128 



MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 



Figure 62. Raphidostegkwi recurvans X 2; capsules X 10. 

 capsules with lid very long beaked, and the enlarged alar cells- 

 like those of Hypnum Haldanianum. Until one becomes familiar 

 with it, it is hard to recognize unless in fruit. The capsules- 

 mature in autumn and are often produced in great profusion. 



The Water-loving Hypnums. 



There are several species belonging to the Hypnum Family 

 that grow on the stones in the bed of brooks, particularly in 

 mountain regions. They do not belong to one genus, but their 

 similarity of habitat, often combined with similarity in appear- 

 ance, makes it easier to study them together. 



Of the Water-loving Hypnums treated here four, H. dilata- 

 turn, H. ochraceuiu, Rhynchostegium rusciforme, and Amblyste- 

 gium irriguum, grow on stones in brooks and are constantly sub- 

 merged except at the very lowest water. Brachythecimn pluntosum 

 is found on stones and soil wet by spray or submerged at high 

 water, also in swampy places. Brachythecijim rivulare may grow 

 either in the water or alongside the stream or in very wet swamps. 

 With the exception of H. ochraceum the four mosses growing in 

 the water are almost black except the young growing tips of 

 stems and branches. 



Rhynchostegium rusciforme (Neck.) B. & S., the Beaked 

 Water Moss, is the coarsest, with broadly ovate costate leaves 

 and strongly beaked capsules, which latter mature in September.. 



