BRITISH MOSSES. 



47 



of which, as shown in Fig. 29, two generally grow 

 more out or less horizontally, and two are disposed in 

 close proximity to the stem, round which in fact they 

 fall (see again Fig. 16), so as to exert a great capillary 

 attraction and keep a great mass of water in suspension 

 even against the force of gravity. 



. o. 



Fia. 28. Portion of leaf of Sphagnum acutifolium, highly 

 magnified ; o o, orifices opening from interior of cells. 

 After Schimper. 



Yet further, as it would seem, to add to the absorp- 

 tive capacity of the leaves, Nature, in one or more 

 species of the Peat Moss, has recourse to a further 



