2 MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS 



the hedegrows, the woods and the hills, speak 

 in tones that are ever fresh, and that only grow in 

 fascination as the years roll on, I cannot imagine 

 a pursuit that will bring with it more pleasure 

 and interest of a quiet kind, than the study of these 

 lowly members of the botanical community. A 

 hobby of any kind is a sure means of adding 

 to the happiness of life; but one that, as in the 

 present instance, may be followed out at all times 

 and in all seasons, year in, year out ; that, while 

 giving zest to every country walk and ramble, 

 yet provides endless occupation for the long winter 

 evenings by the home fireside ; that introduces its 

 votaries to a world of hidden beauty, undreamt of 

 by the casual observer, and thus, while educating 

 the powers of observation and discrimination, gives 

 food for pleasurable thoughts and recollections; 

 such a hobby cannot but appeal in no uncertain 

 voice to the ever- widening circle of natural -history 

 lovers and workers. To those again who, while 

 having no intention of embarking on the closer 

 study of these little plants, are nevertheless inte- 

 rested in all Nature's works and ways, I trust that 

 the story that I have to tell may not be without its 

 attraction. Eor, while it is generally true that 

 " a little learning is a dangerous thing," this 

 caution cannot apply to the pursuit of natural- 

 history, where the smallest amount of knowledge 

 is better than none at all, increasing, as it must do, 

 our marvel at the ways of this wondrous world, 



