74 HOW TO KNOW THE MOSSES 



Seta absent, but represented by an outgrowth called a 

 pseudopodium. 



Leaves sharp-pointed or spoon-shaped, closely folded and 

 overlapping, or spreading; especially adapted for holding 

 water. 



Capsule oval; brown; on a pale stalk; wrapped in leaves 

 until mature; without a peristome; mature in summer. 



Operculum convex. 



Range, cosmopolitan in suitable habitats, more abundant 

 in the cooler bogs of North America and Europe. 



In economic value, the Sphagnums are the most im- 

 portant of the Bryophytes. The peat of commerce is 

 obtained from the firm, compressed mass of the older 

 portions of the plants that is formed at the bottom of 

 bogs. This mass is cut into bricks and, when dried, is 

 used for fuel, especially in Scotland and Ireland. 



Sphagnum is also valuable as a packing material. In 

 certain localities it is used as a filling for mattresses 

 and pillows, and, as a non-conducting substance, it is 

 wrapped around steam-pipes or packed in the walls of 

 houses. When moist, it is used by gardeners and flor- 

 ists for packing vegetables and plants, as the peculiar 

 structure of the leaves enables them to absorb and 

 hold moisture like a sponge. 



It has been discovered in Germany, England, and 

 Scotland that, owing to its absorbing qualities. Sphag- 

 num can be successfully used for surgical dressings as 

 a substitute for prepared cotton wool. 



