56 HANDBOOK OF MOSSES. 



S. acutifolium (fig. 30) is readily known from the last 

 species by its more slender stems, but runs into many 

 ' varieties that are difficult to distinguish, except after much 

 experience. The somewhat acute stem-leaves, five-toothed 

 at the tip and broadly bordered, the utricles slightly re- 

 curved at the tip and wanting the spiral markings, and the 



FIG. 30. Sphagnum acutifolium, 2, fruit enlarged ; a, perichaetial leaves ; b, 

 capsule. 3, branch-leaf enlarged ; 3 a, apex of same highly magnified ; 3 b, single 

 cell from the middle of the leaf to show spiral fibres, c, and ducts, d. 



branch-leaves acute, unchanged when dry, together with 

 the slender habit of the plant, will be the best guides. This 

 plant grows in dense tufts, and varies in colour more than 

 perhaps any other species, being in some varieties a beautiful 

 red, in others purple, and again pale green. Often found 

 in abundant fruit about July or August. 



5. contortum is more robust than the last, and is also 



