THE PAGE OF NATURE. 35 



ditions of light, temperature, elevation above the sea, 

 geological character of the district, and various other 

 physical causes; but the wonderful vital energy with 

 which the mosses are endowed, enables them to resist 

 the most unfavourable influences, to grow freely and 

 luxuriantly even in the bleakest circumstances, and to 

 acclimatize themselves, without changing their character, 

 in any region of the earth, and every kind of situation 

 upon its surface; while, owing to the extreme minute- 

 ness and profusion of their germs of reproduction, they 

 are almost universally disseminated by the winds and 

 waves. There is no spot so barren and desolate where 

 some species or other may not be found. Although 

 often growing in great abundance within the tropics, 

 carpeting the ground, and covering the trunks of the 

 trees, and sometimes attaining very luxuriant propor- 

 tions, the temperate zones, however, are the proper re- 

 gions of the mosses. Unlike the ferns, the size and 

 number of which gradually diminish in passing from 

 tropical to temperate countries, the maximum of mosses 

 is found in cold climates, increasing in luxuriance, beauty, 

 and abundance as we approach the North Pole. Like the 

 ferns, moisture and shade are essential to their growth and 

 wellbeing, hence, as a class, they are principally confined 

 to islands and the vicinity of rivers and lakes ; the inte- 

 rior of continents, unless when well wooded and watered, 

 being in a great measure destitute of them. Their favourite 

 habitats appear to be rocky dells or ravines at the foot 

 of mountains, with streamlets murmuring through them, 

 and dense trees interweaving their foliage over their 

 sides, and creating a dim moist twilight in the recesses 



