ENCALYPTA. 105 



EXCALYPTA, Hedw. (Extinguisher Moss.) 



A very appropriate name, for it requires no stretch of tlie 

 imagination to see the resemblance of the elegant calyptra 

 to the useful implement indicated by its English title. 



Generic Character. — Se^a terminal. Peristome single, of six- 

 teen teeth. Calyptra campanulate, smooth, entirely closing the 

 mature capsule. 



1. Encalypta streptocarpa, Hedw. [Spiral-fniited Ex- 

 tinguisher Moss.) Stems elongated ; leaves elliptico-lanceo- 

 late, somewhat obtuse, their nerve not produced beyond the 

 summit; capsule cylindrical, spirally striated; calyptra 

 toothed at the bases. — Engl. Fl. p. 18; Midi. Si/n. pt. 1. 

 p. 521. 



In the fissures of rocks and on old walls, especially such 

 as are calcareous ; rare in fruit. Er. Summer. This is the 

 largest species of the genus, and when not in fruit may be 

 distinguished by its lengthened stems and soft green leaves, 

 which have an affinity with the Awl-shaped Screw Moss, 

 Tortula suhulata. The twisted capsule is a beautiful object, 

 and the long red permanent segments of the peristome are a 

 distinctly marked character. By recent writers on Bryology 



