146 



ABOUT MOSSES AND LICHENS. [CHAP. 



FIG. in. 



of the receptacle, and contain spores mixed with 

 elaters, as in the Scale -mosses. The fronds also 

 bear upon their upper surface little cups 

 containing spore -like bodies, which are 

 really buds, or gemmce, and capable of de- 

 veloping into perfect plants. The pur- 

 pose of these buds is evidently to per- 

 petuate the plant when it is growing 

 under conditions unfavourable to the pro- 

 duction of spores. 



Formerly this species had a great re- 

 putation for its supposed medicinal vir- 

 tues. Old Culpepper says of it: "It is under the 

 dominion of Jupiter, and under the sign Cancer. It 

 is a singular good herb for all the diseases of the 

 liver, both to cool and cleanse it, and helpeth the 

 inflammations in any part, and the yellow jaundice 

 likewise : Being bruised and boiled in small beer, and 

 drunk, it cooleth the heat of the liver and kidneys." 



The remaining order of this group of plants is 

 known as the Ricciacece or Crystalworts. It is a very 

 small order, containing only six 

 British species. They are some- 

 what similar in structure to the 

 Liverworts, but simpler. The 

 spore cases are not stalked, but 

 borne upon the surface of the 

 frond, or embedded in it, as in 

 fig. 112. The spores are not mixed with elaters in 

 this group, neither do the spore cases split into 

 valves. 



The Lichens are more nearly allied to the Fungi, 



FIG. 112. 



