and on the Sexes of Mosses. 467 
indeed produces fruit in this country; but in the winter it not uncommonly 
possesses healthy-looking pistilla. I have, however, never been able to de- 
tect the cell in any of them. The manner of the development of this body 
is exceedingly simple. Soon after the opening of the upper extremity of the 
style another cell is formed on the upper surface of the first. The two adhere 
firmly to each other, and may be dissected out together. Presently another 
cell is formed, either on the upper surface of the second, or on its side; then 
appears another, and so on gradually increasing in number. When about 
ten cells are developed the dissection becomes comparatively easy, and the 
oblong mass may be exposed, with the original cell'still remaining at the base. 
In this stage it has become rather flattened on the upper surface from the 
pressure of the newly-formed cells. 
Whilst this process is going on, the base of the pistillum itself increases in 
size, not by distention, as is universally supposed, but by the addition of fresh 
matter. At the same time the style becomes of a red or brown colour, of a 
rigid texture, and never increases in size after the opening of its canal. In 
Funaria hygrometrica the pistillum elongates considerably before the base has 
increased in diameter, to allow of the rapid growth of the oblong or fusiform 
mass within, which now occupies its whole length from the apex immediately 
beneath the hardened style to the very base, and even beyond, having pushed 
its conical extremity deeper into the tissue, until at last it has actually 
penetrated the branch itself. After the pistillum has attained a considerable 
length, its base increases in diameter without a corresponding increase of the 
central body, so that a space is left between the two. Very shortly the pistillum 
separates transversely below the dilated portion, and is supported on the apex 
of what may now be called the seta, by the more rapid elongation of which 
the separation has been caused. At this period may be observed a sheath of 
elastic gummy secretion, embracing the base of the seta, immediately opposite 
the point of separation between the upper part of the pistillum (now called 
the calyptra) and the base, which receives the name of vaginula. This sheath 
of mucous gradually becomes solid and cellular; and, by its connexion with 
the vaginula and its firm embrace of the seta, serves to secure the latter in its 
cavity. 
The extremity of the seta is not invariably conical. The exceptions, how- 
3P2 
