the 
 shape of a simple y, the two arms of the y being the section 
 through this double portion. 
 
 A few rare species of Fissidens grow in water, but most 
 grow on moist soil or rocks. Several species are so common that 
 they can be found in any locality. 
 
 A 
 
 THE WHITE MOSS 
 
 NY ONE accustomed to walk in the woods must have noticed 
 
 the grayish-white tufts of the White Moss, looking like 
 
 gigantic pincushions. 
 
 p~y This moss does not fruit freely, but by 
 
 searching in moist woods the sporophyte can 
 
 usually be found without a great deal of 
 
 trouble. It matures from September to 
 
 June. 
 
 The White Moss prefers moist or even 
 swampy woods, but is often found in drier 
 situations. The plants grow densely packed 
 together, those in the center continually elon- 
 gating and new plants being added around the 
 edges of the tuft. The White Moss resembles 
 the Peat Mosses in color, and the cushion-like 
 tufts take up and retain water in the same 
 
 FIG. 6. Lcucobryum 
 
 glaucum i. sponge-like way. 
 
 The common species of the White Moss is Leucobryum 
 glaiicum (L.) Sch. (L. vulgare Hampe). 
 
 THE DICRANUMS 
 
 THE Dicranums of our region are one of the most common 
 and beautiful elements in woodland scenery. They are. 
 for the most part, bright yellow-green and grow in wide 
 thick tufts or mats. The leaves are frequently more or less 
 secund, as though the wind had blown them all in one direction. 
 Most Dicranums mature their spores in autumn, but more 
 observations are needed to give dates for each species. 
 
12 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 Fig. 7. a, Dicranum scoparium X 1. a, 
 Capsule X s- b, -#• fuscescens X 1. b'. Cap- 
 sule and calyptra x 5. 
 
 There are eighteen or 
 twenty species of Dicra- 
 num within our range, 
 but of these only six are 
 common or easy enough 
 of recognition to warrant 
 treatment here. These 
 six are best treated in 
 three groups. The first 
 group contains two spe- 
 cies with single curved 
 capsules, the Broom 
 Moss ( Die ran urn sco- 
 parium (L.) Hedw.) and 
 the Fuscous Dicranum 
 (D.fuscescens Turn.) 
 
 The second group con- 
 tains two species with 
 clustered curved cap- 
 sules, the Wavy Dicranum (D. undulatum Ehrh.) and Drum- 
 mond's Dicranum {D. Drummdndii C. Muell.) 
 
 The third group, two species with single erect straight cap- 
 sules, the Flagellate Dicranum (D. flagellar e Hedw.), and the 
 Fulvous Dicranum (D. fulvum Hook.) The capsules of the 
 former are often as erect and straight as those of the latter, 
 although not so represented in the plate. 
 
 The distinctions between the Broom Moss and the Fuscous 
 Dicranum are well brought out in the figures. The Broom Moss 
 grows on decayed wood, but more frequently on soil, stones, and 
 roots of trees. The plants are larger, with leaves secund but not 
 crisped when dry ; capsules longer, more slender and not furrowed 
 when dry. The Fuscous Dicranum grows on rotten wood ; the 
 plants are smaller and finer, with leaves crisped when dry ; the 
 capsules shorter and furrowed when dry. The Broom Moss gets 
 its name from its resemblance in miniature to a hair broom or 
 counter brush. It is often used by florists to form banks of green 
 in show windows. It is much more common than the Fuscous 
 Dicranum and is found everywhere throughout our range. 
 
 The Wavy Dicranum is the largest and most beautiful of our 
 species, and while common, does not fruit freely in most locali- 
 ties. It grows on the ground and rocks in woods; its leaves are 
 secund but have a beautiful silky gloss, due in part to their being 
 
Explanation of Plate IV.— a, Dicranum undu latum x e. 
 a', Leaf x 8. b, D. Drummondii xi. b', Leaf x S. c, D.Jiagel- 
 lare X2. c', Leaf x 10. d, Flagella X ro. e, D. fulvum X 2. 
 e', Leaf and capsule x 10. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND- LENS 1 3 
 
 very strongly wavy. Drummond's Dicranum grows on rotten 
 wood ; its leaves are somewhat secund and are very strongly 
 crisped when dry, also very slightly wavy; they are much more 
 slender pointed than in the Wavy Dicranum. The capsules of 
 the two species are very much alike. 
 
 The Flagellate and Fulvous Dicranums need never be con- 
 fused, for the former grows on rotten wood or peaty banks, while 
 the latter always grows on rocks. The Flagellate Dicranum has 
 slender branchlets (flagella), with minute leaves, which give it 
 its name. The Fulvous Dicranum lacks these flagella and is 
 usually somewhat brownish-fulvous in color. Its leaves are much 
 longer, with a very broad thick midrib. The differences in the 
 leaves are best seen by mounting them as for the compound 
 microscope. 
 
 DICRANELLA 
 
 THE Common Dicranella [D. heteromdlla (L.) Schimp. J looks 
 like a little Dicranum, as its name would imply. It is fre- 
 quent on moist shady banks in regions somewhat removed 
 from the coast. Near the coast, particularly in the southern por- 
 tion of our range, 
 •c-^f^ the variety with 
 
 straight capsules 
 (var. ort/iocarpa 
 Hedw. ) is common 
 i n rathe r dry 
 sandy soil. The 
 species is rather 
 taller with the 
 capsules some- 
 what longer and 
 more oblique, and 
 slightly f urr o w ed 
 when dry. Both 
 forms mature 
 the capsules in 
 autumn. 
 
 Fig. 8. Dicranella keteromalla orthocarpa 
 
 b, Capsule of the same 
 D. keteromalla. 
 
 X 10. c, Dry capsules of 
 
14 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 CERATODON 
 
 CERATODON is one of the commonest of all our mosses. 
 It is found on the edges of paths, roofs of old buildings, 
 sand by the sea shore, and in general any barren compact 
 soil is its favorite habitat. The plants are short and grow close 
 
 together, forming dense 
 thin mats of dark green. 
 The lance-like young 
 sporophytes appear 
 early in spring as soon 
 as the snow is melted. 
 By the middle of the 
 summer the capsules 
 often decay beyond 
 recognition and the 
 seta breaks from the 
 plant at the touch. 
 
 Unless one has be- 
 come very familiar 
 with Ceratodon it is 
 not always easy to 
 recognize it without 
 mature capsules. When 
 the capsules have fully 
 matured they shrink 
 when dry and become furrowed. This peculiar furrowing and the 
 dark rich color of the capsules, a color called purple by the older 
 botanists but which is really a very dark chestnut or red-brown, 
 make it easy to recognize this species [Ceratodon purpkreus (L ) 
 Brid.] 
 
 Gymnocybe has a capsule furrowed in a similar manner, but 
 it is easily distinguished by the characters noted under the de- 
 scription of that genus. 
 
 Fig. q. Ceratodon purpurens X 2. 
 calyptra, and capsule X 10. 
 
 Leaves, 
 
u 1 I ll A HAND-] i • 
 
 
 THE DITRICHUMS* 
 
 THE Dark Ditrichum \D. vdginans (Sulliv ) Hampe] has a 
 habitat very similar to that of CeratodoD and at hist sight 
 might be confused with it. The capsules are much the 
 same color and somewhat furrowed, hut it is smaller with more 
 
 Fig. 10 a, b, and c, Ditrichum pallid um, : ■axinans and tortile, 
 repectively, X a. d, Capsule of D. pallidum 2>>. e, Capsuli 
 D. vaginans X 10. f, Capsule of /). tort He 
 
 erect symmetric capsules that have much less conspicuous furrows 
 when dry. It matures its spores late in autumn, which of itself 
 will be sufficient readily to distinguish it from Ceratodon. It is 
 not frequent in the more nothern portion of our range 
 
 The Brown Ditrichum | D. tdrtile (Schrad ) Hampe] is fre- 
 quent throughout in moist sandy or gravelly soil by roadside 
 in old fields. It is closely related to the Dark Ditrichum. but is 
 smaller, with light brown capsules which mature at about the 
 same time and are smooth when dry. 
 
 The Yellow Ditrichum \D. pallidum (Schreb.) Hampe] is 
 more abundant southwards ami in the lowlands, and is much 
 larger than the other two species. It is easily recognized by its 
 bright yellow seta and unsymnictric capsules, which mature in 
 winter. It is most frequent in dry sandy soil. 
 
 * Ditrichum Timm. Leptotrickum Hampe. 
 
16 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 THE LONG-NECKED MOSS 
 
 THE Long-necked Moss is so odd in appearance that it will 
 need little description. It is not common but will be met 
 with occasionally in rather dry soil in copses and old fields 
 where the grass is thin. Besides the long neck, the bright yellow 
 setee. closely resembling those of the Yellow Ditrichum, are an 
 r j ^ ^-r— additional aid in identification. The cap- 
 
 sules mature in summer. 
 
 Fig. ii. Trematodon a?n- 
 biguus x i, and capsule 
 
 xs- 
 
 Besides the Long-necked Moss de- 
 scribed above [Trematodon ambfguus 
 (Hedw.) Hornsch.] there is another 
 species ( T. longicollis) that may be 
 found in the southern portion of our 
 range. 
 
 D 
 
 PLEURIDIUM 
 
 The Common Pleuridium [P. subulatum (L.) Rabenh.] 
 
 OWN among the tufts of 
 grass in dry and sandy 
 fields in early spring, one 
 can find soft silky tufts of green 
 containing innumerable little 
 green spheres like emerald dew 
 drops. These green spheres are 
 the capsules nestling among the 
 leaves because of the shortness of 
 the setae. 
 
 The drawing can give no idea 
 of the beauty of a dense tuft sev- 
 eral inches square, fresh from the 
 fields, wet with the spring snows 
 and rains. 
 
 This moss is common in sandy 
 localities near the coast, but much 
 uYf less frequent inland. 
 
 There is another similar species 
 that may be met with, but which 
 
 Fig. „. Pleuridium subulatum one wiU need a compound micro- 
 X 10, and leaf x 20. scope to distinguish, 
 
MOSSES \\ II II A HAND-] ENS 
 
 THE GRIMMIA FAMILY 
 
 i; 
 
 THE Grimmias and their allies constitute a large family of 
 mosses characterized by their very dark color, setae 
 so short that the capsule is often not exserted, and by 
 other characters that are microscopic. They are blackish, or 
 brownish green, sometimes hoary by reason of the colorless leaf 
 apices. They grow almost exclusively on stones and bark of 
 living trees. Some are aquatic, growing on stones in swift brooks, 
 but most grow in dry situations, during a dry period becoming so 
 dry and brittle as to crumble in the fingers, but taking advantage 
 of every rain to start up their growth with renewed energy. 
 
 Some of the most common and conspicuous members of this 
 family are Hedwigia, Drummondia, Weissia, Grimmia, and 
 Orthotrichum. The last two are too difficult to treat here. 
 
 DRUMMONDIA 
 
 Fig. 15. Drummondia prorefens. 
 
 a x'i. b x 10. c, Calyptra • 10. d, 
 Empty capsule ;•; 10. 
 
 DRUMMONDIA is a com- 
 mon moss of the Grim- 
 mia family. It always 
 grows on the bark of trees, but 
 is easily distinguished from its 
 tree-growing allies by three 
 characters: Its steins arc long 
 and closely applied to the bark 
 of the tree, sending out short 
 horizontal branchlets so thickly 
 that the stems below become 
 apparent only when the plant 
 is removed. The capsule is on 
 a long seta, and the calyptra is 
 cucullate. 
 
 Drummondia is named for 
 
 Drummond, one of the earliest 
 collectors of American mosses. 
 Our only species is A pror}- 
 pens (Hedw.) E. G. Britton. 
 {/>. clave I lata Hook). 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 HEDWIGIA 
 
 is named for Hedwig, one of the best bryologists of the eighteenth 
 century. 
 
 
 S:V¥i 
 
 i 
 
 mirm If 
 
 J 
 
 -5\, 
 
 ¥ 
 
 Mkr 
 
 Fig. 14. Hedivigia albicans, a, x 1, wet and dry. b, Capsule with a 
 portion of the perichaetial leaves removed X 10. c, Branches, dry and wet, 
 X 5. d, Leaves X 10. 
 
 It is common on boulders, ledges, stone walls, and dry 
 exposed places. The plants vary a great deal in size, but in gen- 
 eral have much longer stems and branches than their relatives, 
 besides being much the most common of all the family. 
 
 The lower part of the plant is brown or black, the upper 
 green, with a tinge of gray due to the colorless tips of the 
 leaves. The capsules are entirely concealed in the longer 
 more slender perichaetial leaves, and the only indication of their 
 presence is a slight enlargement of the ends of some of the 
 
MOSSES Willi A HAND-LENS 19 
 
 branches. The capsules are almost spherical, with a clear-cut 
 lid and no peristome; they mature in spring. 
 
 An attempt has been made to illustrate the remarkable trans- 
 formation that these plants undergo when moistened, but no 
 drawing can do justice to the magic of the change. 
 
 Our only species is H. dlbicans (Web.) Lindb. {H. ciliata 
 Ehrh.) 
 
 WEISSIA 
 
 THE Weissias have the characteristic brownish-green or black- 
 ish-green color of the Grimmia family. They are distin- 
 guished from all save Orthotrichum by the hairy calyptra. 
 
