NOVEMBER. 373 
even on granite; others on calcareous rocks. One (Funaria 
hygrometrica) grows on old walls and buildings, and in dry 
and barren soils, but is sure to spring up wherever any 
substance has been burned, particularly where charcoal is 
made; it is wonderfully influenced by the state of the 
atmosphere, whence the specific name (/ygros, a Greek word 
signifying moist or wet). The stalk of the seed-vessel is 
straight during wet or damp weather ; but as soon as the air 
is dry, the stalk curls up most curiously; the seed-vessel 
is hid beneath the leaves, and by this means kept in a damp 
state. Some species (Splachnum sphericum and mnioides) are 
found only on the dung of animals, and particularly that of 
foxes. Dr. Hooker found Splachnum angustatum growing 
plentifully on the foot of an old stocking, near the summit 
of Ingleborough, Yorkshire. The same species was observed 
also on the half decayed hat of a traveller who had perished 
on Mount St. Bernard; and Captain Parry found it in the 
bleached skull of the Musk Ox, in Melville Island. A piece 
of leather, even, will often be found clothed with one of these 
minute plants. The trunks of trees are frequently covered 
with mosses, especially on the north side; they probably 
serve to protect the bark from severe cold, and insects are 
often found in great numbers beneath this soft covering. 
