8 



beautiful Hypnum imponens, prostrate, of a bright green color, 

 the little plants interlacing and overlapping each other as they 

 cover the fallen logs and decaying stumps and bare stones. 

 The plants resemble tiny plumes. Especially is this true of 

 Hypnum Crista-castrensis , somewhat rarer than imponens and 

 more faithfully plume-like in appearance. H. Crista-castrensis 

 of the Catskills loves especially the old rocks of a hemlock 

 woods where it thrives luxuriantly, often covering with its 

 rich yellow-green plumes a great old needle-strewn rock. 

 Hypnum uncinatum or hooked-moss can be readily identified 

 by the curving leaves which form little hooks at the ends of the 

 branches. 



The most unseeing eye could scarcely fail to observe the so-called 

 fern-mosses because they are so fernlike in form. They spread 

 their delicate tracery over stones and soil and decaying wood. 

 They are the dainty lace of the woods. There are several species, 

 among the most common being Thuidium delicatidiim. The 

 mountain fern moss, Hylocomium prolifentm, is larger and more 

 vigorous, the new plant springing from the upper side of the 

 plant of the previous year. For its best development it requires 

 moist rocks in shady woods where it forms magnificent loosely-; 

 woven masses of its feathery gracefully-curving shoots. The 

 fern mosses of the Catskills have not within a dozen years, at 

 least, been very prolific in fruit. 



Now as the rain ceases let us walk through the woods where it 

 is higher and drier, and we shall come upon our staunch little 

 friend, the shaggy moss, Hylocomium triguetrum. Easy, good- 

 natured little philosopher, it grows in most any environment, 

 but thrives best on soil in moist woods. Its stem is erect and 

 rigid and, as you grasp it, you will note its elasticity which has 

 brought it to the humble but necessary service of a filler in packing 

 fine china. 



A moss enthusiast next suggests that we take a walk through 

 Mary's Glen and follow the gentle, softly-murmuring brook along 

 its way through the great old rock-strewn forest. There must 

 be beautiful mosses here we imagine, although we have not 

 noticed them in previous walks. Mosses! Yes, fairy forests 



