THE society's NOTE-BOOKS. 187 



5. — Sphagnum plumosum. Leaf — Perhaps this is a variety 



of S. cuspidatuin called 

 " Feathery Bog-Moss," 

 and if so the form of 

 the leaf is lanceolate. 



6. „ squarrosum. Elliptic, with broad base 



tapering to a point. 



The capsules of these mosses, observed with paraboloid or 

 spot-lens, is a lovely object, like a goblet of ebony on a silver 

 stem. Linnseus states that the Lapland matrons dry these mosses 

 and lay them in their children's cradles to supply the place of bed, 

 bolster, and every covering ; and being changed night and morn- 

 ing, it keeps the infant remarkably clean, dry, and warm. It is 

 sufficiently soft of itself, but the tender mother, not satisfied with 

 this, frequently covers the moss with the downy hairs of the 

 reindeer, and by that means makes a most delicate nest for the 

 new-born babe. 



Henry Basevi. 



J regret that Mr. Cheesman did not carry his diagnosis further, 

 and point out, in his own way, the distinctions between all the 

 species on his sUde. It is obvious that Col. Basevi's remarks point 

 out a valuable help in the determination of species, and combined 

 with the form and nature of the utricle, the determination of 

 species is much simplified. I find great difficulty in comparing 

 cells such as those of mosses, where the forms run so much alike, 

 and any additional characteristics are most welcome. 



Thomas Steel. 



ZOOLOGICAL. 



Birds'-Head Processes in Gemellaria. — Are these birds'-head 

 processes parasites ? I have met with them on different zoo- 

 phytes. On one occasion I saw a small eel seized, and the mus- 

 cular beak retained its hold till the death of both. On trying to 

 mount them together, they separated, showing the eel's body 

 deeply indented by the beak. 



A. Nicholson. 



Birds'-Head Processes are not parasitic. They serve the pur- 

 pose of police, to make odd things in the shape of spores, 



