Drummondiance. K O. Ileputicfle 



TAB. CCXLIX. 



RiCCIA YELUTINA. 



Terrestis subtus copiose radiculosa velutina, fronde orbiculari 

 crassa celluloso-succulenta convexa lobata, lobis imbricatis 

 cuneatis subifidis, laciniis incrassatis obtusis, capsulis copiosis 

 immersis demum superficialibus, sporulis aterrimis. 



Riccia velutina. W* Wilso7U msL 



Hab 



Drummond 



The appearance of the well-dried specimens of this plant, 

 when the surface is not broken up by the fructifications, is 

 exactly that of a piece of bright yellow-green velvet, occasioned 

 by the numerous raised points of the cellules catching and 

 reflecting the light. Fructified specimens have a very different 

 appearance. In a young state, the capsules, exactly globose, 

 and formed of a thin membrane, filled with dark-coloured 

 sporules, seem to occupy all parts of the internal cellular mass; 

 in age becoming superficial, and then, the sporules escaping, the 

 upper surface exhibits a number of little pits or hollows, and the 

 beautiful velvety hue of the more perfect specimens has entirely 

 vanished. I see no appearance of an apiculus or style, as it has 

 been called, to the capsules; but much allowance must be made 

 for our being able to examine only the dried state of the plant. 



Fi^. !• Single barren plant: — nat. size. /. 2. Section of a 

 portion of the same. / 3. Fructifying plant. / 4. Section of 

 a portion : — magnified. 



