88 HANDBOOK OF BRITISH MOSSES. 



habit. H. Stokesii, originally observed in Ireland, but widely 

 dispersed over Europe, which is still considered distinct by 

 Schimper, has wider, more decurrent leaves, with numerous 

 more or less lanceolate, serrate, finely-nerved paraphylla; but 

 though certainly remarkable for its more erect densely cses- 

 pitose habit, does not appear to be truly distinct. Hook, fy 

 Wils. t. Iv. ; Eng. Bot. t. 2036. ; (Maug. Nest. n. 1029.) 



Hypnum Swartzii, Turn. (Hook fy Wils. t. Iv. ; Eng. Bot. 

 t. 2034), has broadly ovate or cordate, acute, not acuminate 

 leaves, seated loosely on short obtuse branches, and less 

 flaccid when dry. The stem moreover is not pinnate, and the 

 sporangium is said to be less oblique. The last character how- 

 ever appears to be very doubtful, the degree of inclination 

 varying in undoubted specimens of H. pralongum. I believe 

 that Bridel is quite right in considering it a mere variety. 



18. H. pumilum, Wils. ; stem creeping or procumbent, 

 filiform, subpinnate ; branches very slender, rather flattened ; 

 leaves very small, ovate, spreading, serrulate ; nerve reaching 

 halfway ; fruitstalk rough ; sporangium roundish, ovate, cer- 

 nuous; lid with a short beak. Hook, fy Wils. t. Iv. ; Eng. 

 Bot. t. 2942, /. 1. 



On hedgebanks, sandstone rocks, etc. Bearing fruit from 

 November to spring. 



Dioicous; extremely delicate, creeping, with a few sub- 

 pinnate branches; leaves distant, lanceolate, slightly serrate, 

 not decurrent, nerved halfway up; sporangium minute, on a 

 short, rough stalk, cernuous ; perichsetial leaves small ; lid 

 with a short acute beak. 



This delicate species has the habit of H. serpens. It has 

 been found in several places in England, and occurs here and 

 there on the Continent. 