 Both Orthotrichum and Weissia grow on the bark of trees or 
 more rarely on rocks, in cushions of varying size and thickness. 
 The Weissias growing on trees usually grow in more rounded tufts 
 with the leaves more crisped when dry than is usual with Orthot- 
 richum growing in similar situations. The books all say that the 
 hairs on the calyptra of Weissia are flexuous, and those on Orthot- 
 richum straight, but this distinction appears to be rather too line 
 for the amateur to profit by it. The capsules in both genera are 
 erect and symmetric and quite regularly striate when dry with 
 eight or sixteen ridges and as many alternating furrows. These 
 ridges consist of cells larger, darker, and thicker- walled than the 
 alternating tissue. The seta in Orthotrichum is so short that the 
 capsule is nearly always partially immersed; in Weissia the seta 
 is long enough to exsert the capsule entirely beyond the perichse- 
 tial leaves. 
 
 Orthotrichum is a very large and difficult genus, and cannot 
 be successfully treated in a book of this kind. Weissia is a small 
 genus whose species are easily recognizable without any lens 
 whatever. 
 
 The Puckered Weissia has pear-shaped capsules, abruptly 
 narrowed to the very small mouth ; the ridges and furrows extend 
 only a short distance around the mouth of the capsule, giving it 
 the peculiar and characteristic appearance shown in the cut. 
 
 The capsules of the Crisped Weissia have a much larger mouth 
 and are striate for the entire length. The seta is shorter, the color 
 is lighter, and the tufts are rather thicker than in the Puckered 
 Weissia. In a not uncommon variety of the Crisped Weissia the 
 capsule is much shorter and is suddenly contracted into a neck. 
 
20 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND LENS 
 
 Fig. 15. a, a, Weissia ulophylla X 4 and X 1 respectively, b, b\ Cap- 
 sules of the same X 20. c, Young sporophyte with calyptra X 20. d, d\ 
 Weissia coarctata X 4 and X 1 respectively, e, Capsule X 20. f, Calyptra 
 of mature capsule X 21. 
 
 narrow and much twisted when dry. These two species grow 
 exclusively on trees ; the third, the American Weissia, grows exclu- 
 sively on rocks. Its leaves are rigid when dry like those of Orthot- 
 richum, not crisped as in the two tree-growing species; the cap- 
 sules very closely resemble those of the Crisped Weissia. 
 
 All three of the Weissias are common in the hilly regions of 
 our range. They mature their capsules in autumn or early win- 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 21 
 
 ter, but apart from the calyptra are more characteristic when dry 
 and empty. The tree-growing species furnish good collecting for 
 winter and early spring, when most other mosses are buried under 
 the snow. 
 
 Wkissia EirRii.=Ulota Mohr. 
 
 The Puckered Weissia= IV. coarctata (Beauv. ) Lindb.= Ulota 
 
 Ludwigii Brid. 
 The Crisped W.= IV. ulophylla Ehrh = Ulota crispa Brid. 
 
 The variety = W. ulophylla crispula{ Bruch) Hammar 
 
 = Ulota crispula Brid. 
 The American Weissia= IV. Americana (Beauv.) \Andb.= Ulota 
 
 HutchinsicE Schimp. 
 
 SPLACHNUM 
 
 THE odd looking moss represented in Fig. 16 is not very com- 
 mon and will not be found readily by most students. It is 
 so striking in appearance that no one can fail to recognize 
 it. The spores are borne in the slender upper portion ; the swollen 
 
 and colored lower portion is 
 the neck of the capsule, 
 which is covered with stom- 
 ata and filled with loose 
 tissue suitable for the as- 
 similation of carbon dioxide. 
 When dry, this portion be- 
 comes irregularly shrunken 
 in a manner very difficult to 
 represent in a drawing. 
 
 Fig. 16. Splachnum ampuUaceum. leaf 
 
 X io; capsule, ripe and unripe. ■ 5. (The 
 plant and capsules represented are 
 rather small, as they are often found of 
 twice this si/.e 1. 
 
 There are several species 
 of Splachnum, but the only 
 one likely to be found is 
 S. ampuUaceum L. 
 
 There are several other 
 rare mosses of the Splach- 
 num Family, all remarkable 
 for the swollen neck (much 
 less conspicuous than in 
 Splachnum, however), and 
 for growing on animal ex- 
 creta or decaying animal 
 tissue. 
 
22 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 THE CORD MOSS 
 
 THE Cord Moss \Funhrza hygromttrica (L.) Sibth.] is so 
 called because of the twisted seta, which is very hygro- 
 scopic and untwists when moist. Its Latin name, Funaria, 
 is derived from fum's, a rope. This twisting of the seta is not 
 
 peculiar to this 
 moss, however, 
 but is a very 
 common thing 
 in nearly all 
 moss families. 
 
 The Cord 
 Moss is to be 
 found every- 
 where, being 
 especially 
 abundant i n 
 waste places 
 and on soil re- 
 cently burned 
 over. I have 
 seen it com- 
 pletely cover 
 the soil i n a n 
 old strawberry 
 bed. When 
 mature it is 
 easily recog- 
 nized by the 
 peculiar look- 
 ing curved capsule with its mouth on one side. When immature 
 it is much harder to recognize, because the capsule is erect and 
 nearly symmetric and the calyptra has not assumed the charac- 
 teristic position indicated in the figures. 
 
 This moss has perhaps been given a more careful study than 
 any other species; it is described in nearly every text book on 
 botany. There are several other species in the United States, 
 but this is the only one commonly found. The capsules mature 
 early in June. 
 
 Fig. 17. Funaria hygrometrica X 2, with capsules 
 of various ages and degrees of magnification. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 23 
 
 THE URN MOSS 
 
 THE Urn Moss is common on earth in conservatories, by road- 
 sides and in old fields. It is abundant in moist places by 
 paths in the parks of Greater New York. It must be col- 
 lected in May to get the calyptra in position. 
 
 Although a very near 
 relative of the Cord Moss, 
 it entirely lacks the peri- 
 stome which is so con- 
 spicuous in that species. 
 A much rarer moss, 
 Pottia, may be found 
 and confused with the 
 Urn Moss, which it close- 
 ly resembles. Pottia, 
 however, is smaller, ma- 
 tures its capsules in win- 
 ter, and under a lens will 
 be seen to have the mid- 
 rib excurrent instead of 
 ending below the apex of 
 the leaf, as in the Urn 
 Moss. 
 
 There are several spe- 
 cies of the Urn Moss, 
 but the one figured [Physcomitrium turbin&tutn (Mx.) Brid.] is 
 much the most common and most likely to be met with. 
 
 Fig 1 
 capsule 
 
 Physcomitrium turbinatum 
 
 15- 
 
 THE BRYUMS 
 
 BRYUM is perhaps the most difficult and troublesome of all 
 the genera of mosses. The genus is large (500 species, 
 195 in Europe and America), and the distinctions between 
 the species are often few and difficult to observe. There are, how- 
 ever, two species that can be recognized readily by anybody. 
 
 The Silvery Bryum ( />'. arginteum L.) grows everywhere at 
 almost all altitudes. It is specially fond of dry compact soil in 
 sandy fields and waste places. It grows abundantly in paths and 
 between the bricks of sidewalks in towns and cities. 
 
 When fully grown it is a bright silvery gray, due to the fact 
 that the leaves are white and without chlorophyll when old. The 
 
24 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 Fig. 19. Bryum 
 X 10 ; capsule X 20. 
 
 argenteum X 4; branch 
 
 young plants are green 
 and may easily be mis- 
 taken for something 
 else. The leaves end in 
 a slender bristle and are 
 crowded and closely 
 overlapping, making the 
 stems and branches 
 prettily julaceous. 
 
 The capsules mature 
 in autumn, but can be 
 found in recognizable 
 condition at almost any 
 season. When fully 
 mature the seta and 
 capules are dark red. 
 
 The Giant Bryum [B. proliferum (L.) Sibth.] is the largest 
 and showiest of 
 all our species, 
 and, when moist 
 and fully ex- 
 panded, is a 
 striking object 
 in any situa- 
 tion. The stems 
 spring from 
 stolons and are 
 nearly leafless 
 except at the 
 summit, where 
 the very large 
 leaves form a 
 rosette. Under 
 favorable cir- 
 cumstances it 
 forms large 
 mats on old rot- 
 ten logs or at 
 the base of trees 
 in rich peaty soil. 
 America or England, but reproduces freely by its stolons. 
 
 Bryum proliferum X 1 ; leaf and cap- 
 
 Although common, it seldom fruits in either 
 
 flWlJUl USURY 
 
 * C * f fege 
 
MOSSKS WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 25 
 
 THE LONG-NECKED BRYUM 
 
 r 
 
 HE Long-necked 
 Bryum [Lefttt>/>- 
 ryum Pyrif<>r)ne 
 (L.) Wils. ] is closely al- 
 lied to the true Bryums. 
 although placed in an- 
 other genus. It is easily 
 recognized by its long- 
 necked capsule and slen- 
 der hair-like leaves. 
 
 It is rather rare, grow- 
 ing on moist shaded cliffs 
 and on rocks near water. 
 The capsules mature in 
 June and July. 
 
 Some species of Pohlia, 
 an allied and difficult genus, have very long-necked capsules, but 
 the leaves are so much wider, that there is no need of confusing 
 them with the Long-necked Bryum. 
 
 Fig. 21. Leptobryum pyriforme X 
 and capsule X 10. 
 
 leaf 
 
26 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 THE BARTRAMIAS 
 
 THE Bartramias grow in moist niches in cliffs and on moist 
 shady banks, looking much like tufts of green wool. The 
 characteristic thing about them is their capsules, which 
 are globular and somewhat unsymmetric when moist, but dry 
 
 Fig. 22. a, Bartramia pomiformis X i. b, B. Oederi X i. c. Capsule of 
 B.pomiformis X 10, and e, Mouth of same with operculum, d, Capsule of 
 B. Oederi X 10. f and g, Leaves of B. pomiformis and B. Oederi respec- 
 tively, X 10. 
 
 with regular folds and alternate ridges. When very dry the body 
 of the capsule becomes so shrunken as to be smaller than the 
 mouth of the capsule itself. 
 
 We have two species, the Long-leaved Bartramia or Apple 
 Moss [B. pomiformis (L. ) Hedw.], easily distinguished by its 
 longer leaves and larger capsnle from the Short-leaved Bartramia 
 [B. Oederi (Gunn.) Svvartz]. The leaves of the Long-leaved 
 Bartramia are also much more contorted or crisped when dry. It 
 is common throughout our range whenever the country affords 
 a suitable habitat, but the Short-leaved Bartramia is rather rare. 
 The difference between the species is so marked that they cannot 
 be confused. 
 
 Both species mature their capsules in spring; the Long- 
 leaved Bartramia in April or early May, and the Short-leaved 
 two or three weeks later. 
 
MOSSES \\ mi A HAND- LENS 
 
 27 
 
 PHILONOTIS 
 
 THK only species of Philonotis likely to be met with [P. /on- 
 tana (L. ) Brid.] is very common where water drips or 
 runs in shallow streams over rocks. When in fruit it may 
 be mistaken for a Bartramia on account of the similarity of the 
 
 capsules. The cap- 
 sules of Philonotis, 
 however, have a pro- 
 tuberance on the lower 
 side that is entirely 
 lacking in Bartramia. 
 Philonotis grows in 
 much wetter places, 
 has much longer more 
 slender stems that are 
 often fasciculately 
 branching at the top ; 
 shorter, more acute 
 leaves, and is dioic- 
 ous. The male heads 
 are conspicuous ob- 
 jects among the fruit- 
 ing plants, though sel- 
 dom appearing in ster- 
 ile mats. Although 
 Philonotis is common, 
 the sporophyte is infre- 
 quent. The capsules 
 mature in May or June. 
 
 Fig. 23. Philonotis fort tana 
 capsule, and male head to. 
 
 leaf, 
 
 GYMNOCYBE 
 
 THE Common *Gymnocybe is very abundant m swamps and 
 wetshaded hollows. It is rather lighter in color than most 
 of the accompanying mosses. When in fruit it is readily 
 distinguished by its capsules, deeply furrowed when dry. Prom 
 the figures the capsules might possibly be confused with those of 
 
 Gymndcybe paliistris 1 1..) Fries. Aulacomnium palustre Schwai 
 
28 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 Ceratodon, but they are much longer and much lighter colored 
 (yellow-brown). The plants are several times as large as those 
 of Ceratodon, often reaching a height of two or three inches. 
 Note also the difference in habitat. 
 
 Fig. 24. Gymnocybe f>alustris X 10; capsules X 10; pseudopodia x 4. 
 
 When not in fruit, Gymnocybe frequently bears on the end 
 of the stem a number of long slender pseudopodia, which, when 
 young, bear clusters of gemmae at their ends. These gemma 1 
 serve to reproduce the plant asexually and may account for the 
 rather infrequent appearance of the sporophyte. 
 
 The capsules mature in early summer. 
 
