CHAPTER, V 

 CONCLUSION 



TT now only remains for me to take leave of my 

 readers, and to express the hope that what I 

 have written may be the means of introducing 

 this most fascinating study to some who would 

 not otherwise be aware of its attractions and its 

 many possibilities. I trust that I have been able 

 to show that while it offers healthful and interest- 

 ing occupation, both for outdoor rambles and for 

 indoor days, its chief recommendation lies in the 

 hidden world of beauty and wonder that it opens 

 up. One cannot help feeling that this side of the 

 matter is sometimes lost sight of ; for, while there 

 is much pleasure to be gained from a search for 

 some uncommon plant, yet the great charm of the 

 pursuit is missed by those who do not feel delight 

 at the sight of even the commonest species, akin 

 to that with which one recognises an old familiar 

 friend. May I venture to add one note of warn- 

 ing which the increase in the number of moss- 

 students suggests. Delightful as the pursuit is, 

 and numerous as are the opportunities for its 

 exercise, it still has to be borne in mind that 

 even mosses and liverworts have their limits. 



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