212 HEPATIC/E. [Riccia. 



We are but imperfectly acquainted with the fructification of 

 the plants attributed to this genus. In R. crystallina, we can 

 discover no calyptra ; it is from the general habit of the in- 

 dividuals composing it that we refer them to the Hepatica ; 

 and, indeed, were it not that the herbaceous texture assimilated 

 them to this family, we should be almost induced with Hedwig 

 to rank them with the Algae. The fructification seems to con- 

 sist of a spherical, pellucid, membranous bag, tipped with a 

 mucro, considered by many to be a style, and filled with rather 

 large, dark brown, minutely hispid, triangular granules or seeds 

 which, by their pressure, give to the sides of the capsule, ex- 

 ternally, a tuberculated appearance. The seeds escape without 

 any apparent regular dehiscence of the surrounding membrane, 

 but rather on its natural decay. 



1. R. crystallina ; frond carnose ovato-oblong bi-trilobed, the 



divisions dichotomous. 

 a. frond fleshy glaucous channelled, segments acute. 



*Riccia glauca. Linn. Sp. PL p. 1605. Schmid. Ic. p. 176. t. 44. 

 /. 1. Engl Bot. t. 2546. Hook. Fl. Scot. P. II. p. 110. 



Riccia minima. Linn. Sp. PL p. 1605. Schmid. Ic. t. 45. / 3. 

 Dill. Muse. t. 78. /. 10, 11. 

 /3. frond thin nearly plane yellowish green, segments obtuse. 



Riccia crystalline Linn. Sp. PL p. 1605. Schmid. Ic. t. 45. / 5. 

 Dill Muse. t. 78. /. 12. 



HAB. a. on banks in rather dry situations. (3. in moist 

 spots, especially on the mould of garden pots in the 

 greenhouse and stove ; Bot. Garden, Glasgow. 

 We have carefully examined numerous specimens, both in 

 a fresh and dried state, of the individuals named in the above 

 synonyms, and we are decidedly of opinion that they are 

 merely varieties of the same species, depending, perhaps, en- 

 tirely on age and place of growth. That which we have called a. 

 (including the glauca and minima of Linnaeus, the difference 

 between them depending solely on age and size,) grows 

 generally on banks, in comparatively dry and exposed situa- 

 tions; is usually small, thick and fleshy, but little divided, 

 grooved throughout the length of its superior surface, and of a 

 remarkably blueish, or glaucous green colour. Our var. /5. 

 which has commonly gone under the name of 7?. cri/staUina, 



