Boyal Microscopical Society. 5 



diminisli it by promoting evaporation, and finally, also by tbeir own 

 detritus, and by that of the numerous other bog plants to which 

 they serve as a support, remove it entirely, and thus bring about 

 their own destruction. Then, as soon as the plant detritus formed 

 in this manner has elevated itself above the surfece water, it is fami- 

 Har to us by the name of turf, becomes material for fuel, and all 

 Sphagnum vegetation ceases." 



Little noticed, then, as these plants may be, they perform func- 

 tions in the economy of nature which cannot be overlooked ; and it 

 is for the purpose of inviting more general observation of their 

 structure that I bring forward these remarks. Some seventeen 

 British species are known, all of which I hope to illustrate ; and in 

 carrying out this object, I shall feel thankful for good specimens of 

 any of our species, but especially those occurring in the north 

 of Scotland, for the wild moorlands of Northern Europe have so far 

 proved to be the most prolific in new species. 



