62 APLOPEBISTOM1. {Encalypta. 



XIV. ENCALYPTA. 



GEN. CHAR. Fruitstalks terminal; Peristome single, of 16 

 teeth ; Calyptra campanulate, smooth, entirely enclosing 

 the mature Capsule. (TAB. II.) 



The anomaly least to be expected in this very natural genus 

 is the decided difference that exists in the shape of the teeth of 

 its peristome ; for while those of E. vulaaris, and E. ciliata are 

 short and lanceolate, those of E. streptocarpa are filiform, 

 elongated, and, by their close approximation, almost forming a 

 tube. The columetta, too, in this last plant, is exserted beyond 

 the tops of the teeth, which we have never observed in the two 

 other British species. 



1. E. streptocarpa; stems elongated, leaves elliptico-lanceolate 

 somewhat obtuse their nerve not produced beyond the sum- 

 mits, capsule cylindrical spirally striated, calyptra toothed at 

 the base. (TAB. XIII.) 



Encalypta streptocarpa. Hedw. Sp. Muse. t. . 61. Turn. Muse. 

 Hib.p. 18. Smith, Fl Brit. p. 1182. Engl Bot. t. 2163. Hobson, 

 Brit. Mosses, v. 2. n. 20. Moug. et Nestl. n. 506. Funck, Deutschl. 

 Moose, t. 8. n. 5. Hook. Fl. Scot. P. II. p. 128. Schwaegr. Suppl v. 

 1. p. 59. Brid. Meth. p. 30. Arn. Disp. Muse. p. 23. 

 Bryum ciliare. Dicks. Dill Muse. t. 43. / 71. 

 HAB. Stony mountainous countries ; upon mortared walls, 

 especially near water ; as upon the parapets of bridges. 

 In the Highlands, frequent ; but every where very rare 

 in fructification. The only place where we have ever 

 seen it in that state is on the walls of a bridge in the 

 grounds of his Grace the Duke of Athol, at Dunkeld. 

 This is by far the largest of the British species of the 

 genus, often exceeding two inches in the length of its stems, 

 which are thickly clothed with leaves, whose nerve is, on 

 the back, and towards the point, slightly serrated, while the 

 margins are entire as in the other species. The present may 

 be distinguished not only by its size, but by its spirally twisted 

 capsule, and above all, by its deep red, very long, capillary 

 teeth. We may add, that the lid is spirally striated, in which 



