HAIR-CAP MOSSES 



is peculiar: Every year each of the main shoots of the 

 year before sends out a single fernlike branch from the 

 middle, instead of branching out from the side of 

 the shoot, as most mosses do. 



This plant grows in great 

 quantities in cool, moist moun- 

 tain woods, and on stones and 

 old logs. If you study the pic- 

 ture of this moss you will probably 

 know the plant when you see it 

 in the wood. 



There are not many capsules 

 in proportion to the number of 

 plants. Sometimes, however, a 

 patch of this moss may have an abundance of fruit. 



All fern mosses are easily known from their fernlike 

 forms. They are found 



. '' Springing in valleys green and low. 

 And on the mountain high. 

 And in the silent wilderness 

 Where no man passes by." 



HAIR-CAP MOSSES 



Mountain Fern Moss. 



The hair-caps are our largest common mosses. 

 Some grow in old fields and meadows, or along the road- 

 side, while others seem to want the shade and moisture 



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