MOSS HABITATS. 29 



teeth; when dry, the leaves will be found to be much 

 twisted. Smaller tufts of the apple moss, Bartramia pomi- 

 formis, may also be found, and it may be known, even when 

 barren, by its glaucous, green foliage (fig. 17). The capsules 

 of this moss are apple shaped, and surmounted by a slightly 

 convex lid. The fruit ripens in early summer. 



Hypnnm prcelongum will be frequently seen fruiting about 

 November, but very often barren. In the barren state it 

 may be known by its long, trailing, feathery stems, which 

 however vary very much in habit. When in fruit it will be 

 known by its long, roughened fruit-stalks -(which are lateral, 

 as in all Hypnums), curved capsules, and lid with a long, 

 curved beak ; the fringe is in two rows, an outer one formed 



FIG. 17. Bartramia pomiformis. i, plant natural size. 2, ribbed capsule en- 

 larged. 3, dimidiate calyptra. 



of sixteen teeth, and an inner, paler, membranous one, 

 divided into sixteen tooth-like processes. Hypnum rutabu- 

 lum, another of the feather mosses, is more robust, has heart- 

 shaped leaves, roughened fruit-stalk, and a shorter conical 

 lid (fig. 5). Hypnum velutinum is much smaller, and has 

 narrower, lance-shaped leaves, and is more velvety looking ; 

 whilst Hypnum confertum, which is constantly associated 

 with the above, has a smooth fruit-stalk, and lid with a 

 longish, curved beak. 



Many other mosses will also usually be found in like habi- 

 tats ; such as Plagiothecium denticulatum, which will be found 

 on damp sandy banks and hedge bottoms, forming large, 

 spreading, pale-green glossy, masses. It will be noticeable 

 for its flattened (complanate) leaves, usually growing in two 



