...CLpophvjsis 



a . PedUt. 



Splachnutn rubrwn. 



Splachnum luteum. 



ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION 



The ultimate aim of the plant in developing all these complex 

 parts is to produce tiny dust-like spores which are found in a 

 ripened spore-case, to insure their safe keeping until all conditions 

 are favourable for their dispersal, and then to disperse them in 

 the most effectual way. Why it has been 

 favourable for the perpetuation of the mosses 

 to evolve these complicated methods, is a 

 marvel and past the mind of man to reveal, 

 for the plants have other and simpler methods 

 of reproducing their kind which are, as far as 

 man can see, just as effectual as the com- 

 plicated method. 



Almost any part of the moss plant is 

 able to develop protonema cells from which new plants may 

 grow. 



Every one of the hair-like roots (rhi%pids) from any part of 

 the plant has the power of developing protonema. 



The protonema of Phascum and Ephemerum lives on from 

 year to year, reproducing new plants which live but one year. 



In the species Barbula, little cellular bodies covered with a dark 



59 



Phascum. cuspidatum. 

 Spore-case with veil 

 and short pedicel. 



