yS The Scottish Naturalist. 



absence. History is ever repeating itself. Achilles keeps within his tent, and 

 Troy still presents a proud front to the foe. 



" Why is it that men care not for green mosses 

 Except to pack their crates ? 

 Why pass unheeding by this lowly tribe, 

 The meekest of earth's children ? " 



Whether we regard the capsule, which under the microscope is often found to 

 be a wondrous piece of architecture ; the gracefully curved seta, which an 

 artist might envy ; the leaves of endless variety of form and texture ; or 

 the rich colouring, they are a most interesting study. The moss upon the 

 diy wall gives but a faint idea of what may be found upon the moist mountain 

 side, where the embarras de rlchesse often presses upon the bryologist. By 

 the side of the road from Loch Tay to Glen Lyon, skirting the side of Ben 

 Lawers, large patches of Bryum pattens Swartz, Barlramia fontanaL., and 

 Sphagna of various colours form indeed a splendid mosaic. 



" In the rocky glens where Devon 

 Dashes on its seaward way." 



many of the large boulders which obstruct the course of the stream are 

 crowned with a shining red tuft of Bryum pattens Swartz., set round with 

 Bartramia fontana L., a ruby encompassed with emeralds ; and the effect is 

 very pleasing. Besides those mosses which have been mentioned, there are 

 many others, in which the colouring is very rich ; Bryum argenteum L. and 

 Bryum julaceum Schpr. are arrayed in glittering apparel of silver ; Bryum al- 

 pinum L. is shining red as if varnished ; and Hookeria lucens Sm. can boast 

 of robes glossy as the finest silk. To give some idea of the variety of form 

 which prevails among mosses, it may be enough to mention such names as 

 Fern Moss, Feather Moss, Palm Tree Moss, Tail Moss, and Tufted Moss, which 

 are truly descriptive, and not mere fancy appellations. Nor ought their won- 

 derful powers of vitality to be forgotten. Often in the long dry days of 

 summer they appear withered and dead ; but if a shower fall upon them, they 

 are again fresh and flourishing. Many species too are at their best in winter, 

 so that when 



" The violet round the mossed grey stone 

 Hath hid her weary head," 



and all her fair companions have bent to the destroyer, the botanist need not 

 discontinue field work. 



The following rare species have been gathered in this district. Some time 

 ago a visit was paid to Ben Chonzie, and upon the stones by the side of the 

 brawling Turret a moss of most attractive appearance was found. It was of a 

 very rich, deep green colour, and looked as if it had been varnished. A dis- 

 tinguished Scottish bryologist, to whom it was sent, thought at first it was a 

 new species, but afterwards referred it to Bryum pattens Swartz, or, to use his 

 own words, " something thereabout." The moss was next sent to an eminent 

 English bryologist, and his opinion was as follows : — "Probably this is one of 

 the many forms of the ever varying Bryum pseudo-triquetrum." The plant 

 was next submitted to Dr. Braithwaite, who sent the following reply: "Barren 

 Brya are most difficult to identify but your specimen certainly does not belong 



