36 



CLASS 11. ACEOGEN-S. 



Axis of growth distixct, growixo from tue apex, with usually no pro- 

 tlsiojf foe subsequent increase in diameter, and with frequently distinct 

 FOLIAGE. Reproduction by the action of Antlierozoids on Archcgonia. 



MUSCALES. 

 Plants composed of cellular tissue only. Archegorda or AntheriJia, or both 

 formed on the stem or branches of a new plant, that is developed from the spore 

 on its germination. 1 



MUSCALES. THE MOSS ALLI.\NCE. 

 MOSSES. 



The ■word Moss has been used by unscientific persons in a very loose and in- 

 definite manner, being applied to almost any plant of a small, cEespitose and compact 

 habit of growth. For instance, Keindeer-moss (so called) is, strictly speaking;, a 

 lichen ; Carrageen-moss is a seaweed ; and Spanish moss is a Bromeliaccous plant, 

 or of the same order as the Pine-apple ! As a Botanist speaks, however, " moss " 

 has a limited and thorouglily wcll-deiined application. 



True mosses, technically speaking, are cellular Acrogcns, i.e. plants whose tissue 

 (with some exceptions) is composed of cells and not of vessels, and which grow at 

 the end. They are, for the most part, small lowly plants of thin delicate texture, 

 generally gregarious, and choosing for their habitats, trees, rocks and walls, or clay 

 banks and bogs, but hardh' disdaining any locality which will provide them with 

 their chief sustenance, moisture. Some mosses are very singular in their choice of a 

 habitat. One very remarkable and b(\iutit'ul genus (^Sjihu-hnum) chooses the decaved 

 dung of animals, though it does not refuse to grow on an old hat or an old shoe. 

 Another moss — Funnria hygrometrica — affects bare patches of ground, especially 

 where there are any charred remains. This peculiar habit seems to accompany the 

 plant in every part of the world : for it was on just such a patch of burnt ground, 

 that, on crossing a deserted Toung-ya in tlie motmtains, I found this common British 

 species. 



Mosses differ exceedingly in size, colour, and texture, — also, as a consequence, 

 in general outward aspect. Some Phasca, including roots, stem and fruit, vaiy 

 from a line to one-eighth of an inch in total length ; while Pohjtriilmm commune (a 

 single plant) will sometimes attain the length of two feet, so that hassocks and mats 

 are maile of it. The urn alone, or sporangium, of the latter is capable of holding 

 concealed within it a very large number of fully developed plants of the former. 

 Many species of Meteorium and Kcckcra clothe the branches of damp forest trees with 

 a ib'ooping drapery many inches in length. Pohjtrichnm and Pogonatiim furnish 



' [Tlie following remarks are from the pen of the Eev. C. Parisli, who has kindly contrihuteil the 

 catalogue licre given, the only alteration in which being the interpolation in its place of the order 

 Chiiruaic, iu aeeordance with the scheme of classiticatiou followed in this edition.] 



