The Torn-veil Mosses 



erect when dry, rarely spreading. The annulus is compound, 

 rolling back when the lid falls. 



Eighty-one species are known at present, twenty in North 

 America. They are mostly distinguished from the species 

 of the genus Grimmia by the peculiar narrow and wavy cell- 

 structure of the leaf-base in conjunction with their habit of 

 growth. 



The Woolly Torn-veil Moss, Racomitrium lanuginosum, 

 Brid. 



Habit and habitat. Common on the tops of walls and on 

 rocks in mountainous regions. The thick grayish-white tufts 

 extending in wide patches. 



Spore-case 

 Spore-case with lid. 



with veil. 



R. lanuginosum. 



R. lanuginosum. 

 Apex of leaf. 



R, lanuginosum. Leaf. 



Name. The specific name lanuginosum, woolly, was applied 

 by Bridel to describe the white appearance due to the transparent 

 tips of the leaves. 



Plant (gametopbyte) . Long and slender, stems I to 12 

 inches long, prostrate, branches in pairs, the side branches 

 numerous. 



Leaves. Close, long-spreading, erect or recurved narrowly 

 lance-shaped, bent to one side toward the apex; apex tapering to 

 a white transparent hair-point often longer than the leaf-blade; 



181 



