CHAPTER XXX. 

 LIVERWORTS (HEPATIC^). 



472. General characters. The name liverwort refers to 

 certain plants which were supposed to simulate by their form the 

 organ of the human body known as the liver. (The hepatica,* a 



Fig. 278. 

 Thallus of liverworts (Riccia). 



flower of the woods in early spring, is known as the " liver-leaf," 

 or noble liverwort, because of the three-lobed leaf.) The liver- 



To THE TEACHER. If the length of the course will not permit the 

 practical study of any of the liverworts, several of them may be used for 

 illustration for the student to observe the general habit and character after 

 the study of a moss. Where there is time for the study Marchantia may be 

 used, and some of the foliose liverworts can be examined to note the differen- 

 tiation of a thin strap-shaped thallus or body into one with stems and 

 leaves. The teacher can use discretion in the employment of other ex- 

 amples in the practical work, according to the length of time which can be 

 devoted to the study. 



* Hepatica triloba = Hepatica hepatica. 



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