■^r-~% 3 
 
 $**&** 
 
 Explanation of Plate V. — a, Mnium affine ciliare X i. 
 b, Leaf X 4- c. Leaf x 10. d, M. sylvaticutn X i. e, Leaves of 
 different shapes x 10. f, Capsule x 10. g, M. Drummondi x I. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 2Q 
 
 THE MNIUMS 
 
 THE Mniums are closely related to the Bryums, but in habit 
 and general appearance are different enough so that they 
 can usually be distinguished without difficulty. As a rule, 
 the plants are larger and broader. The Giant Bryum, however, 
 looks very much like the Mniums. 
 
 There are numerous species of Mnium, many of them com- 
 mon. We have about six that are common enough and suffi- 
 ciently well characterized to warrant description here. 
 
 One of the first signs of vegetable life in early spring is the 
 array of upright green sporophytes of the Woodsy Mnium, which 
 is common in lawns and parks in moist shady corners, and is 
 to be found abundantly in moist woods everywhere, growing, 
 sometimes on the soil, sometimes on rotten wood. The capsules 
 mature in May, but can be found in recognizable condition until 
 August. 
 
 The Toothed Mnium closely resembles the Woodsy Mnium 
 in many respects, but is easily distinguished by the leaves. The 
 leaves of the Toothed Mnium are serrate with very long and 
 slender teeth, which extend to the base of the leaf. In the 
 Woodsy Mnium the leaves are serrate with shorter teeth that do 
 not extend much below the middle of the leaf. Until one has 
 had some practice, it may be necessary to mount the leaves in 
 order to see the serration plainly. No reliance should be placed 
 on the shape of the leaves in distinguishing these two species, as 
 the leaves vary greatly in shape in different plants and on differ- 
 ent parts of the same plant. 
 
 Drummond's Mnium is a very large single-toothed species, 
 not uncommon on moist rocky banks of brooks. It nearly always 
 produces several capsules from each fruiting plant. 
 
 The-Red mouthed Mnium is a fourth species somewhat re- 
 sembling the Woodsy Mnium and growing in similar situations, 
 but less common and usually growing in woods. The peristome 
 is a very bright red, and after the operculum has fallen it makes 
 a very conspicuous red band about the mouth of the capsule. If 
 the leaves of the Red-mouthed Mnium be carefully studied, the 
 teeth on the margins will be seen to be in pairs. To see this 
 with a hand-lens requires considerable care, as the teeth are 
 small and hide one another. The capsules mature at least two 
 weeks later than those of the Woodsy Mnium. 
 
30 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 There are several species of these double-toothed Mniums, 
 but the only other one readily recognizable with a simple lens is 
 the Long-leaved Mnium, whose leaves are proportionately much 
 longer and narrower, with the costa ending below the apex. It is 
 dioicous and the disc-like male heads are an additional aid in 
 identification. This species is more abundant southwards and is 
 frequent around New York City in shaded springy places, but is 
 not always easy to obtain in fruit. 
 
 The Early Mnium grows on moist stones in the bed of brooks. 
 It matures its capsules in April, long before any other species. 
 It is at once recognized by its entire obovate leaves and beaked 
 operculum. 
 
 The Large-leaved Mnium is said to be merely a variety of 
 the Early Mnium growing in the mud in swampy places. It is 
 often much larger than the figure, sometimes having leaves half 
 an inch long. The leaf cells are so large as easily to be seen 
 with a lens and in some cases with the naked eye of a trained 
 observer. 
 
 KEY. 
 
 i. Leaves entire, 2. 
 
 Leaves serrate, 3. 
 
 2. Growing on rocks in the bed of brooks 
 
 Early Mnium (M. punctatum L. ) 
 
 Growing on soil in shaded swampy places, .... 
 
 Large-leaved Mnium (A/, punctatum elatuin Schimp. ) 
 
 3. Capsules clustered, 
 
 . Drum mond's Mnium (M. Drinnmondii B. & S. ) 
 Capsules single 4. 
 
 4. Leaves serrate to base, 
 
 Toothed Mnium \M. affine ciliare (Grev.J C. M._] 
 Base of leaves entire, 5. 
 
 5. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, 5:1, 
 
 ..... Long-leaved Mnium (M. hdrnutn L.) 
 Leaves oblong, rounded, or obovate, 6. 
 
 6. Mouth of capsule red, 
 
 Red mouthed Mnium (Af. spinulosum B. & S. ) 
 
 Mouth of capsule not red, 
 
 Woodsy Mnium (Af. sylvdticum Lindb.=J/. cuspidd- 
 tum Hedw. ) 
 
Explanation of Plate VI.— a, M. punctatum x i. b, Cap- 
 sule and operculum x 10. c, Leaf x a d, Var. e latum 
 e, Leaf of var. elatum x 4- f, Leaf of M. spinulosum x 20. 
 g and h, Apex and margin of same x 40. o, Leaf of M. hornum 
 X 10. p, Apex of the same ■ \o, 
 
MOSSES WITH A IIANH-LKN 
 
 ANOMODON 
 
 THE bases of trees in cool moist woods frequently wear an 
 apron of dark green, extending from the roots to three or 
 four feet above the ground and often entirely encircling the 
 trunk. This "apron " is usually composed of one or more species 
 
 of Anomodon, often mixed with 
 an Hepatic (Porella). The 
 mats of Anomodon are quite 
 thick and are composed of a 
 network of nearly leafless stems, 
 growing close to the bark and 
 sending out the crowded 
 branches that compose the 
 " pile " of the mat. TheAnomo- 
 dons are nearly all rather large 
 coarse mosses with the sporo- 
 phy te arising from the branches. 
 The capsules are conic-cylin- 
 drical, straight, and erect. 
 
 Some species of Leskeagrow 
 in similar situations and have a 
 very similar sporophyte, but 
 the Leskeas are much smaller, 
 do not produce such dense 
 mats, and the spofophyte arises 
 from the stem. 
 
 There are three species of 
 Anomodon growing on trees as 
 described above: The Com- 
 mon Anomodon (A. apiculatus B. & S. ), the Blunt-leaved 
 Anomodon [ A. minor(P. Beauv.) Fuern.=-. / obtusifolius B. & S. | , 
 and the Slender Anomodon [A. attenuatus (Schreb.) Hueben. ]. 
 The Common Anomodon and the Blunt-leaved Anomodon re- 
 semble each other so closely that it is not easy to distinguish 
 them without a compound microscope. Both have simple blunt 
 branches and grow almost exclusively on trees. The Slender 
 Anomodon grows freely on rocks as well as on trees, its branches 
 are slender and tapering, and freely branched. It almost never 
 fruits. 
 
 There are several other rock-growing species too difficult for 
 treatment here. 
 
 Fig. 25. a, . Xnomodon apiculatus 
 X 2. b, Capsules X .10. c. Leaf 
 X 10. d, Branch of .-/. attcnuatits y 
 moist, X 2. 
 
32 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 THELIA 
 
 THE Common Thelia {Thelia hirtella (Hedw.) Sulliv.] is 
 very common in the southern and coastwise portion of our 
 range. It grows almost exclusively on the bark of stumps 
 and the bases of trees. It forms thin closely adherent mats, 
 
 easily recognized by their 
 whitish-green color, erect 
 symmetric capsules with 
 whitish peristome, jula- 
 ceous branches, and con- 
 cave suborbicular leaves. 
 The capsules mature in 
 autumn. 
 
 Thelia as pre 1 1 a 
 (Schimp. ) Sulliv. has a 
 range and habitat very 
 similar to that of T. hir- 
 tella, but is even lighter 
 in color; when fresh, 
 light glaucous -green. 
 T. Lescurii Sulliv. is 
 very similar to the above 
 named species but grows in rather dry soil. It is confined to 
 the more southern coast regions; northern limit, Connecticut. 
 It rarely produces capsules, while the other species fruit freely. 
 
 X 20. 
 
 26. Thelia hirtella 
 
i Will! A HAND-LENS 
 
 33 
 
 
 THE FERN MOSSES 
 
 THE Fern Mosses ( Thuldium) have been noted by every lover 
 of out-of-door life because of their delicate and beautiful 
 fern-like form. The branches are given off very regularly 
 like the pinnae of a fern, and the branches themselves often give 
 
 off branchlets as regularly as the 
 pinna of a fern is divided into 
 pinnules. 
 
 The Common Fern Moss [ T. 
 delicdtulum (L.) Mitt] grows in 
 damp shady places over stones and 
 earth, rotten logs and the like. It 
 is very regularly twice or even 
 thrice pinnate. It grows abun- 
 dantly in suitable situations 
 throughout our range, but pro- 
 duces capsules rather sparingly. 
 These mature in early autumn 
 and are very large, much curved, 
 and are borne on long stout setae. 
 The perichaetial leaves bear long 
 cilia along their upper margins. 
 This is the only character by 
 which this species can be dis- 
 tinguished readily from another 
 closely related species [ T. r< 
 nit urn (Hedw. ) Lindb.], which is also a common plant. 
 
 Growing on the bark of trees are several smaller species that 
 are usually only once pinnate. The Smaller Fern Moss [ T. scltum 
 (Beauv.) Aust] is the one most likely to be met with, especially 
 in the northern portion of our range. The capsules, besides 
 being much smaller, are only slightly cernuous and are nearly 
 symmetric. The capsules mature in autumn. 
 
 Another simply pinnate species that is common is the Wiry- 
 Fern Moss [ T. abietlnum (L. ) B. & S. |. This moss is most fre- 
 quently found in dry sterile places on the ground among the grass, 
 and on ledges. It varies considerably in appearance according to 
 habitat and its immediate condition as to moisture. Usually it is 
 very evenly and regularly pinnate. Though frequent, it is very 
 rarely found fruiting in our latitude. Mr. R. S. Williams, how- 
 ever, found it fruiting freely in Alaska. Mr. Williams also re- 
 ports several other similar cases, one of the most conspicuous 
 being Ilypnum rugosum L. 
 
 lion < 
 
 sule of the same X 5. 
 X 1. 
 
 , Thuidium delicatu- 
 T. scttum 1. e, Cap- 
 
 T. abiet inton 
 
34 MOSSES WITH A HAND- LENS 
 
 THE MOUNTAIN FERN MOSS* 
 
 THE Mountain Fern Moss, although belonging to a different 
 genus from the other fern mosses, is best treated in connec- 
 tion with them because of its similarity in form. As will 
 be seen by the figures, it is much larger and has a very peculiar 
 
 #SSf 
 
 
 
 / i 
 
 Fig. 28. Hylocomium proliferum X 1. 
 and characteristic habit. Every year each of the main shoots of 
 the previous year develops a single fern-like shoot from the 
 middle of the upper side instead of branching out from the side 
 of the shoot as in the case of most mosses. This gives the plant 
 its peculiar habit and its botanical name of "■proliferum." It is 
 one of the too rare cases in which the botanical name is descrip- 
 tive of the plant to which it is applied. 
 
 This moss grows abundantly in cool moist mountain woods 
 on stones and old logs. When found growing elsewhere it is so 
 stunted as to give no idea of its beauty in its favorite habitat. 
 The capsules, which mature in autumn, though not rare, are spar- 
 ingly produced in proportion to the number of plants. When a 
 patch does fruit, however, it often fruits heavily. 
 
 * Hylocomium proliferum (L.) Lindb. =./'/. splendens of many authors. 
 
MOSSES Will! \ HAND-LENS 
 
 35 
 
 THE SHAGGY MOSS 
 
 THE Shaggy Moss [Hylocbmium triqutrhum (L.) B. & S. ] is 
 common on shaded banks that are neither extremely wet or 
 very dry. Its branches usually come out irregularly as 
 illustrated in the figure and its leaves stand straight out from the 
 
 stem, giving it its 
 characteristic ragged 
 appearance. Some- 
 times in moist moun- 
 tain woods it branches 
 regularly and grows 
 to a height, or rather 
 length, of five or six 
 inches, so that one is 
 with difficulty per- 
 suaded that it is the 
 familiar moss of every 
 day acquaintance. 
 The stems are very 
 stout and stiff but 
 elastic, or "springy." 
 Because of its elas- 
 ticity this moss is 
 sometimes used for 
 packing china and 
 other brittle objects. 
 Although the Shag- 
 gy Moss is common, 
 its capsules are rather 
 infrequent. They ma- 
 ture in winter or early 
 Iry they are often regularly furrowed with dee]) 
 
 Fig. 2Q. 
 
 Hylocomium triquetrum \ 
 leaf X 4- 
 
 stem 
 
 spring; when 
 wide furrows. 
 
