98 



MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 



Figure 42. Bryum roseum X 1 ; leaf and capsule X 4- 



trees in rich peaty soil. Although common, it seldom fruits in 

 either America or England, but reproduces freely by its stolons. 



The antheridia mature in late August or early September, 

 and the male heads are so large and conspicuous that it is easy 

 to find them in almost any locality where the species grows. 

 The antheridia are so large as to be easily seen with a hand- 

 lens. One who has access to a. compound microscope should not 

 fail to study the antherozoids with high powers. 



B.CAESPiTiciUM L., the Common or Matted Bryum. There 

 is no particular reason for calling this species " matted " except 

 to translate its scientific name, but it is by all odds the most 

 common species. It grows among thin grass in open fields, 

 around the edges of ledges and bare spots of soil, and on old ash 

 heaps ; usually in dry places. It is often associated with Punaria. 

 There are two or three species so closely related to it that it is 

 almost impossible to distinguish them with a lens, but this is so 

 much more common than any of the others that in nine cases 

 out of ten anything answering to the following description and 

 figures will be the Common Bryum. The size and general appear- 

 ance of the plants are well represented in the cuts. The leaves 

 are plainly bordered ; the costa is excurrent ; the antheridia 



