MOSSES. 115 



moss (H. crista castrensis) with its truly feather like 

 fronds ; from Blair Athole. 



There are a great number of species in this genus, 

 but these serve for examples : new specimens will give 

 zest to new explorations. 



It is one of the great advantages in this group of 

 plants that they are in perfection when flowers and 

 ferns have retired for the winter. As long as the 

 weather remains open, mosses increase in beauty ; and 

 after a snow storm and many a cruel frost, the relenting 

 breezes and soft rains of February soon succeed in reviving 

 them. All moss collectors should preserve several 

 specimens of each species which they are fortunate 

 enough to find, as, now that the study of these plants is 

 so greatly on the increase, they are sure ere long to 

 meet other collectors who are very glad to accept or 

 to exchange. 



No wonder that the study of mosses is becoming 

 popular, for it is an insensible mind indeed which has 

 not taken pleasure in them from childhood. To step 

 upon moss-covered ground sends a thrill of delight to 

 many a heart, the attention of which has never been 

 given for a moment to Monocotyledons, or Dicotyledons, 

 or Acotyledons ; and who is there that cannot call to 

 mind the refreshment of throwing themselves down 

 upon a moss bank such as "Wordsworth describes % — 



u Here, traveller, rest thee, for the sun is high, 

 And thou art old and weary. It is sweet 

 To find at noon a moorland bank like this, 

 To press its luxury of moss, and bid 

 The hours fleet by on burning wing." 



