IG 



CHAPTER II. 



EXTERNAL APPEARANCE AND CONFIGURATION. 



" But with a new and sudden birth, 



Natui'e replenishes the earth. 

 * * * * 



As if they heard a voice, and came 

 - Each at the calling of its name." 



Like otlier plants^ Mosses vary considerably in colour, from 

 white or the palest green to hues of the darkest olive, or 

 almost confirmed brown or black. The former shades are 

 found in Sphagnum, some Dieranums and Hypniims, the 

 latter in the genus Andreaa, various species of Grimmia, 

 etc. It is the varying shades between these extremes, that 

 give to these lowly plants much of the interest and beauty 

 with which they are invested. 



In our introductory remarks, we referred particularly to 



