BKYOPHYTA. 93 



the most part, leafy forms like Madotheca, and represented 

 by a great many common forms, growing usually on tree 

 trunks, etc. They are much like Madotheca in general appear- 

 ance, but usually very small and inconspicuous, so as to be 

 easily overlooked, especially as their color is apt to be brownish, 

 and not unlike that of the bark on which they grow (Fig. 

 57, L). 



CLASS II. THE TRUE MOSSES. 



The true mosses (Musci) resemble in many respects the 

 higher liverworts, such as Madotheca or Jungermannia, all of 

 them having well-marked stems and leaves. The spore fruit 

 is more highly developed than in the liverworts, but never con- 

 tains elaters. 



A good idea of the general structure of the higher mosses 

 may be had from a study of almost any common species. One 

 of the most convenient, as well as common, forms (Funarid) is 

 to be had almost the year round, and fruits at almost all 

 seasons, except midwinter. It grows in close patches on the 

 ground in fields, at the bases of walls, sometimes in the crevices 

 between the bricks of sidewalks, etc. If fruiting, it may be 

 recognized by the nodding capsule on a long stalk, that is often 

 more or less twisted, being sensitive to changes in the moisture 

 of the atmosphere. The plant (Fig. '58, A, E) has a short 

 stem, thickly set with relatively large leaves. These are 

 oblong and pointed, and the centre is traversed by a delicate 

 midrib. The base of the stem is attached to the ground by 

 numerous fine brown hairs. 



The mature capsule is broadly oval in form (Fig. 58, O), and 

 provided with a lid that falls off when the spores are ripe. 

 While the capsule is young it is covered by a pointed mem- 

 branous cap (JB, cal.) that finally falls off. When the lid is 

 removed, a fine fringe is seen surrounding the opening of the 

 capsule, and serving the same purpose as the elaters of the 

 liverworts (Fig. 58, E). 



