SCHISTOSTEGA. 93 



Generic Character. — Seta terminal. Capsule without peristome. 

 Calyptra campanulate, fugacious. Lid thick, 



1. ScHiSTOSTEGA PENNATA. {Feather Schistosfega.) Stem 

 generally simple, at times with innovations ; leaves rhom- 

 boideo-oval, acuminate, bifarious, decurrent on the stem 

 and quite entire. — Engl. Fl. p. 12, S. osmundacea. Mull. 

 Syn.pt. \. p. 38. 



Moist and shady banks ; in caves and similar localities 

 impervious to the solar rays, on sandy or allied rocks. Tr, 

 Spring and early Summer, We could fill a large space 

 with a description of the general appearance and structure 

 of this interesting and pecuhar little Moss, but must for- 

 bear, and refer oui- readers who wish to know these more 

 intimately to Dr, Hooker's valuable works, the ' English 

 Flora,' and ' Muscologia Britannica,' In appearance the 

 leaves are much like the Fksidens section of the genus 

 Dicramcm, or perhaps we should say like some elegant 

 species of Fern in miniature. The foliage and stems are 

 graceful, with a slightly reddish tinge, the latter beautifully 

 reticulated. It is often, in the shady retreat where it loves 

 to grow, accompanied by what appear to be the young 

 plants, — protothallus or confervoid branches. It has been 

 observed that the minute cells of these branches reflect 



