THE MOUNTAIN. 127 



SPLACHNUM MNIOIDES. 



We need not suppose that the peculiar soil pos- 

 sesses the power of attracting such seeds, but 

 rather that they float about in infinite numbers, 

 and are deposited in situations of all kinds, coming 

 to maturity only in those which are adapted to 

 their growth. Another instance is to be observed 

 in a moss which I have mentioned before, as 

 possessing remarkable hygrometric properties.* 

 This, though anything but uncommon in most 

 situations, shows a decided preference for places 

 in which peat or charcoal has been burnt. I have 

 seen a circular spot in a wood, the soil of which 

 was entirely composed of the dust of charred 

 wood, covered with this moss, though not an atom 

 was to be seen anywhere else in the neighbour- 

 hood. You may probably have observed in hot- 

 houses, in which ferns are cultivated, that when- 

 ever the smallest portion of earth is exposed to 

 the air and light, and has been left undisturbed 



* Funaria hygrometrica. 



