Fork-Mosses 



Veil (calyptra). Split on one side. 



Spore-case. Erect symmetrical, long, cylindrical, grouped 

 lengthwise when dry. 



Pedicel (seta). Pale, twisted to the left when dry. 



Lid (operculum). Conical, with long 

 oblique beak. 



Annulus. Narrow. 



Teeth (peristome). Sixteen, narrow, cleft 

 nearly to the base. 



Spores. Mature in autumn. 



Distribution. North America, Asia, 

 Africa ; rare in Great Britain. 



Spore-case with lid. 



Old spore-case 

 Basal leaf -cells. with teeth. 



D. flagellare. 



Leaf. 



The Broom-moss, Dicranum scoparium, Hedw. See Plate 

 XIII. 



Habit and habitat. The Broom-moss, Dicranum scoparium, 

 is a conspicuous species. It commonly grows in the woods 

 forming large and symmetrical cushions on the ground, although 

 it may extend in large patches over decaying stumps and logs or 

 on the ground where there is a rich vegetable mould. The long- 



155 



