Thread-moss 



The Pear-shaped Thread-moss, Leptobryum pyriforme, 

 Schimp. See cuts on page 218. 



Habit and habitat.~\n dense silky green patches on shady 

 rocks and walls, and sandy or turfy soil, also on burnt and decay- 

 ing trees. Common. 



Apex of / V pj /*/ Lower 



leaf - leaves. 



W. nutans. Leaves. (See page 219.) 



L. pyriforme. Leaves. 



L. pyriforme. Por- 

 tion of peristome. 



.lid. 

 Pedicel, 



L. pyriforme. Spore-case with lid and 

 long neck. 



W. nutans. 



Plant. 

 (See page 219.) 



Name. The specific name pyriforme is from the Latin pyrum, 

 a pear, and forma, form, referring to the spore-case. 



Plant (gametophyte). Slender, simple, stem short. One- 

 half to one inch high. 



Leaves. The lower distant, narrowly lance-shaped, the upper 

 tufted and longer; apex awl-like, flexuose, serrate; cells above, 



217 