36 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 THE HYPNUM FAMILY 
 
 THE two preceding species belong to the great Hypnum 
 Family, which contains a vast number of our common 
 mosses. The majority of the members of this family are 
 slender and prostrate, or creeping with ascending branches. The 
 sporophyte varies a good deal, but the capsules are more or less 
 unsymmetric and cernuous in most species. The members of 
 this family usually grow in dense thin mats on soil, stones, rotten 
 wood, and bark of trees. There are hundreds of species belong- 
 ing to this family and the number within our own range is very 
 large. Many of the species and even genera are so closely re- 
 lated and are distinguished by so few and so minute differences 
 that no one but a trained and expert student of mosses can name 
 them correctly. For this reason only a few of the most strongly 
 marked species can be treated here. This is to be regretted, for 
 many of the commonest mosses will thus be omitted and the 
 student will be discouraged by finding so many things that he 
 cannot identify. It is safe advice to the beginner to leave the 
 Hypnums until he has studied the more easily recognized mosses. 
 Roughly, the more common genera are distinguished thus: 
 Plagiothecium and Entodon are flattened in a plane parallel to 
 the substratum, but the capsules of Entodon are erect and sym- 
 metric, while those of Plagiothecium are curved and cernuous. 
 Brachythecium has very short ovoidal capsules that are cernuous 
 and somewhat curved (except B. acuminatum and B. oxycladon); 
 the leaves have a strong midrib. Eurhynchiuin, Cirrpihyllutn, 
 and Rhynchostegium have the strong midrib and short capsules 
 of Brachythecium, but the opercula are grotesquely long-beaked, 
 much as in Dicranum. Raphidostegium has long-beaked cap- 
 sules like the three genera mentioned above, but the leaves lack 
 the midrib. Pylaisiella grows exclusively on the bark of trees, and 
 is dark green ; the short branches are strongly curved at the end 
 when dry, and the capsules are erect and symmetric. Hypnum 
 has so many varying forms that one can best get an idea of it 
 from studying the individual species described below. 
 
 HYPNUM 
 
 In one section of this composite genus the leaves are all 
 turned to one side (secund), and the branching is more or less 
 regularly pinnate, giving the plants a plume-like appearance in 
 many cases. The leaves are without midrib. This section is 
 
MOSSES W I III \ HAM' LENS 
 
 37 
 
 Fijc. 30. a, Hypnum crista-castrensis X i- b, H.imponens ■ 1. c, Por- 
 tion of branch of //. crista-castrensis X 10. e, Capsules ■ 10. d, Capsules 
 of H. imponens X 10. 
 
 often called Hypnum proper. Two of the most common ami 
 easily recognized mosses of this group are the Plume Moss 
 (Hypnum crista-castrttnsis L. ) and the Pinnate Hypnum (//. 
 impbnen$ Hedw ) The Plume Moss is common on decayed wood 
 and stumps in cool moist woods in New England and New York, 
 and probably throughout our range. A few starved specimens 
 have bt-en collected on Long Island. To be appreciated, this moss 
 should be seen in the cool moist recesses of the primeval moun- 
 tain forests, where it covers the fallen and decaying trunks of 
 huge trees with ample robes of richest texture. The shoots are 
 ascending and as regularly pinnate as any feather, even to the 
 triangular apex of the shoot. Its color is a light yellow-green. 
 
38 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 Its capsules are strongly curved and cernuous ; they mature in 
 autumn. 
 
 The Pinnate Hypnum is a much more common moss in the 
 lowlands and grows almost exclusively on rotten wood in moist 
 shady places. It somewhat resembles the Plume Moss, but is 
 prostrate, forming dense closely cohering mats. It is also darker 
 green; the capsules are nearly erect and symmetric, and the pin- 
 nate branching stops short of the apex of the shoots, as is shown 
 in the figure. A careful examination will show that there is a 
 difference in the curvature of the leaves; in the Pinnate 
 Hypnum the leaves curve towards the substratum at right 
 angles to the plane of the stem, while in the Plume Moss they 
 curve towards the branch next below on the stem. The capsules 
 of the Pinnate Hypnum are produced much the more freely; 
 they mature in winter, but persist in good condition for a long 
 time. 
 
 Hypnum curvifblium Hedw. is a much rarer moss that re- 
 sembles H. imponens when sterile. It is more confined to the 
 mountains, is larger, lighter colored, and has curved cernuous 
 capsules that are very strongly furrowed when dry, looking much 
 like those of the Fuscous Dicranum (Fig. 7). 
 
 Hypnum reptile Mx. is another regularly pinnate moss of 
 this group, but it is less than half the size of the three described 
 above. Its general appearance is fairly well represented in 
 Fig. 27, b, but the capsules are longer and more curved. With a 
 lens the leaves of the Thuidium will be seen to be acute and 
 straight, while those of the Hypnum are curved and long 
 acuminate. The Thuidium grows in thin mats so that its pin- 
 nate character is easily seen at a glance ; the Hypnum grows in 
 such densely interwoven mats that it is often necessary to disen- 
 tangle it before its pinnate character becomes apparent. Hypnum 
 reptile matures its capsules much earlier than any of the three 
 other species mentioned above. They are usually fully ripe in 
 August. 
 
 Wherever rotten wood is found in moist shaded places, there 
 the Common Hypnum (H Haldanianum Grev. ) is almost sure to 
 grow, covering the unsightly masses of rotten wood with its up- 
 holstery of bright green. It is one of our commonest mosses and 
 nearly always fruits freely. 
 
MOSSES Willi A HAND-LENS 
 
 39 
 
 
 Fig. 31. Ilvpnum Haldanianum x 2 ; branch < 5 ; capsule • 10. 
 
 The Common Hypnum in appearance is very little like the 
 species previously described; the leaves are straight and 
 equally spreading on all sides, not secund. The capsules are 
 cylindrical and somewhat curved, much like those of the Pinnate 
 Hypnum, only larger. They mature in late autumn or winter, 
 but remain in fairly good condition until the next summer. 
 
 The Long-capsuled Brachythecium [B. oxycladon (Brid.) 
 J. & S.] sometimes grows on decaying wood and then is scarcely 
 to be distinguished from the Common Hypnum with certainty 
 unless the leaves be examined with a high-power lens, when they 
 will be seen to have a strong midrib. The capsules are usually 
 much darker than those of the Common Hypnum. The usual 
 habitat of the Long-capsuled Brachythecium is on moist ledges 
 and rocks. 
 
40 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 "' %f-*'- 
 
 
 
 
 5jTj{7S\ /~a^> Mill iTfl 
 
 £' '' x^ 
 
 
 
 Fig. 32. Hypnum Schreberi x ^. 
 
 SCHREBER'S HYPNUM 
 
 Schreber's Hypnum (//. Schreberi Willd.) is the bright 
 yellow-green moss that forms dense deep cushions by almost 
 every moist shaded roadside in inland country regions. It is 
 abundant in moist pastures and open woods, and sometimes 
 makes its most luxuriant growth in a sphagnum bog. It is so 
 common, so conspicuous, and withal so large, that every one 
 must have noticed it at some time or other. The stems are often 
 four to six inches long and nearly erect, and crowded so closely 
 together as to form dense soft cushions into which the foot sinks 
 deeply. Examined closely, the stems appear a bright red through 
 the semi-transparent leaves. 
 
 The cut of this moss is the only attempt in the book to illus- 
 trate by means of photography. The results did not warrant a 
 farther trial. Mosses are too dark and too small to photograph 
 successfully. 
 
 Schreber's Moss has broad obtuse leaves and is put by some 
 botanists in a subgenus of Hypnum, by others in Hylocomium. 
 The capsules mature in autumn; they are not so frequent as one 
 would expect from the abundance of the gametophyte. 
 
MOSSES W II 11 \ HAND-LENS | I 
 
 THE HOOKED MOSSES 
 
 GROWING on stones, earth, and decayed wood in shaded 
 swamps, on edges of brooks, and shores of lakes and streams 
 will be found another type of Hypnum with strongly 
 ?ecund and hooked leaves. These mosses belong to the sub- 
 genus Harpidium. As a rule the Hooked Mosses are much larger 
 
 Fig. 33. Hypnum uncinatum x 1 ; capsules x 10. 
 
 than the true Hypnums and are seldom or never regularly pin- 
 nate. The leaves at the end of the branches are specially notice- 
 able for their hook-like appearance. Mounted and examined 
 with a high-power lens, the leaves will be seen to have a well 
 developed midrib, which at once distinguishes them from those 
 of the true Hypnums. 
 
 The species of this subgenus are, perhaps, the most puzzling 
 of any of the Hypnum Family and it is entirely useless to en- 
 deavor to enable anybody to distinguish the species without the 
 use of a compound microscope. 
 
 The species figured {Hypnum uncinbtum Hedw.) is the most 
 common member of the subgenus. It is most frequently found 
 on damp stones, more rarely on soil. The capsules are usually 
 produced freely, maturing in autumn. 
 
42 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 THE WATER-LOVING HYPNUMS 
 
 THERE are several species belonging to the Hypnum Family 
 that grow on the stones in the bed of brooks, particularly 
 in mountain regions. They do not belong to one genus, 
 but their similarity of habitat, often combined with similarity in 
 appearance, makes it easier to study them together. 
 
 
 Fig. 34. Rhynchostl'gium 7-usciforme X 2 ; leaves and capsule X 10. 
 
 Two of these, the Beaked Water Moss {Rhynchostcgium 
 rusciforme (Neck) B. & S.] and the Round-leaved Hypnum 
 {H. dilatatum Wils. ) grow on stones in the middle of brooks and 
 are partially submerged, or at least wet with spray, during the 
 entire year, and are submerged except at low water. These 
 mosses are very dark, almost black, except the youngest portion 
 of the plants, and the leaves are very broadly ovate to almost 
 orbicular, and obtuse or very bluntly acute. 
 
 The Beaked Water Moss is the coarser of the two, with 
 broadly ovate costate leaves and strongly beaked capsules, which 
 latter mature in September. They are frequently produced in 
 large quantities and present a very pretty appearance indeed 
 against the dark background of the gametophyte. 
 
 The Round-leaved Hypnum belongs to the subgenus Hygro- 
 hypnum. Its leaves are suborbicular and nearly ecostate. The 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 I 
 
 ' 
 
 Fig. 35. Hypnum dilitatum X 3 ; leaves and capsule X 10. 
 
 capsules are not beaked. They mature in July according to 
 Limpricht, but in autumn according to my observations. 
 
 The Round-leaved Hypnum is frequent in mountain streams, 
 but has formerly been referred to another closely related species 
 {H. molle Dicks.), a much rarer moss with ovate-elliptical leaves. 
 
 There are several other species of Hygro hypnum that may 
 be found in water. One of these (H. ochraceum Turn.) may be 
 recognized by its yellowish or ochre-green color and strongly 
 secund leaves. 
 
 THE BRACHYTHECIUMS 
 
 THE Brachytheciums, as previously stated (p. 36), are dis- 
 tinguished by their short thick unsymmetric cernuous cap- 
 sules, and leaves with a well developed midrib. There are 
 at least two species of Brachythecium that should be classed among 
 the water-loving members of the Hypnum Family, although they 
 are not so thoroughly aquatic as the two species just described. 
 
 The Rivulet Brachythecium (B. rwulctre B. & S. ) loves best 
 the wet gravelly soil at the edges of cool swift brooks. Fre- 
 quently it will entirely cover the gravelly bottom of a mountain 
 stream that is nearly dry during the summer. It is submerged at 
 times of high water and never grows in places that become en- 
 tirely dry; occasionally it will grow submerged, but even then it 
 is attached to the gravel at the bottom of the stream and not to 
 the stones, as in the case of the two preceding species. When 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 ***** 
 
 Fig. 36. Brachythecium rivulare X 1 ; leaves and capsules X 10. 
 
 growing submerged the stems of the Rivulet Brachythecium be- 
 come greatly elongated, slender and sparingly branched, with 
 few and distant leaves. It is always much lighter colored than 
 either the Beaked Water Moss or the Round-leaved Hypnum; the 
 leaves are rather smaller, ovate and obtusely acute. The branch 
 leaves are usually much smaller than the stem leaves. The stems 
 are often tall and stout, with a shrub-like habit. The capsules 
 are not beaked, they mature in autumn. 
 
 Brachythecium plumbsum (Sw. ) B. & S. grows on rocks in 
 the bed of brooks, but is not submerged except at high water. 
 The difference in habit alone is sufficient to distinguish it from 
 B. rivulare, but it is also much smaller, darker green, more 
 closely applied to the substratum, nearly prostrate, with acumi- 
 nate stem leaves. 
 
 B. populeum (Hedw ) B. & S. is a much more slender 
 species growing on boulders, often near streams, but never on 
 stones regularly submerged at high water. In this species the 
 midrib runs to the very apex of the leaf. 
 
 Two other species of Brachythecium are treated elsewhere 
 (pp. 36 and 50). 
 
M< ISSE 5 WITH \ IIANl'-l ENS 
 
 45 
 
 RAPHIDOSTEGIUM 
 
 Till-: Common Raphidostegium [/?. recurvans (Mx.) J. & S. | 
 looks very much like one of the true Hypnums with irregu- 
 lar branching. It is a bright yellow-green and grows in 
 dense mats on rotten stumps and logs in wet shaded places. It 
 
 
 Fig- 37. Raphidostlgium rectirvans X 
 
 2 ; capsules 
 
 is common throughout our range, but I have rarely seen it in 
 fruit in the vicinity of New York City. The chief distinction 
 from the true Hypnums lies in the very short capsules with lid 
 very long beaked. Until one becomes familiar with it, it is hard 
 to recognize unless in fruit. The capsules mature in autumn and 
 are often produced in great profusion. 
 
 THE BEAKED MOSSES 
 
 AS has been previously stated, the Keakcd Mosses {Eurhyn. 
 cAi'um, Rhynchosiegium, and Cirriphyllum) are very 
 closely allied to Brachythecium, differing mainly in the 
 
 long-beaked operculum. One of these, the Beaked Water Moss, 
 has already been described on page 42. 
 
