IS 



9. SPLACHNUM. 



GEN. CHAR. Frmtstalks terminal; Peristome single, 

 of eight double teeth; Capsule with an evident 

 apophysis; Calyptra mitriform, without furrows. 



(TAB. I.) 



Although in characters it may be difficult to distinguish this 

 genus from Orthotrichum, since there is scarcely one of those 

 above mentioned but what may be found in a greater or less de- 

 gree to apply to some species of the latter genus ; yet, in general 

 habit, as well as in their places of growth, they are abundantly 

 distinct. The calyptra, which Mohr denominates mitriform, ap- 

 proaches in this genus near to that termed dimidiate ; it is how- 

 ever totally different from that of Orthotrichum, which, besides 

 that from its greater size it may be found remaining on the fully 

 formed capsule, is moreover deeply furrowed, and we may add in 

 almost every instance beset with short hair-like bodies. Gymno 

 stomum Griffithianum and Weissia splachnoides have a great re- 

 semblance to this genus; but in the former the mouth of the cap- 

 sule is naked, in the latter the 1 6 teeth are equidistant. 



The lid, as Wahlenberg justly observes, is short and obtuse; in 

 which respect Splachnum differs from the Tayloria of Hooker in 

 the 3d Number of the Journal of Science and the Arts, (Hook- 

 eria of Schwaegr.) as well as in the number and curious confi- 

 guration of the teeth of the latter. The annual species of Splach- 

 num are usually found growing on dung, while the perennial ones 

 are found on more permanent situations. They are all alpine 

 plants except S. ampullaceum, which often grows in bogs nearly 

 on a level with the sea. The fructification is rendered more 

 striking from the bright colours of the apophysis, being in the. 

 last-mentioned species of a pinky hue. 



* Leaves acuminate. 



Splachnum sphcericum ; leaves obovato-rotundate, acuminate, 

 slightly serrated ; apophysis ovato-globose, wider than the 

 capsule. (TAB. IX.) 



S. sphsericum. Linn. Fit. Meth. Muse. #.!./.!. Hedw. St. Cr. v. 2. 

 t. 16. Engl Bot. t. 785. S. gracile. Dicks. PI. Crypt, fasc. 4. 1. 10. f. 5. 

 Engl Bot, t. 1921. Schwaegr. JSuppL t. 15. S. ovatum. Hcdw. Sp, 



