98 HANDBOOK OF BRITISH HEPATICJE. 



terior the largest, generally acutely bifid, the ex- 

 terior frequently trifid, the points some- 

 times recurved. Calyx oblong, longi- 

 tudinally plicate, mouth irregularly 

 toothed. Calyptra ovate, whitish. Cap- 

 sule deep brown, longitudinally and 

 transversely furrowed (fig. 72). Elaters 

 bispiral. 



This exceedingly variable species 

 has been met with in Britain under 

 the following forms : 

 72. Sect. A. Leaves of the sterile 



branches more or less distant. 



var. a vulgaris. Leaves broader than the 

 diameter of the branches, plane, sub- 

 distichous, 

 form * major. 

 form ** patens. Laciniae of the lower 



leaves divergent. 



var. ft rigidula. Leaves equal to the 

 diameter of the branch, rather rigid, 

 concave, spreading, bifid to the middle, 

 the laciniae divergent. 



Sect B. Leaves of the sterile branches 

 closely imbricate, hence more or less jula- 

 ceous. 



var. /? curvifolia, Hook. Jung. t. xvi. 

 Perianth frequently obovate, or more 

 inflated than usual. 



var. y ericetorum, Nees (exclusive of 

 /. reclusa). Sterile branches short, 



