226 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS. 



tracted part. The spike consists of a number of bracts 

 closely packed together, each having in its axil a capsule, 

 containing numerous minute pale-yellowish spores. The 

 bracts are ovate, dilated at the base, drawn out into a 

 longish point at the apex, and having the margins toothed. 

 The capsules themselves, seated quite at the base of the 

 bracts and close to the axis of the spike, are roundish 

 kidney-shaped, and of a yellow colour. The bracts be- 

 come refiexed after the spores have been dispersed. The 

 plants are firmly fixed to the soil, by means of tough, 

 strong, wiry-branched roots, produced at intervals along 

 the prostrate stems. 



The head- quarters of this species is in elevated moun- 

 tainous tracts. It occurs very abundantly in Scotland and 

 Wales ; in the northern isles ; on the hills of the North, 

 and extending into the south-west of England. It is less 

 common in Ireland. It also occurs throughout the alpine 

 districts of Europe and Northern Asia. 



The Savin-leaved Club-moss is a bitter plant, with a 

 somewhat aromatic flavour, and possesses emetic properties ; 

 it is, however, seldom applied to any use. According to 

 Sir W. J. Hooker, it is used in Iceland as a dye for woollen 

 cloths, to which it gives a pale and pleasant but not brilliant 



