BRACHYTIIECIACEAE 



251 



cylindrical branches, with the concave leaves distinctly 

 showing, although folded against each other. Other 

 mosses with cylindrical branches are much smaller 

 and the leaves are not clearly seen when folded, 

 while those mosses with equally distinct leaves have 

 more slender or flatter branches, as the leaves are 

 not spoon-shaped or concave as in Cirriphylhim. 

 The curled tip of the leaves can be seen in the larger 

 growths; it is very conspicuous when seen with a 

 hand-lens. 



77. OXYRHYNCHIUM (Bryol. Eur.) Warnst. 

 (Ox-y-rhyn-chi-um) 



A genus of several species; the common one given 

 below. Name derived from the Greek for '' sharp," 

 *' well," and *' beak," referring to 

 the long beak of the operculum. 



Plants large, growing in loose mats 

 on stones in streams; olive or dark 

 green, rarely yellowish-green, black 

 below; common; fruit quite com- 

 mon. 



Stems prostrate; often leafless in 

 the lower part; irregularly branched; 

 branches ascending; thick. 



Leaves straight, la^g^j broad, wide-spreading; olive or dark 

 green. 



Seta Yz-Yx inch long; reddish-brown. 



Capsule short-cylindrical, inclined; mature in autumn. 



Oxyrhynchium ruscijorme 



