4 HANDBOOK OF BRITISH MOSSES. 



apparently lateral, though in reality seated at the extremity 

 of a greatly reduced branch. In most cases this distinction 

 is at once evident from the habit, even where fruit is not pre- 

 sent. 



In a few genera, however, as Fissidens, we have the fruit- 

 bearing branches more distinct. But these are considered by 

 many as belonging to a separate division (Cladocarpi) , since 

 the branch is more developed than in Pleurocarpi, though still 

 very short. This division is not however adopted here.* 



A third division (Syncladei) comprises the Sphagna,\n. which 

 the branches are produced in fascicles, and these have several 

 other peculiarities, insomuch that some authors exclude them 

 from Mosses altogether, while a fourth (Schistocarpi) includes 

 the genera in which the sporangium is cleft longitudinally into 

 four or more lobes of greater or less length. 



* In the Tasmanian Bartramia pusilla, "Wils., there is an approach to Cla- 

 docarpous Inflorescence. 