4 6 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 Fig. 38. a, Eurhynchium hians X 2. b, b. Capsules X 
 d, Leaf of Rhynchostegium serrulatum X 
 
 Leaf X 20. 
 
 There are several species of Beaked Mosses that belong in 
 genus Eurhynchium that are fairly common, but it is doubtful if 
 they can be accurately determined without the aid of the com- 
 pound microscope. The Light Beaked Moss [Eurhynchium hians 
 (Hedw. ) J. & S.] is very common on sandy soil in the lowlands. 
 It is abundant in the public parks of Brooklyn, but rarely fruits 
 there. It prefers damp places, not wet. The leaves spread so 
 that the branches appear flattened in a horizontal plane. When 
 fresh, the color is a peculiar shining light yellow-green. The 
 branch leaves are usually bluntly acute. The capsules are pro- 
 duced sparingly, maturing in October. 
 
 The Dark Beaked Moss [Rhynchostegium serrulatum 
 (Hedw.) J. & S.] is found in a similar habitat, but has a more 
 southerly and coastwise range, and is more likely to be found 
 near the base of trees. It is also flattened, but is a dark rich 
 green in color and the leaves are much longer and more slenderly 
 acuminate, as shown in the figure. 
 
Willi A HAND- LEWS 
 
 47 
 
 Fig- 59- Cirriphyllum Boscii • 4-3; branch X 5; leaves and capsule 10. 
 
 The Spoon-leaved Moss \Cirriphyllutn Boscii (Schwaegr.j 
 Grout] is one of the Beaked Mosses that is easy to recognize 
 when in its normal condition. It grows in fields among the grass 
 and on the ground in woods. Its leaves are very concave, being 
 shaped much like the bowl of a spoon with a long twisted point 
 added. The leaves are very regularly imbricated, making the 
 branches turgid and very markedly julaceous, so that they look 
 like little glossy yellow-green catkins. Although it gets as far 
 north as southern Vermont, it is much more abundant southwards. 
 It fruits sparingly, the capsules maturing in autumn. 
 
4 8 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 THE PLAGIOTHECIUMS 
 
 THE stems and branches of the Plagiotheciums grow close to 
 that upon which the plant grows (substratum) and the 
 leaves are apparently in two rows, giving the plants a flat- 
 tened appearance like that of the Dark and the Light Beaked 
 
 Fijar. 40. a, Plagiothecium denticulatum X 2. b, Three capsules of the same 
 X 10. c, Capsules of P. sylvaticum X 10. 
 
 Mosses. They are readily separated from these Beaked Mosses by 
 the fact that the Plagiotheciums have leaves without a midrib or 
 else with a very short and double midrib. The capsules are also 
 an aid, as they are long and slender like those of Hypnum 
 proper. The species are numerous and difficult to determine. 
 
 There are two species everywhere present that may perhaps 
 be recognized with the aid of a brief description and the accom- 
 panying cuts. Both these species grow on humus in damp woods 
 and shaded places ; they grow at the base of trees and about rocks 
 when there is a slight layer of humus for their nutrition. 
 
 The Slender Plagiothecium [P. denticulatum (L.) B. & S.] 
 is more slender in habit and has nearly symmetrical suberect cap- 
 sules with the lid not beaked. The Woodsy Plagiothecium 
 [P. sylvaticum (Huds. ) B. & S.] is generally a much coarser 
 plant with larger, curved and cernuous capsules having a long- 
 beaked lid. The capsules of both species mature in summer. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HANI »- 1. ENS 
 
 49 
 
 PYLAISIELLA 
 
 PYLAISIELLA affects the habitat of the Grimmia Family in 
 that it grows on the bark of living trees. It is readily dis- 
 tinguished from the members of that family by being 
 pleurocarpous, by the long exserted capsules, by the lighter green 
 
 **W^ 
 
 
 Fig. 41. Pylaisiella Schimperi X 10, wet and dry ; leaf < 20 ; capsule 10 
 
 color, and by having the branches somewhat hooked at the end 
 when dry. Old apple trees in a rather dense orchard are a 
 favorite habitat of the Common Pylaisiella [P. Schimperi (R. & C. ) 
 Grout= Pjy/ a /s /a intricata of most authors] . It is also common on 
 trees in the open woods and can be found on the shade trees of 
 almost any of the smaller New England towns, but does not 
 seem to thrive near the large cities. The plants grow closely 
 interwoven and present the appearance represented in the figure 
 only when disentangled. The erect subcylindric capsules ma- 
 ture in autumn. 
 
50 MOSSES WITH A IIAND-LKNS 
 
 THE *ENTODONS 
 
 THE Entodons have erect symmetric capsules, ecostate very 
 concave leaves and a beautiful glossy yellow-green color 
 that enables one to recognize them without much trouble. 
 The majority of the species are flattened, but have the appear- 
 ance of being pressed fiat instead of having the leaves apparently 
 two-ranked as in Plagiothecium. The stems and branches, how- 
 ever, are round and julaceous with closely imbricated leaves in 
 the round- stemmed Entodon [E. sedi'ictrix (Hedw.) C. Muell.], 
 which is probably the most common species in the southern por- 
 tion of our range. . It grows on rotten wood, soil, moist rocks, 
 bark of trees, etc. 
 
 The Flat stemmed Entodon [E. cladorrhizans (Hedw.), 
 C. Muell.] is nearly always found on decayed wood, rarely on 
 soil rich in humus. Its strongly flattened stem and branches 
 easily distinguish it from the Round-stemmed Entodon. This 
 character, together with the peculiar color characteristic of the 
 genus, will differentiate it from species belonging to other genera. 
 There are a number of other American species of Entodon that 
 resemble the Flat- stemmed Entodon, but they are rare and not 
 likely to be met with. The leaves of both species are very con- 
 cave, but those of the Flat-stemmed Entodon are larger. Both 
 species mature their capsules in autumn or early winter. 
 
 The Erect Brachythecium [B. aciwiinatwn (Hedw.) Kindb.] 
 is often mistaken for the Round-stemmed Entodon. It has a 
 similar habitat and very nearly the same range. It also has 
 julaceous light-green branches and erect symmetric capsules. 
 A careful examination of the leaves will enable one to decide at 
 once to which of the two any given specimen belongs. The 
 leaves of the Brachythecium are somewhat smaller, scarcely con- 
 cave, ovate-lanceolate and gradually acuminate, and strongly 
 costate. The Erect Brachythecium is an anomaly in the genus ; 
 it and its allies should probably be placed in a separate 
 genus. It is not related to Entodon, but is treated in connection 
 with it because of its similarity in appearance. Its capsules are 
 occasionally somewhat curved. They mature in autumn. 
 
 * Entodon C. Mwtt.^Cytfndrothea'um B. & S. 
 
Explanation oi l'i ^teVII. — a, Entodon cladorrhtzans x i. 
 
 b, Branch x 5- c, Leaves x 20. d, Capsules x 10. e, E. seduc- 
 trix X 1. f, Branch x 5. g, Leaves x 20. h, Capsules X 10. 
 i, Leaves of Brachythecium acuminatum x 20. j, Capsules of 
 the same X i<>- 
 
MOSSES Willi A HAND-LENS 
 
 THE TREE MOSSES 
 
 THE Tree Mosses {C/imacnim) are perhaps the largest of the 
 pleurocarpous mosses. They are very markedly tree-like 
 in habitat, and this, together with their size, has always 
 brought them to the notice of those accustomed to country life- 
 
 Fig. 42. a, Climacium Americanum i. b. Capsule 10. c, Branch 
 leaf io . d, Branch leaf of C. dendroides to. e, Capsule of the 
 same io . 
 
52 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 They are often mistaken for small forms of the Running Pine 
 {Lycopodiuni). These mosses are common in moist or wet soil, 
 particularly in wooded swamps, where their favorite habitat is 
 around the bases of stumps, trees, or other similar elevations. 
 They are also found in moist grassy places, but rarely fruit in the 
 latter habitat, and infrequently in the former. The erect tree- 
 like shoots grow from stolons that are partially or wholly under 
 ground. These continue to grow horizontally, producing new 
 shoots each year. 
 
 We have two species, the European Tree Moss \Climacium 
 dendroides (L.) Web. & Mohr.] and the American Tree Moss 
 (C. Americanum Brid.). The leaves of the American Tree Moss 
 are usually much more closely appressed when dry and are much 
 more conspicuously auricled ; its capsules are nearly twice as long 
 as those of the European Tree Moss. Both species mature the 
 capsules in autumn. The European Tree Moss is a native of 
 America as well as of Europe, but it was first described from the 
 Old World. It is more common northwards, while the American 
 Tree Moss is more common southwards. Both species are com- 
 mon in New England. 
 
 A third form of the Tree Mosses is common in swamps in 
 the southern portion of our range. It grows close to the water 
 and often down into it. It is prostrate or creeping, and rarely if 
 ever assumes a tree-like habit. It has previously been called a 
 variety of the American Tree Moss (C. Americanum var. Kind- 
 bergii R. & C), or Kindberg's Tree Moss. It is named after 
 Dr. N. Conrad Kindberg, of Linkoeping, Sweden, who has de- 
 termined Professor Macoun's Canadian Mosses. This form is very 
 abundant in the swamps of Long Island. It looks like a very 
 coarse Hypnum with large erect symmetric capsules. It fruits 
 freely, the capsules maturing in early autumn,' 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-I I \N 
 
 53 
 
 *NECKERA 
 
 NECKERA is found almost exclusively on the trunks of de- 
 ciduous trees in cool moist woods, rarely on ledges or 
 cliffs in similar situations. Neckera rarely grows near 
 the base of a tree, nearly always growing well above that por- 
 
 Fig. 43. Neckera pennata ■ 1 % leaves X io ; capsules, with and without 
 pericluctial leaves X 10. 
 
 tion of the trunk occupied by Anomodon or Leskea, and extend- 
 ing upwards to a height of from twenty-five to fifty feet, accord- 
 ing to the size of the trees and the density of the wood. Neckera 
 is clearly characterized by its flattened branches, having wavy 
 leaves, and its immersed capsules pendent from the lower side of 
 the branches. The branches usually extend out from the tree 
 trunk at an angle of from 45 to 75 degrees. The capsules are 
 produced on the older portions of the plant, often in great num- 
 bers. They mature in summer. 
 
 ♦The only species likely to be met with in our range is X . pennata (L.) 
 Hedw. 
 
54 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 THE LEUCODONS 
 
 LIKE Neckera, Leucodon grows some little distance upon the 
 trunks of deciduous trees. It is often difficult to collect 
 because it grows beyond one's reach. The branches hang 
 downward and outward, and sometimes have an upward curve at 
 
 Fig. 44. a, Leucodon brachypus X 1. b, Leaf X zo. c, Sporophyte X 10. 
 d, Leaf of L. julaceus X 20. e, Sporophyte X 10. f, Capsule X 10. 
 
 the end. The cut shows the usual position of the branches. The 
 sporophyte takes the direction of that part of the branch from 
 which it springs. The perichsetial leaves are very long, and 
 in one species at least, partially cover the capsule, although 
 the seta is of considerable length. The branches, however, are 
 very unlike those of Neckera in that they are nearly or quite 
 terete and also julaceous. 
 
 We have two species of Leucodon that are common in por- 
 tions of our range, the Northern Leucodon (Z. brachypus 
 Brid.), which is common in the cool forests of the North, and the 
 Southern Leucodon [L. julaceus ( Hedw. ) Sulliv.] , which is much 
 
Explanation of Plate VI II.— a, Font ma lis dalecarlica X %. 1 
 
 branch o 
 
to 
 
 branch X 5- c, Portion of plant bearing capsules x 5- d, A short 
 • gigantea. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 55 
 
 more abundant southwards, being comparatively rare in New 
 England. The Northern Leucodon has gradually acuminate 
 leaves, which are somewhat secund and turned towards the lower 
 side of the branch. Its capsules are partially immersed. 
 
 The Southern Leucodon has terete julaceous branches, leaves 
 smaller and abruptly acute, and capsules entirely free from the 
 perichrctial leaves. 
 
 THE WATER MOSSES (Fontinalis) 
 
 ALTHOUGH mosses belonging to several other families are 
 aquatic, the mosses of the Fontmalis Family are most em- 
 phatically entitled to the name of The Water Mosses. 
 In the genus Fontinalis all the species are aquatic and submerged. 
 Some grow attached to stones and sticks in swift brooks. Others 
 are found attached to objects in ponds and sluggish streams. 
 Rarely, if ever, are they found in stagnant water. The Water 
 Mosses are so distinct from all others in their long slender float- 
 ing stems and branches that no one can fail to recognize them. 
 The species are, however, very difficult to determine, with one 
 or two exceptions. 
 
 The Giant Water Moss {Fontinalis gigdntea Sulliv. ) is 
 common in cool brooks and is most distinct by reason of its large 
 turgid three-cornered stems and branches. The branch shown in 
 the plate is a very short one ; the branches are sometimes a foot 
 or more long, The Giant Water Moss rarely fruits, but the Com- 
 mon Water Moss (Fontinalis dalecdrlica B. & S. ) is every- 
 where abundant and usually fruits freely, the capsules maturing 
 in summer. As will be seen from the plate, the capsules are 
 almost entirely covered by the pericructium and are borne on the 
 older portions of the plant from which the leaves have fallen. 
 One must not be too sure that he has found this species until he 
 has studied it with a compound microscope, as there are several 
 other common species that are not readily distinguished from it. 
 
