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may appear to the ordinary looker-on, they, nevertheless, 

 sustain an important part in the economy of nature. 

 Geologists tell us they were the first forms of vegeta- 

 tion that covered the earth. And now they are to 

 be found everywhere. They are the first to spring 

 up on inorganic matter, appearing mysteriously on the 

 newly-quarried stone, and by their decay produce a 

 vegetable fertilizing matter, thus forming a primary link 

 in the chain of nature, by means of which the whole earth 

 becomes clothed with a robe of vegetation. To a cursory 

 glance they may appear but patches of green or grey, 'but 

 a minute and close investigation reveals great variety of 

 foliage, and diversity of form, and wonderful fitness of 

 parts so much so that the cryptogamic student can fully 

 endorse the expression of Pliny, that " Nature is nowhere 

 greater than in her smallest works." Beautiful indeed 

 are those soft mossy cushions placed here and there 'neath 

 the hedge-row, reminding one of the description given by 

 Wordsworth in his poem of " The Thorn." 



" A fresh and lovely sight, 

 A beauteous heap, a hill of moss, 

 Just half a foot in height. 

 All lovely colours there you see, 

 All colours that were ever seen ; 

 And mossy network too is there 

 As if by hand of lady fair 

 The work had woven been ; 

 And cups, the darlings of the eye, 

 So deep is their vermillion dye. 

 Ah me ! what lovely tints are there 

 Of olive green and scarlet bright, 

 In spikes, in branches, and in stars, 

 Green, red, and pearly white." 



