AND BUXBAUMIA. 347 



Nearly the whole of these modifications exist in that 

 natural subdivision of the order, which may be named 

 Splachnece, consisting of Splachnum, Systylium, Tayloria 

 {Hookeria of Schwaegrichen), Splachnum squamosum of 

 Hooker, and Weissia splachnoides. 



578] The number of teeth in Splachne^e is thirty-two, 

 which, however, are never entirely distinct and at the same 

 time equidistant, but approximated or united in various 

 degrees in the different genera and species of the section. 



Thus in Tayloria and Systylium the thirty- two teeth are 

 distinct and disposed in sixteen pairs. 



In Splachnum rubrum and luteum there are apparently 

 only eight pairs, each tooth, however, having a pellucid and 

 obscurely-perforated axis. In almost all the other genuine 

 species of Splachnum there is the same disposition as in 

 S. rubrum and luteum ; but the pellucid axis of each tooth 

 is less distinct and imperforated. 



In Splachnum anyustatum, and I believe also in a second 

 species nearly related to it, the arrangement is somewhat 

 different \ for the sixteen apparent teeth are approximated, 

 and at the base even united in fours, the pellucid axis of 

 each tooth being still less obvious. Hence these species in 

 their peristomium very nearly approach to Tetraphis, to 

 which they would be absolutely referable were the union 

 complete. 



In Splachnum squamosum the apparent number of teeth 

 is eight, without any actual subdivision. But as each tooth 

 has three equidistant pellucid lines, of which the lateral are 

 nearly as distinct as the central, there can be no doubt that 

 the composition is the same here as in the rest of the 

 section. 1 



1 In a late number of Musci Exotici, (No. 17, tab. 136,) Splachnum squar- 

 rosum is transferred to Octoulepharum, and, on the authority of M. de Beauvois, 

 is stated to be Octoblepharum serratum of Bridel. Mr. Hooker, however, con- 

 tinues to refer it to this genus, on the supposition of its agreeing with the 

 original species in the form of its calyptra : observing that if this should prove 

 not to be the case, it ought to be separated, under the generic name Orthodon, 

 formerly given to it by its discoverer M. Bory de St. Vincent. 



The calyptra of O. albichim is represented as distinctly cucullate, both by 

 Swartz (in Obs. Bot. tab. xi, fig. 1) and M. de Beauvois (in Flore J' tea re, i. 

 tab. 31). I have also observed it of the same form in specimens from 

 Madagascar. There seems, therefore, no reason to doubt that these two 



