Mosses and Lichens 



Vermont. The specific name mnioides is derived from fiviov, 

 moss, and the suffix olS, like. 



Plant (gametopbyte). Robust, pale-green, % to 3 inches high, 

 stems branched, covered with matted root-like filaments below. 



Leaves. Crowded, ovate-lance-shaped or narrowly obovate- 

 lance-shaped ; apex pointed, suddenly narrowed into a flexuous yel- 

 low awn; vein prolonged to form the awn ; margin yellow, entire. 



Habit of flowering. Male and female flowers on one plant 

 (monoicous) . 



Veil (calyptra}. Small, conical, usually split 

 up one side. 



T. mnioides. Portion of peristome 

 to show teeth. 



T. mnioides. Tip of spore- 

 case to show position of 

 teeth when closed. 



T. mniodes. Per- 

 istome with reflect- 

 ed teeth. 



Spore-case. Short-cylindrical, fawn-colour, with a cylindrical 

 green apophysis, both become dark-red, and the spore-case is 

 contracted below the mouth when empty. 



Pedicel (seta}. Stout, orange to red, variable in length, ^ to 

 2 inches long. Enlarged under the spore-case. 



Lid (operculum). Obtusely conic. 



Teeth (peristome). Reflexed when dry, orange-red. 



Spores. Small, mature in summer. 



Distribution. Universal. 



COLLAR MOSSES 



Genus SPLACHNUM, Linn. 



The species of the Genus Splachnum are easily recognised 

 by the extraordinary enlargement of the pedicel at the base of the 

 spore-cases. They are perennial and grow in tufts, invariably 

 on the dung of animals. The branches are soft and slender 

 with broadly lance-shaped leaves, the lower distant and open; 

 the upper tufted; all with a vein. 



204 