56 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 A NUMBERED LIST OF THE ONE HUNDRED MOSSES 
 
 DESCRIBED IN THE PRECEDING PAGES 
 
 SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED* 
 
 SPHAGNACE.*:. 
 
 i. Sphagnum acutifolium Ehrh. Acute-leaved Peat Moss. 
 
 2. S. cymbifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw. Spoon-leaved Peat Moss. 
 
 3. S. squarrosum Pers. Squarrose Peat Moss. 
 
 BUXBAUMIACE.^. 
 
 4. Buxbaumia aphylla L. Buxbaumia. 
 
 5. Webera sessilis (Schmid. ) Lindb. Webera. 
 
 GEORGIACE/E. 
 
 6. Georgia pellucida (L ) Rab. Georgia. 
 
 POLYTRICHACE.E. 
 
 7. Catharinea angustata Brid. Narrow-leaved Catharinea. 
 
 8. C. crispa James. 
 
 9. C. undulata (L.) W. & M. Wavy Catharinea. 
 
 10. Pogonatum alpinum (L.) Roehl. Alpine Pogonatum. 
 
 11. P. capillare (Mx.) Brid. 
 
 12. P. tenue (Menz.) E. G. Britton. Slender Pogonatum. 
 
 13. P. urnigerum (L ) Beau v. Urn-like Pogonatum. 
 
 14. Polytrichum commune L. Common Hair-cap. 
 
 15. P. juniperinum Willd. Juniper Hair-cap. 
 
 16. P. Ohioense R. & C. Ohio Hair-cap. 
 
 17. P. piliferum Schreb. Awned Hair-cap. 
 
 18. P. strictum Banks. Erect Hair-cap. 
 
 FISSIDENTACE/E. 
 
 19. Fissidens cristatus Wils. Fissidens. 
 
 DICRANACE.K. 
 
 20. Leucobryum glaucum (L. ) Sch. White Moss. 
 
 21. Ceratodon purpureus (L. ) Brid. Ceratodon. 
 
 22. Dicranella heteromalla (L.) Sch. Common Dicranella. 
 
 23. Dicranella heteromalla orthocarpa Hedw. Erect Dicranella. 
 
 24. Dicranum flagellare Hedw. Flagellate Dicranum. 
 
 25. D. fulvum Hook. Fulvous Dicranum. 
 
 26. D. fuscescens Turn. Fuscous Dicranum. 
 
 27. D. Drummondii C. Muell. Drummond's Dicranum. 
 
 28. D. scoparium (L.) Hedw. Broom Moss. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 57 
 
 D. undulatum Ehrh. Wavy Dicranum. 
 Ditrichum pallidum (Schreb. ) Hampe. Yellow Ditrichnm. 
 D. tortile (Schrad.) Hampe. The Brown Ditrichum. 
 D. vaginans (Sulliv. ) Hampe. The Dark Ditrichum. 
 Pleuridium subulatum. Common Pleuridium. 
 Trematodon ambiguus (Hedw.) Hornsch. Northern Long- 
 necked Moss. 
 
 TORTULACE.E. 
 
 35. Pottia truncatula (L. ) Lindb. 
 
 GRIMMIACE.K. 
 
 36. Hedwigia albicans (Web.) Lindb. Hedwigia. 
 
 ORTHOTRICIIACE.l.. 
 
 37. Weissia Americana (Beauv. ) Lindb. American Weissia. 
 
 38. W. coarctata (Beauv.) L,indb. Puckered Weissia. 
 
 39. W. ulophylla Ehrh. Crisped Weissia. 
 
 40. W. ulophylla crispula (Bruch.) Hammar. 
 
 SPLACHNACE/E. 
 
 41. Splachnum ampullaceum L. Splachnum. 
 
 FUNARIACE I . 
 
 42. Funaria hygrometrica (L.) Sibth. Cord Moss. 
 
 43. Physcomitrium turbinatum (Mx. ) Brid. Urn Moss. 
 
 KARTRAMIACE.i:. 
 
 44. Bartramia Oederi (Gunn. ) Swtz. Short-leaved Bartramia. 
 
 45. B. pomiformis (L. ) Hedw. Long-leaved Bartramia. 
 
 46. Philonotis fontana (L. ) Brid. Philonotis. 
 
 bryack.i:. 
 
 47. Bryum argenteum L. Silvery Brym. 
 
 48. B. proliferum (L. ) Sibth. Giant Bryum. 
 
 49. Gymnocybe palustris (L. ) Fries. Gymnocybe. 
 
 50. Leptobryum pyriforme (L. ) Wils. Long-necked Bryum. 
 5f. Mnium affine ciliare (Grev.) C. M. Toothed Mnium. 
 
 52. M. Drummondii B. & S. 
 
 53. M. hornum L. Long-leaved Mnium. 
 
 54. M. punctatum L. Early Mnium. 
 
 55. M. punctatum elatum Schimp. Large-leaved Mnium. 
 
 56. M. spinulosum B. & S. 
 
 57. M. sylvaticum Lindb. Woodsy Mnium. 
 
58 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 LESKEACE.T-. 
 
 58. Anomodon apiculatus B. & S. Common Anomodon. 
 
 59. A. attenuatus (Schreb. ) Huebn. Slender Anomodon. 
 
 60. -A. minor (P. Beauv.) Fuern. Blunt-leaved Anomodon. 
 
 61. Thelia asprella (Schimp. ) Sulliv. 
 
 62. T. hirtella Hedw. Common Thelia. 
 
 63. T. Lescurii Sulliv. 
 
 64. Thuidium abietinum (L.) B. & S. Wiry Fern Moss. 
 
 65. T. delicatulum (L ) Mitt. Common Fern Moss. 
 
 66. T. recognitum (Hedw.) Lindb. 
 
 67. T. scitum (Beauv.) Aust. The Smaller Fern Moss. 
 
 HYPNACE.E. 
 
 68. Hylocomium proliferum (L ) Lindb. Mountain Fern Moss. 
 69 H. triquetrum (Ehrh.) B. & S. Shaggy Moss. 
 
 70. Hypnum crista-castrensis L. Plume Moss. 
 
 71. H. curvifolium Hedw. 
 
 72. H. dilatatum Wils. Round-leaved Hypnum, 
 
 73. H. Haldanianum Grev. Common Hypnum. 
 
 74. H. imponens Hedw. Pinnate Hypnum. 
 
 75. H. reptile Mx. 
 
 76. H. Schreberi Willd. Schreber's Hypnum. 
 
 77. H. uncinatum Hedw. Hooked Moss. 
 
 78. Plagiothecium denticulatum (L.) B. & S. Slender Plagio- 
 
 thecium. 
 
 79. P. sylvaticum (Huds.) B. & S. Woodsy Plagiothecium. 
 
 80. Raphidostegium recurvans (Mx.) J. & S. Raphidostegium. 
 
 81. Brachythecium oxycladon (Brid. ) J. & S. Long-capsuled 
 
 Brachythecium. 
 
 82. B. acuminatum (Hedw. ) Kindb. Erect Brachythecium. 
 
 83. B plumosum (Sw.) B. & S. 
 
 84. B. populeum (Hedw.) B. & S. 
 
 85. B. rivulare B. & S. Rivulet Brachythecium. 
 
 86. Cirriphy Hum Boscii (Schwaegr.) Grout. Spoon-leaved Moss. 
 
 87. Eurhynchium hians (Hedw.) J. & S. Light Beaked Moss. 
 
 88. Rhynchostegium rusciforme (Neck.) B. & S. 
 
 89. R. serrulatum (Hedw.) J. & S. Dark Beaked Moss. 
 
 90. Climacium Americanum Brid. American Tree Moss. 
 
 91. C. Americanum Kindbergii R. & C. Kind berg's Tree Moss. 
 
 92. C. dendroides (L.) W. & M. European Tree Moss. 
 
 93. Entodon cladorrhizans (Hedw.) C. Muell. Flat-stemmed 
 
 Entodon. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 50 
 
 94- E. seductrix (Hedw.) C. Musll. Round-stemmed Entodon. 
 
 95. Pylaisiella Schimperi (R. & C.) Grout. 
 
 NECKERACl I . 
 
 96. Neckera pennata (L.) Hedw. 
 
 LEUCODONTACK I . 
 
 97. Leucodon brachypus Brid. Northern Leucodon. 
 
 98. Leucodon julaceus. Southern Leucodon. 
 
 • 
 
 FONTINALACI I . 
 
 99- Fontinalis Dalecarlica B. & S. Common Water Moss. 
 100. F. gigantea Sulliv. Giant Water Moss. 
 
 *A set of 100 specimens numbered according to this list is being pre- 
 pared by the author. Subscriptions $ s .oo, post-paid. About fifty speci- 
 mens are now ready for delivery (January, iqoi). 
 
 ERRATA 
 
 Page 17.— For Fig. 15 read Fig. 13. 
 
 Page 40.— Fourth line from bottom: For Schreber's Moss 
 read Schreber's Hypnum. 
 
 Page 47. —For Fig. 59 read Fig. 39. 
 
 The following accents are either lacking or are incorrectly 
 given : 
 
 Page 3.— Webera. Page n.— Leucobryum. Page 26.— pomi- 
 formis and Oederi. 
 
60 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 AN ILLUSTRATED GLOSSARY OF BRYOLOGI- 
 CAL TERMS, 
 
 THIS is not intended to be an exhaustive glossary of botanical 
 terms, but a glossary of those terms which are either con- 
 fined to bryological works or are used in a somewhat dif- 
 ferent meaning when applied to mosses. Thus the common 
 terms descriptive of leaves are omitted, except acumen and a 
 few others that are used in a peculiar or unusual way by some 
 authors. Very few terms are here defined that are sufficiently 
 well explained in the common phanerogamic botanies like Gray, 
 Wood, or Britton and Brown. 
 
 Braithwaite's British Moss Flora, Lesquereux and James' 
 Manual, and Dixon and Jameson's Handbook of British Mosses 
 have been largely consulted and an attempt has been made to de- 
 termine the meaning of each term according to the usage of all 
 the authors accessible. 
 
 For most of the cuts we are indebted to the kindness of Mr. 
 H. N. Dixon, Mr. Jameson, and their publishers, who have very 
 kindly allowed us the use of the cuts in their Handbook of British 
 Mosses, a work which should be in the hands of every moss stu- 
 dent whether English or American. Terms whose meaning can 
 be made sufficiently clear by definition are not illustrated as a 
 rule. In order to use the same figure to illustrate two or more 
 definitions without having definition and figure too far apart, 
 the glossary is arranged alphabetically under topics such as 
 leaves, capsules, etc. The first section consists of those terms 
 which apply to leaves. 
 
 TERMS USED IN DESCRIBING LEAVES. 
 
 Acumen, the gradually tapering narrow point of an acumi- 
 nate leaf. (Fig. 2, b. ) 
 
 Acuminate, a term usually applied to leaves that gradually 
 taper to a narrow point. A few recent writers use terms as ap- 
 plying only to those leaves that are not uniformly narrowed and 
 limit the term acumen to that part of the apex beyond the point 
 where the narrowing begins to be less abrupt. According to 
 these authors a leaf uniformly narrowed would not be acuminate, 
 no matter how slender the apex. The author has followed this 
 usage to some extent in previous writings, but general usage does 
 not seem to sanction this restriction of the term. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 6l 
 
 lite 
 
 Acumination, see acumen and acuminate. 
 Alar cells, the cells at the basal angles of 
 the leaf, commonly different from the cells of 
 the main part of the leaf, being shorter and 
 often nearly square, or inflated and hyaline, 
 and often highly colored. (Fig. 1.) 
 
 Apical cells, the cells composing the apex 
 of the leaf. They are often broader and shorter 
 than the cells of the middle of the leaf. 
 
 Areolat/o?i, the net- work formed by the outlines of the cells 
 of a leaf. 
 
 Auricles, small lobes at the basal angles of 
 the leaf, usually consisting of cells differing 
 from those of the main part of the leaf in size 
 or shape or both. (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a.) Prop- 
 erly used only when there is an outward curve 
 in the outline of the leaf at the base, as in the 
 figures, but often used loosely to denote the 
 basal angles of widely decurrent leaves. 
 
 Basal or basilar cells, cells at the base or 
 insertion of the leaf, often of different shape 
 and color from those of the main part of the leaf. 
 Bicostate, having a double costa, which is usually much 
 shorter than in leaves having a single costa. 
 
 Bifarious, growing in two ranks. 
 Bracts, a term applied to the leaves surrounding 
 the reproductive organs. Those surrounding the anthe- 
 ridia are called perigonial bracts or leaves, and those sur- 
 rounding the archegonia and base of seta are called 
 perichsetial. 
 
 3 Bistratose, of two layers of cells. (Fig. 3.) 
 
 Canaliculate, channelled. Applied to leaves with margins 
 
 incurved, so as to give them a channel -like form; e. g., the upper 
 
 part of the leaves of Dicranum fuscescens. A 
 
 more complete inrolling until the margins meet 
 
 would make the leaf tubulose. 
 
