MICROSCOPIC OBJECTS. 43 



Fig. 85. Reproductive Organs of Moss (Bryum hornum), 



x60. 



The reproductive organs, the antheridia and archegonia, 

 of Mosses answer somewhat in their functions to the stamens 

 and pistil of the flowering plants (see fig. 44) , although of course 

 there is a difference in their mode of action. The antheridia, 

 or male organs, are generally of an oblong-oval shape (see 

 the drawing), and the archegonia, or female organs, flask- 

 shaped ; the latter are developed by successive changes into a 

 capsule borne on a seta or stalk, and containing in its centre 

 a columella surrounded by spores. 



The study of the fructifying organs of Mosses will be found 

 exceedingly interesting ; and in the spring of the year they 

 are not difficult to find, at least to any person having a will 

 to do so. 



They may be mounted in many ways ; but I prefer fluid. 



Fig. 86. Capsule of Two-horned Scale-Moss (Jungermannia 

 bicuspidata) , x30. 



The Jungermannise seem to form the link between the 

 Mosses and the Lichens, although they differ from each in 

 many respects. The chief characteristics of the Junger- 

 mannise are the leaves being bifarious, and often possessing 

 stipule-like bodies called amphigastria (see fig. 87) , and spo- 

 ranges bursting by four valves. They are destitute of a 

 columella, but possess curious bodies, called elaters, mixed 

 with the spores ; these elaters are like two springs joined, in 

 their opposite spiral direction. They will be noticed in the 

 drawing, also the four valves of the capsule or sporange. 



The capsules, elaters, &c. are best mounted in balsam. 



