90 APLOPERISTOMI. IDicranum. 



We have not brought together such a variety of synonyms 

 without a patient examination of specimens, as well as of the 

 respective figures and descriptions. And, first, we have the 

 authority of our able countryman, Mr. Turner, for considering 

 the Dicr. viridulum of Swartz, (the Fissidens exilis of Hedwig,) 

 to be the same as the D. bryoides. It is only characterized, as Mr. 

 Turner observes, by being almost stemless, and in having few 

 and approximate leaves. Mohr says of this, " caule declinato," 

 in opposition to "caule erectiusculo," which is the only dif- 

 ference in his specific character ; and those who will be at the 

 trouble to examine various tufts of specimens will perceive the 

 fallacy of such a mark. Then, with regard to Fissidens osmun- 

 dioides, it differs from the more usual appearance of D. bryoides 

 exactly as that does from D. viridulum. D. tamarindifolium, 

 (D. incurvum, Mohr,) we have likewise made a variety ; be- 

 cause the only ground of distinction which we can perceive is 

 the curvation of the fruitstalk at its extremity, by which 

 means the capsule becomes drooping, or, as Mohr expresses it, 

 "subcernua;" for the degree of curvature is variable, and is 

 sometimes so slight that it would be difficult to determine to 

 which variety it should belong. Nor can we see how the 

 Hedwigian Fissidens palmatus is to be distinguished, if it be 

 not that its capsule is itself curved rather than the fruitstalk, 

 and the beak of the lid is somewhat longer ; and with regard to 

 F. longifolius, Bridel himself says it is perhaps a variety of F. 

 palmatus, although he takes no notice of the curved capsule. 

 In all the varieties the capsule is nearly urceolate. and the lid 

 has a subulate beak. D. osmundioides in Engl. Bot. is re- 

 presented much branched, with innovations ; a state in which it 

 is found in very wet situations, although Wahlenberg says he 

 has never seen it. 



Varieties of D. bryoides we have in our possession, gathered 

 by Mungo Park in the interior of Africa ; and we scarcely see 

 any decided characters by which the fine species Fissidens 

 asplenioides, and F. polypodioides of Swartz may be distinguished 

 from it. 



2. D. adiantoides ; -fruitstalks lateral, perichsetial leaves ovate, 

 slightly convolute pointed. (TAB. XVI.) 