 Bordered, having a margin different from 
 the rest of the leaf. In Mnium and Bryum the 
 border consists of a few rows of greatly elon- 
 gated cells, often in two or more layers. In 
 some species of Fissidens the border is of a 
 different color, but with little difference in cell 
 structure. (Fig. 4.) 
 
62 
 
 MOSSKS WITH A I1AND-LKNS 
 
 7. 
 
 Circinate, curved into a circle, resembling 
 Fig. 2, but still more incurved, so that the apex 
 is nearly or quite bent around to the leaf base ; 
 e g., leaves of HyPnitm uncinatum. 
 
 Cirrate or cirrhate, applied to leaves which 
 curl up in drying. Cirrate leaves are more reg- 
 ularly curled than crispate leaves. 
 
 Cirrhose, having a wavy hair point. 
 Cochleariform, rounded and concave like a 
 spoon or ladle. 
 
 Complicate, folded together. 
 Costa, the nerve or midrib of a moss leaf. 
 Costate, having a costa. 
 
 Crispate or crisped, frizzled, curled and 
 twisted in various ways. (Fig. 5.) 
 
 Citcullate, hood-shaped, the apex curved in 
 like a slipper. (Apex of leaf in Fig. 6 ) 
 
 Cultriform, curved like a short, wide scimi- 
 tar ; e. g. , the leaves of Homalia trichomanoides 
 James ii. 
 
 Cymbiform, boat- shaped (used by Dixon as a 
 synonym of cucullate); e. g., leaves of Sphagnum 
 cymbifolium. (The whole leaf in Fig. 6 ) 
 
 Dorsal, belonging to or on the back ; /. e. , the 
 face of a leaf remote from the stem. 
 Ecostate, lacking a costa. 
 
 Excurrent costa, a costa running out beyond the 
 lamina of a leaf. (Fig. 7.) 
 
 Excavate, (leaf-insertion) hollowed out in a 
 curve. 
 
 Falcate, curved like a sickle. (Fig. 2 ) 
 Flexuose, bent backwards and forwards, or wavy. 
 Hamate, or hamulose, curved like a hook; more 
 sharply and abruptly curved than in falcate and 
 c ire in ate. 
 
 Heteromallous, (leaves or branches) turned in 
 different directions. 
 
 Homomallous, turned in .the same direction. 
 Imbricated, closely overlapping each other like 
 the tiles of a roof. (Fig. 8.) 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 I tm§>, 
 
 3 °Q-Pn o 
 l°o°o Q 5> c 
 
 9 rP~0°r£ 
 
 allies. 
 
 Incrassate, of the cell walls, thickened ; of 
 the cells, having thickened walls. (Fig. 9 ) 
 
 Inflated* applied to the alar cells of leaves 
 when enlarged much beyond the size of the 
 neighboring cells. (Fig. 10. ) 
 
 Lamella, thin sheets or plates of tissue; 
 the plates arising from the costa of the hair-caps and their 
 (Fig. 11.) 
 
 Lamellate, having la- 
 in el he. 
 
 Lamina, the blade or ex- 
 panded part of the leaf as 
 distinct from the costa. 
 
 Limb, the upper part of 
 a leaf as distinct from the 
 leaf base. 
 
 Litnbate leaf, a leaf 
 bordered by a part of an- 
 other color ; e. g., many spe- 
 cies of Fissidens. 
 
 Margined, see bordered. 
 
 Median leaf cells, those from the middle of the 
 leaf. 
 
 Nerve, see costa. 
 
 Papilltc, minute rounded or acute protuberances. 
 
 Papillose, rough with papilke. (Fig 3.) 
 
 Paraphvllia, minute leaf-like or much- 
 (///• branched organs among the leaves. (Fig. 12. ) 
 Ul E. g., Thuidium. 
 
 Parenchymatous, cells with broad ends 
 abutting on each other, not dovetailing into 
 each other. (The large cells in Fig. 4 ) 
 
 Patent, ■ spreading at an angle of 26 45 
 (Braithwaite) ; spreading at an angle of 45 or more (Dixon). 
 Patulous, more widely spreading than patent. 
 Percurrent costa, reaching to the apex of the leaf, but not 
 beyond. 
 
 Periductal, see bracts. 
 Pcrigonial, see bracts. 
 
 Pitted cell walls, those marked with small apertures or de- 
 pressions ; e. g., the cell walls of the leaves of Dtcranurnscoparium 
 and other species. 
 
6 4 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 7 
 
 Plicate ; folded in pleats or furrows; e. g., 
 leaves of Camptothecium. (Fig. 14) 
 Plica % folds of a plicate leaf. 
 Pluriseriate, many ranked; i. e., as applied 
 to leaves arranged in several rows along the stem. 
 Porose, see pitted, with which Fig. 13 be- 
 longs. 
 
 Primordial utricle, "the first layer depos- 
 ited within a cell." As applied to the cells of the 
 moss leaf it refers to the layer of protoplasm lying 
 next the cell wall, which often is very conspicuous 
 when dried and shrunken away from the cell wall. 
 As a character for use in the identification of 
 species it is valueless, because its appearance is 
 due to circumstances not well understood, and is 
 frequently present in some specimens and lacking 
 in others of the same species. 
 
 Proseiichymatous, (cells) with pointed ends 
 dovetailing into each other. (Fig. 15.) 
 
 Quadrate, (cells) square or nearly so. 
 (Fig. 1.) 
 
 Rosulate, in the form of a rosette. 
 Rugose, wrinkled (in the case of leaves it is 
 usually applied to transverse wrinkles); e. g., 
 leaves of Hypnum rugosum. 
 
 Secund, twisted or turned to one side. (Fig. 
 16.) E g , leaves of many Hypnums. Not neces- 
 sarily curved as in the figure. 
 *® Striate, marked with strise or slight furrows. 
 
 Sulcate, deeply furrowed with longitudiual channels. As 
 applied to leaves, both striate and sulcate really refer to the 
 fold whose concave surface is on the inner or ventral surface 
 of the leaf. 
 
 Tubulose, see caftaliculate. 
 
 Uncinate, hooked, curved back at point. (Fig. 16.) 
 Undulate, with an alternately concave and convex 
 margin, wavy; e. g., leaves of Dicranum undulatum. 
 Ventral surface, the surface of a leaf next the stem. 
 Vermicular, narrow and curved like a little worm; 
 applied to leaf cells. 
 
 Verruculous or verrucose, covered with wart-like 
 prominences. (Fig. 17.) 
 
! WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 '•5 
 
 Vesicular^ inflated like a bladder. 
 II 'dry, see undulate. 
 TERMS USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE REPRODUCTIVE ORG 
 
 . It rocarpous, having the sporophyte 
 terminal on a stem or ordinary branch. 
 Acrocarpous mosses can usually be easily 
 distinguished by the erect habit as shown 
 in the figure. (Fig. iS.) The old sporo- 
 phyte often seems lateral in acrocarpous 
 mosses, because the stem grows on the 
 next year from a point just below the 
 base of the sporophyte. 
 
 Aggregate, clustered ; usually ap- 
 plied to two or more sporophytes from 
 one perichsetium. 
 
 Amentula, applied to the special an- 
 
 theridia-bearing branches of Sphagnum. 
 
 Androgynous, with antheridia and 
 
 archegonia in the same cluster of leaves; 
 
 /. e., either synoicous or paroicous. 
 
 Antkeridium, the male reproductive 
 
 organ containing the antherozoids. ( Fig. 
 
 19.) 
 
 Antkerozoid, the small flagellate male cell which escapes 
 
 from the antheridium, and in wet weather swims to the arche- 
 
 gonium and down its neck to the egg cell in the bottom. 
 
 Archegonium, the flask-shaped female reproductive organ. 
 See also antherozoid. 
 
 Autoicous or auta-cious, having 
 male and female organs on the same 
 plant. According to Braithwaite there 
 are three forms. 
 
 1. Clad autoicous, with the male 
 organs on a special proper branch. 
 
 2. Gonio autoicous, with the male 
 organs in a bud-like cluster, and ax- 
 illary on a female branch. 
 
 3- Rhiz autoicous, male branch very short and cohering to 
 the female by the rhizoids. 
 Bisexual, synoicous. 
 
 Cladocarpous, having the sporophyte terminatinga short spec- 
 1 fertile branch; somewhat like half-way between acrocarpous 
 
 20 
 
 and pleurocarpous 
 
 Fontinalis. 
 
66 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 Diokoits or diaxious, having the male and female organs on 
 separate plants. 
 
 Flowers, often applied to the reproductive organs. 
 Fruit, often applied to the sporophyte. 
 
 Gametophyte or gametophore, that part of the plant which 
 bears the gametes or sexual cells. In mosses all the plant ex- 
 cept the " fruit," or seta and capsule. 
 
 Inflorescence, often applied to 
 the clusters of reproductive organs. 
 Monoicous or moncecious, having 
 male and female organs on the 
 same plant, but separate. 
 
 Oosphere, the egg cell or ovum 
 
 found in the base of the arche- 
 
 gonium. After fertilization, by 
 
 mion witn tne antherozoid, it develops into the sporophyte. 
 
 (Fig 
 
 Paraphyses, joined hyaline hairs 
 growing among the reproductive organs. 
 (Fig. 21.) 
 
 Paroicous, having its male and fe- 
 male organs in the same cluster, but not 
 mixed, the antheridia being in the axils 
 of the perichaetial bracts below the arch- 
 egonia. (Fig. 22.) 
 
 Perichaztium and perigonium, see 
 under topic leaves. 
 
 Pleurocarpous, having the sporo- 
 phyte lateral on a short lateral special 
 branch. (Fig. 23.) Pleurocarpous mosses 
 can usually be recognized by the creeping 
 habit. 
 
 Spermatozoid, see antherozoid. 
 
 Sporophyte or sporophore, the spore-bearing part or genera- 
 tion. In mosses it consists of the seta and capsule and constitutes 
 the so-called fruit. 
 
 Stipitate, having a short stem. Applied to antheridia and 
 archegonia. 
 
 Synoicons or syncecious, having the male and female organs 
 mixed together in the same cluster. (Fig. 21.) 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 67 
 
 TERMS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION OF THE GAMETOPHVTE, EXCLUSIVE OK 
 THOSE ALREADY DEFINED. 
 
 Ccrspitose, forming matted tufts or cushions ; e. g. , Leucobryum. 
 Canescent, rather hoary; e. g. % Ra- 
 comitrium canescens. 
 
 Central strand. The middle of many 
 moss stems is made up of a bundle of 
 much narrower and more slender cells, 
 known as the ' 'central strand. ' ' ( Fig. 24. ) 
 This is usually continuous with the mid- 
 rib or costa of the leaves, much after the 
 manner of the vascular bundles in the 
 higher plants. 
 
 Capitulum, a rounded head. 
 Coma or comal tuft, a tuft of leaves at the top of a stem or 
 branch. 
 
 Confervoid, formed of fine threads. 
 
 Fascicle, a bunch or cluster of 
 leaves or branches. 
 
 Fasciculate, arranged in bunches 
 Fastigiate, of branches, all 
 reaching an equal height. (Fig. 18.) 
 Flagella, fine string-like branch- 
 es; e. g., Dicranum flagellars 
 
 Gemmce, bud like bodies, capa- 
 ble of reproducing the plant. 
 Sometimes borne in special heads, 
 sometimes on the surface of the 
 leaves. (Fig. 25.) 
 
 Gemmiferous or Gemmiparous, 
 bearing gemmae. 
 
 Gregarious, growing near to- 
 gether or clustered, but not in close 
 tufts or mats. 
 . Hygroscopic, readily absorbing water and thereby altered in 
 form or direction. 
 
 Julaceous, smooth slender and cylindric; like a catkin or a 
 worm. 
 
68 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 Pinnate, having numerous equi- 
 distant spreading branches on each 
 side, like a feather. (Fig. 26.) 
 
 Plumose, feathery. 
 
 Polygamous, with antheridia and 
 archegonia disposed in various ways 
 on the same plant. 
 
 Proliferous, bearing young shoots 
 from the antheridial or archegonial 
 cluster of leaves. 
 
 Protonema, the green, branched, alga-like threads produced 
 from the spore and voften persist- 
 ent during the lifetime of the 
 plant produced from it. Pro- 
 tonema and radicles differ chiefly 
 in the presence or absence of 
 chlorophyll, and either may de- 
 velop the other. (Fig. 27.) 
 Pseudopodium, a leafless branch 
 resembling a seta and often bearing gemmae. (Fig. 25.) 
 Pulvinate, like a cushion. 
 
 Radicles, rootlets springing from the sides and base of stem. 
 See also firotonona. 
 
 Rajntili, minute branchlets. 
 Rhizoid, see radicles. 
 
 Stoloniferous stem, a slender creeping stem with minute 
 leaves. 
 
 Substratum, that upon which the plant grows; e. g., soil, 
 stones, etc. 
 
 Tomentose, covered with a thick felt of radicles. 
 
 TERMS USED IN DESCRIBING THE SPOROPHYTE. 
 
 Acicular, needle-shaped. Applied to the beak of the oper- 
 culum. 
 
 Amphithccium, the outer layers of cells of the sporogonium. 
 fi(V(JWl)/)7V7Vao Annulus, a specialized ring of vesicular cells 
 
 between the mouth of the capsule and the lid. 
 
