f. I. CONSERVATIVE ORGANS. 



frequently without any regular order, as in Hypnum 

 ripnrnim ; but often also, according to sonic deter- 

 minate or specific mode, in which case they are 

 uptimes fasti^iate, as in Dicraninn rb'idissimum ; 

 or faeiculate, as in HypnumJlagLllarc ; or distichous, 

 that is so arranged as to give the stem a \\inged-like 

 appearance, as in Ilypmtw pr< li/cnnn. In their 

 direction they exhibit varieties similar to those of 

 the branches of other plants, being. according to the 

 peculiarities of their respective species, erect, or 

 ascending, or inflected, or reflected, or horizontal. 

 The young shoots are sometimes designated by the 

 proper appellation of surcu/i ; though the ])resent 

 state of botanical nomenclature does not seem to 

 stand much in need of the term. 



The Lciircs. The leaves of the Mosses, which Descrip- 

 are indeed very minute, arc notwithstanding un- 

 commonly elegant if viewed under the microscope, 

 They assume a considerable variety of the forms 

 specified in the description of the leaves of perfect 

 plant>, but tiic nu>si frctjuent are the linear, the lan- 

 ceolate, the oval, the concave. They arc al\va\ s, 1 

 :le,* though often dccurrent or sheath- 

 ing at the base : I he margin being often beautifully 

 uaved or ornamented with minute serratures, and 

 the apex, which is generally acute, being often also 



* Dillonius describes the kv.N of his Hypna as being 



petiolate; but Hedwig contends that it is imiri\ a portion of the 

 Mem detatehed along \\i:h the midrib, when the leaf is torn off 

 ..Uinj'.it do\Mi\v;ird<. Fund, llir-i. Nr.t. Muse. chap. v. 

 P 1 



tion. 



