4 6 



MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 



Fig. 38. a, Eurhynchium hians X 2. b, b. Capsules X 

 d, Leaf of Rhynchostegium serrulatum X 



Leaf X 20. 



There are several species of Beaked Mosses that belong in 

 genus Eurhynchium that are fairly common, but it is doubtful if 

 they can be accurately determined without the aid of the com- 

 pound microscope. The Light Beaked Moss [Eurhynchium hians 

 (Hedw. ) J. & S.] is very common on sandy soil in the lowlands. 

 It is abundant in the public parks of Brooklyn, but rarely fruits 

 there. It prefers damp places, not wet. The leaves spread so 

 that the branches appear flattened in a horizontal plane. When 

 fresh, the color is a peculiar shining light yellow-green. The 

 branch leaves are usually bluntly acute. The capsules are pro- 

 duced sparingly, maturing in October. 



The Dark Beaked Moss [Rhynchostegium serrulatum 

 (Hedw.) J. & S.] is found in a similar habitat, but has a more 

 southerly and coastwise range, and is more likely to be found 

 near the base of trees. It is also flattened, but is a dark rich 

 green in color and the leaves are much longer and more slenderly 

 acuminate, as shown in the figure. 



