62 HISTORY OF BRITISH MOSSES. 



SYNOPSIS OF BRITISH MOSSES, 



{According to ike si/stem adopted in Hooker's 'British Flora' 

 Vol. V. Part I.) 



Section I. ACROCARPI. 



This section comprises such Mosses as have their capsules 

 or fructification situated at the summit of the branches. 

 In some cases, from innovation — new side-branches grow- 

 ing out — these capsules appear to be of lateral growth. 



Subsection I. ASTOMI. 

 Opening without a hd or operculum. A comparatively small 

 nuiuber of jMosses belong to this subsection ; they are known 

 as the Andreacece and Phascacea, according as their capsules 

 at maturity burst regularly or irregularly. 

 Genera : — I. Andke^a. 

 II. Phascum. 



Subsection II. GYI^INOSTOMI. 



Mosses destitute of a true peristome or fringe at the mouth of 

 the capsule. In some genera a membranous cover proceeding 

 from the inner margin of the capsule or from an expansion 

 of the columella protects the mouth of the capsule. 

 Genera : — III. Sphagnum. 

 IV. (Edipodium. 

 V. Gymnostomum, 



