CRYPTOGAMS 



247 



u 



plants? Have they leafstalks? Draw. Find the capsule 



at the top of the stem (stipe). Does 



this capsule spring from the end of the 



stipe, or is it borne on the side ? 



Find a capsule which bears on its top 



a very loose and delicate cap (the calyp- 



tra). This cap is often shed, but will 

 w ,'j surely be found on some 



-d of the plants. Remove the 

 calyptra and sketch. Ex- 

 amine the capsule and 

 draw it greatly enlarged. 

 With a magnifier look 

 for the lid which fits like 

 a cover over the capsule. 

 Find an old capsule which FIG. 108. Two com- 

 has shed its cover. The mon mosses - 



lid over the opening at the top is called the 

 operculum. Draw it. 



What may be seen surrounding the open- 

 ing after the lid is removed? Breathe on 

 the top of the capsule and quickly look 

 at it with a magnifier. What occurs? 

 The ring of teeth within the mouth of the 

 capsule is called the peristome. How do 

 the teeth behave when moist breath touches 

 them? Give reasons for this. Draw. Of 

 what use to a moss plant is this property 

 of the peristome ? 



Note. A moss leaf mounted in a drop of 

 FIG. 109. A com- 

 mon moss plant wa ter under the microscope is an excellent 

 (Polytrichum) . object for showing chloroplasts. 



