MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS n 



shown in Figs, i, and 3, a. This darker portion of the leaf is 

 double, being composed of two entirely separate layers. A 

 cross section through this portion of the leaf would have the 

 shape of a simple y, the two arms of the y being the section 

 through this double portion. 



A few rare species of Fissidens grow in water, but most 

 grow on moist soil or rocks. Several species are so common that 

 they can be found in any locality. 



A 



THE WHITE MOSS 



NY ONE accustomed to walk in the woods must have noticed 



the grayish-white tufts of the White Moss, looking like 



gigantic pincushions. 



p~y This moss does not fruit freely, but by 



searching in moist woods the sporophyte can 



usually be found without a great deal of 



trouble. It matures from September to 



June. 



The White Moss prefers moist or even 

 swampy woods, but is often found in drier 

 situations. The plants grow densely packed 

 together, those in the center continually elon- 

 gating and new plants being added around the 

 edges of the tuft. The White Moss resembles 

 the Peat Mosses in color, and the cushion-like 

 tufts take up and retain water in the same 



FIG. 6. Lcucobryum 



glaucum i. sponge-like way. 



The common species of the White Moss is Leucobryum 

 glaiicum (L.) Sch. (L. vulgare Hampe). 



THE DICRANUMS 



THE Dicranums of our region are one of the most common 

 and beautiful elements in woodland scenery. They are. 

 for the most part, bright yellow-green and grow in wide 

 thick tufts or mats. The leaves are frequently more or less 

 secund, as though the wind had blown them all in one direction. 

 Most Dicranums mature their spores in autumn, but more 

 observations are needed to give dates for each species. 



