MOSSES. 107 



in Swaledale, wherever the water is not rendered un- 

 wholesome by lead-washings. Edward has it from ponds 

 near Hawkkurst, and I have found it in the Wye near 

 Ross ; indeed it is common in running water all over 

 the kingdom. Its brother, the Alpine Water-moss (F. 

 squniosa, Plate VII., Jig. 7). is a more slender plant, 

 with glossy lance-shaped leaves, and urns like the com- 

 mon species. We have a good specimen from Blair 

 Athole. 



The Bristly Water-moss (Dichelyma capillaceum) is 

 also a denizen of Alpine streams, with awl-shaped leaves 

 ending in a thread-like point. It grows much in the 

 same manner as the other floating; mosses. 



Repairing: once more to Billv Bank wood, we found 

 overhanging rocks clothed with luxuriant mosses. One 

 had flat branches much divided, and lying one over 

 another like tiles. The leaves were very small, olive 

 green, and glossy, blunt at the ends. They were set on 

 each side of the stems in a regular line, making a flat 

 surface such as is called complana.te. This proved to be 

 the Blunt Fern-like Feather-moss (Omalia trichoman- 

 oides, Plate VII, Jig. 4). In this genus the fruit-stalk 

 is slightly bent at the junction with the urn, thus 

 approaching the true Feather-mosses (Hypnum) in 

 character. 



Upon the same rocks a much larger moss was growing. 

 Its characteristics were the same as those of the smaller 

 species, but with erect urns. Its complanate foliage, 

 pinnate stems, and tile-like growth, marked it as the Flat- 

 leaved Neckera (N. complanata, Plate VII., Jig. 5). 

 There is a Crisped Neckera, with pale foliage, and a Dwarf 



