36 HISTORY OF BRITISH MOSSES. 



Two forms are found to prevail throughout the different 

 genera, viz. the mitriform and dimidiate, the first resem- 

 bling the extinguisher of a candle, and well represented by 

 the Encalypta, or Extinguisher Moss, and the other a wide 

 lateral slit or division, which makes it more readily fall off 

 as the capsule increases in size. From its character im- 

 portant generic and specific distinctions are derived. 



In general the calyptra is smooth, though we find some 

 of the mitriform genera furnished with furrows and long 

 hairs. In some Folytnchums the calyptra is double, the 

 interior being of a delicate membranous substance, and the 

 exterior of a loose shaggy texture. 