 "fit 
 
 w^/ These cells are often highly elastic and aid in 
 £® removing the lid when the spores are ripe ; they 
 
 have a peculiar appearance, which is well illustrated in Fig. 28. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 69 
 
 Apophysis, see hypophysis, the more 
 correct term according to Braithwaite. 
 
 Appendiculate cilia, cilia with small 
 transverse spurs attached at intervals 
 along the margin. (Fig. 29.) As these 
 bars sometimes extend inward instead of 
 laterally, they are not always visible in a 
 strictly dorsal view. 
 
 Arcuate, (capsule) bent in a curve 
 like a bow. (Fig. 30.) 
 
 Articulate, (teeth of peristome) 
 marked by cross-bars as in Figs. 
 31 and 43. 
 
 Astomous, (capsule) without a 
 mouth. Used of capsules which 
 have no regularly dehiscent lid. 
 
 Beak, prolonged narrow tip of 
 the operculum. The opercula in 
 Figs. 30 and 32 are strongly beaked. 
 
 Calyptra, the thin veil or hood covering the 
 mouth of the capsule. (Figs. 33 and 41.) 
 
 Cancellate, latticed. Used of the endostome of 
 the Fontinalacecc. 
 23 Capsule, the enlarged distal end of the sporo 
 phyte; it contains the spores, and is sometimes 
 known as the sporangium. (Figs. 30, 32, 35, 39 and 40.) 
 
 Cernuous, (capsule) droop- 
 ing or nodding, somewhat in- 
 clined as opposed to erect. 
 (Fig- 350 
 
 Cilia, hair-like threads of the 
 endostome, alternating witli 
 the segments. (Fig. 29 and 
 Figs. 36, c and 43, d. ) 
 Clathrate, resembling lattice-work. 
 Cleistocarpous, capsule opening irregularly, not 
 by a lid or valves. 
 
 Collum, the neck or tapering base of the cap- 
 sule. (See Fig. 40.) 
 
 Columella, the central axis of the capsule; 
 around it and between it and the outer wall of 
 the capsule are borne the spores. Sometimes the 
 
70 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 lid adheres to it and is raised upon it, as in 
 Fig. 37- 
 
 Co7istricted, used of capsules that become nar 
 rowed under the mouth when dry. (Fig. 32.) 
 Contracted, see constricted. 
 
 Cribose, (peristome teeth) perforated with 
 small apertures. (Fig. 38.) 
 
 Cucullate calyptra, a calyptra that is hood- 
 shaped and split on one side only. (Fig. 33.) 
 
 Cygneous, (seta) curved suddenly downwards 
 like a swan's neck. 
 
 Deopcrculate, applied to a capsule after its lid 
 has fallen off. 
 Dimidiate, split on one side. 
 
 Divisural line, the line down the teeth of a peristome, 
 
 through which they split. (The zigzag line down the middle of 
 
 the teeth and the line down the middle of the segments in Fig. 43. ) 
 
 Emergent or emersed, half uncovered ; of the capsule, when 
 
 the perichastial leaves reach but do not overtop it. 
 
 Endostome, see under peristome. 
 
 Endothecium, the inner layers of cells of the capsule. 
 Epiphragm, a membrane covering the mouth of the deoper- 
 culate capsule ; in the Polytrichums and their allies it consists of 
 the dilated top of the columella. (Fig. 35, a.) 
 Exostome, see under peristome. 
 
 Exserted, elevated above the surrounding parts; of the cap- 
 sule, when the perichsetial leaves do not reach so high as its base. 
 Fenestrated, perforated. 
 Geniculate, (seta) suddenly bent, like a knee. 
 
 Gibbous, (capsule) more tumid or swollen 
 on one side than on the other. Fig. 
 
 39-) 
 
 Glaucous, originally applied to plants 
 covered with a bluish white bloom, but 
 now applied to mosses that have that color. 
 Granulose ox granulated, rough as with 
 minute grains of sand. 
 Gymnostomous, without a peristome. 
 
 Hygroscopic, readily absorbing water and thereby altered in 
 form or direction. Hygrometric is sometimes used with a similar 
 meaning. 
 
 Hypophysis, a swelling of the seta immediately under the 
 capsule. (Fig. 35.) 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS -[ 
 
 Immersed, covered up; of the capsule when the perichaetial 
 leaves project beyond it. 
 
 Leptodermous, thin coated; applied to capsules when soft 
 and pliable. 
 
 Lid, see operculum. 
 
 Mamillatc, or mam miliar, (lid of 
 the capsule) convex with a short 
 projection in the center. (Figs. 40 
 and 41.) 
 
 Mitriform, (calyptra) cleft on 
 on two or more sides, and symmet- 
 rical. (Fig. 41.) 
 
 M uric ate, Muriculate, (spore) 
 rough with minute sharp points. 
 Neck (of the capsule), the lowest part just above the point 
 where it joins the seta. See also collum. 
 
 Nodose, covered with knots or prominences. 
 Nodulose, covered with very small knots or prominences 
 (the cilia in Fig. 43). 
 
 Ochrea, a thin sheath around the base of the seta, terminating 
 the vaginula. 
 
 Operculum, the lid which closes the capsule and, falling, per- 
 mits the spores to escape. (Figs. 32. 37, 40.) 
 
 Pachvdermous, thick skinned ; applied to the walls of cap- 
 sules or to cells when firm and resisting. 
 
 Papillose, (seta) rough with small rounded 
 or acute protuberances. (Fig. 42 ) 
 Pedicel, see seta. 
 
 Pendulous, somewhat hanging or drooping; 
 more so than in cernous. (Fig. 40.) 
 
 Peristome, the fringe surrounding the mouth 
 
 of the capsule upon removing the lid. This 
 
 42 fringe may consist of a single row of processes, 
 
72 
 
 MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 known as teeth, as in Fig. 31, or of 
 a double row as in Fig. 43. In 
 the latter case the entire fringe is 
 still the peristome, but the term is 
 also applied in a particular sense 
 to the outer row ; the outer row is 
 often spoken of as the exostome 
 (b), and the inner as the endostome 
 (c). The inner row consists of as 
 many projections as the outer, but 
 alternating with them; these are 
 known as processes or segments 
 (c). Between the segments there 
 are often one or more slender hair- 
 like processes known as cilia. 
 (Fig. 43. d; fig. 36, c.) 
 
 Moss peristomes, viewed with a 
 compound microscope, are among 
 the most beautiful of natural ob- 
 jects. They are not composed of 
 cells (except in the Polytrichaceae and a few other small families), 
 but of thickened cell walls. The cross markings on the teeth, 
 segments, and cilia are the lines of junction of the transverse cell 
 walls with the longitudinal cell walls forming the peristome. The 
 radial walls are rarely thickened so as to appear in any way ; the 
 divisural line shows the place of their attachment to the teeth and 
 segments. 
 
 The researches of Philibert have shown that the endostome, 
 not the exostome, corresponds to the peristome of the mosses 
 having a single row of teeth. 
 
 Processes, see under perist07ne. 
 Rost el late, (operculum) with a short beak. 
 Rostrate, (operculum) with a long beak. (Figs. 30 and 32.) 
 Rough, same as papillose. 
 Scabrous, same as papillose. 
 Segments, see under peristome. 
 
 Seta, the stalk on which the capsule is borne. (Figs. 30, 35, 
 and 40. ) 
 
 Sporangium, often applied to the capsule, but by some 
 authors restricted to the spore sac, or inner sac of the capsule 
 containing the spores. 
 
MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 
 
 4u to 
 
 : 
 
 ®r 
 
 44WP 
 
 Spores, small round bodies contained in the capsule, serving 
 the purpose of seeds, but in no way homologous with them. 
 (Fig. 43, e.) 
 
 Spororogonium, the sporophyte or spore-bearing part of 
 the moss. 
 
 Stegocarpous, having the capsule operculate. 
 
 Stomata, pores in the walls of capsules, sur- 
 rounded by special guard -cells and serving the 
 same purpose as the stomata in the epidermis 
 of the leaves of the flowering plants. ( Fig. 44. ) 
 Struma, a goitre-like swelling on one side at 
 the base of the capsule. (Fig. 32.) 
 Slrumose, having a struma. 
 Sulcate, (capsule) deeply furrowed. (Fig. 
 39-) 
 Systilius, "the lid continuing fixed to the columella, 
 and thus elevated above the capsule when dry." (Fig. 
 37) 
 
 Tes set late, checkered in little squares; applied par- 
 ticularly to the peristomes of some of the Tortulaceaj. 
 (Fig. 45-) 
 
 Tooth, see under peristome. 
 
 Trabcculate, (peristome teeth) with prominent trans- 
 verse bars. (Fig. 31.) 
 
 Tumid, turgid, appearing as if swollen from 
 pressure within. 
 
 Turbinate, top shaped; e. g., capsule of Br yum tur- 
 binatum. 
 
 Umbonate, round with a projecting point in the 
 center. 
 
 Urceolate, shaped like an urn or pitcher. 
 Vaginula, the cellular sheath surrounding the base 
 of the seta, originally the lower part of the archegonium. 
 Veil, the calyptra. 
 Ventricose, bulging on one side. (Fig. 46.) 
 
INDEX 
 
 (To text only) 
 
 3i. 53- 
 26, 27. 
 45. 46. 
 43, 46. 
 
 - 5o. 
 
 - 39- 
 44. 
 
 Anomodon, - - • 
 Bartramia, - - ■ 
 Beaked Mosses, - • 
 Brachythecium, - ■ 
 
 acuminatum, - ■ 
 
 oxycladon, - - ■ 
 
 plumosum, - - ■ 
 
 populeum, 44. 
 
 rivulare, 44. 
 
 Broom Moss, 12. 
 
 Bryum, - - - - 23, 24, 25, 29. 
 
 Buxbaumia, 2, 3. 
 
 Catharinea, - - - - 8, 9, 10 
 Ceratcdon, - - - 14, 15, 28. 
 Cirriphyllum, - -47, 36, 45. 
 Climacium, - - - 51, 52, 42. 
 Cord Moss, - - - - 22, 23. 
 Cylindrothecium, - - - 50. 
 
 Dicranella, 13. 
 
 Dicranum, - 11, 12, 13, 4, 36. 
 Ditrichum, - - - - 15, 16. 
 Drummondia, ... - 17. 
 
 Entodon, 50, 36. 
 
 Eurhynchium, - - 45, 46, 36. 
 Fern Mosses - - - - 33, 34. 
 
 Fissidens, 10, 11. 
 
 Fontinalis, 55. 
 
 Funaria, 22. 
 
 Georgia, 4. 
 
 Grimmia Family, - 17, 19, 49. 
 Gymnocybe, - - - 27, 28, 14. 
 Hair-cap Mosses - - 5, 6, 7. 
 Hedwigia, - - - 18, 19, 14, 17. 
 Hooked Moss, - - - - 41. 
 Hygrohypnum, - - - - 42. 
 Hylocomium, - - 34, 35, 40. 
 Hypnum Family, - - - 36. 
 Hypnum, - - - - 36, 45, 52. 
 
 common, - - - - - 39. 
 
 crista-castrensis, - - - 37. 
 
 curvifolium, - - - - 38. 
 
 dilatatum, - - - - 43, 35. 
 
 Haldanianum, ... 39. 
 
 imponens, - - ~. - 37, 38., 
 
 molle, 43. 
 
 ochraceum, - - - - 42. 
 
 Pinnate, - - - - 36, 38. 
 
 reptile, 38. 
 
 Schreberi, 40. 
 
 uncinatum, .... 4.L 
 
 Water loving, - - - 42, 34. 
 
 Leptobryum, 25. 
 
 Leptotrichum, .... 15. 
 
 Leskea, 31, 53. 
 
 Leucobryum, 11. 
 
 Leucodon, 54. 55- 
 
 Long necked Moss, - - 16. 
 
 Mnium, 29, 30. 
 
 Neckera, 53. 
 
 Orthotrichum, - - 17, 19, 20. 
 Peat Moss, - - - - 1, 2, 11. 
 
 Philonotis, 27. 
 
 Plagiothecium, - - - 48, 36. 
 Plume Moss, - - - - 37, 38. 
 
 Pogonatum, 7, 8. 
 
 Pohlia, - - 25. 
 
 Polytrichum, - - - - 5, 6, 7. 
 Physcomitrium, - - - - 23. 
 
 Pleuridium, 16. 
 
 Pylaisia, 49. 
 
 Pylaisiella, - - - - 49, 36. 
 Raphidostegium, - - 45, 36, 
 Rhynchostegium, 42, 46, 36, 45. 
 Shaggy Moss, - - - - 35. 
 
 Sphagnum, 1. 
 
 Spoon-leaved Moss, - - 47. 
 Splachnum, - - - - 21, 16. 
 
 Tetraphis, -4. 
 
 Thelia, 32. 
 
 Thuidium, - - - - 33, 28. 
 Tree Mosses, - - - - 51, 52. 
 
 Trematodon, 16. 
 
 Ulota, 21. 
 
 Urn Moss, 23. 
 
 Water Mosses, - - - - 55. 
 
 Webera, - 3. 
 
 Weissia, - - - - 19, 20, 21. 
 White Moss, ii % 
 
 rKOKRTY LIBRARY 
 N- C. State College 
 
QK^I GIT 11 " 3 State UnlV6rSity Ubrarie * 
 
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