v. A TUFT OF MOSS. 79 



their length they are divided into two blades on each 

 side of the nerve, the lower part of which embraces the 

 stem, and the upper a portion of the leaf placed imme- 

 diately above it. They are composed of minute cells 

 closely packed together, and have a central nerve 

 running from the base to the apex, and a distinct border 

 round the plain edge. When dry they are crisp, but 

 are easily revived when moistened. The habit of the 

 moss is scattered or gregarious, forming little tufts, 

 sending up from the summit of each individual a pink 

 fruit-stalk, somewhat longer than the stem, crowned with 

 a little oval urn or capsule, which stands erect when 

 in the green unripe state, but bends down when it is 

 brown and mature. 



This curious vessel contains the spores, or seeds, in 

 its interior, attached to a little central column which 

 supplies nutriment to them : and the arrangements 

 made for their safety and ripening are very remarkable. 

 First, a veil, slightly split on one side, covers the seed- 

 vessel like the extinguisher of a candle, the object of 

 which is to afford protection, like the scales that cover 

 the bud in flowering plants. It remains attached until 

 the seed-vessel has grown strong enough to bear 

 exposure, and then by its expansion it throws it off an 

 operation which is made easier by the convenient split 

 made for the purpose in its side. When the veil is 

 removed a conical lid is seen adhering to the mouth of 

 the seed-vessel, which also in due season withers and 

 disappears. The mouth of the seed-vessel thus exposed 

 is seen to be furnished with a single row of sixteen 



