The PolytrichncccB of Essex County. 119 



from the earth, is simple and clothed with linear-lanceolate 

 shaped leaves, which are bent backwards when in a fresh 

 state, and are likewise serrate on their margins and backs. 

 We are informed by Linnaeus that this moss enters largely 

 into the comforts of the inhabitants of Lapland, who use it 

 for bedding and similar purposes. "In the north of Eng- 

 land, mattresses superior to those of straw are sometimes 

 made with it, and Burnett also adds, after quoting Johnston, 

 for the last statement, that it " was formed for promoting 

 the growth of the hair, and that in Germany it is esteemed 

 as a sudorific.' " Outlines, vol. I, pp. 287-8. Nor less in- 

 teresting is its geographical distribution, having been found 

 throughout Europe, in temperate and frigid parts of Asia, 

 in Kamschatka, North America, Newfoundland, Peru, the 

 Falkland Islands and Madagascar. 



2. POLYTRICHIJM GRAciLE (Mcnzics. Trans. Linn. Soc. 

 IV. &c.) Bridel., Brylogia Universall. 154. Sulliv.in Gr.l.c. 



Usually of smaller size than the last, with a four to six- 

 sided and obtuse-angled capsule, a longbeakcd lid; the 

 hairy calyptra shorter than the capsule. 



Detected in boggy places at Ipswich, by the late WILLIAM 

 OAKES. 



3. POLYTRICHUM juNirERiNUM. Hedwig. Species Musco- 

 rum, &c. Brid. Bry. II. 136. H. & T. Muse. Brit. tab. 

 X. Sulliv. in Gr. 1. c. 



Stem either simple or divided,leaves terminating in a some- 

 what stiff point ; the margins fold inwards and are smooth on 

 their edges ; a peculiarity which distinguishes the species. 

 It is also quite a common plant. 



4. POLYTRICHUM PILIFERUM. (Schreber) H. & T. Muse. 

 Brit. tab. X. Brid. Bry. II. 142. Sulliv. in Gr. 1. c. 



This common and striking little moss occurs on sunny 

 aspects among rocks, and can be readily known by its long 

 white awns at the tips of the leaves, which when appressed 

 to the stem by dryness, give the plants a hoary look. Its 

 capsule is oblong, four-sided, its lid is conical, beaked, and 

 its foliage crowded at the top of the stem. 



5. POGONATUM BREVICAULE. Brid. Bry. II. 114. Polytri- 



