1.56 



MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 



Figure 69. a, Plagiothecium denticulatum X 2. b, Three capsules of the 

 same X 10. c, Capsules of P. sylvaticum X 10. 



panying cuts. Both these species grow on humus in damp woods 

 and shaded places ; they grow at the base of trees and about rocks 

 where there is a slight layer of humus for their nutrition. 



P. DENTICULATUM (L.) B. & S., the Slender Plagiothecium, 

 is more slender in habit and has nearly symmetrical suberect cap- 

 sules with the lid not beaked, 



P. SYLVATICUM (Huds.) B. & S., the Woodsy Plagiothecium, 

 is generally a much coarser plant with larger, curved and cernu- 

 ous capsules having a long-beaked lid. The capsules of both 

 species mature in summer. 



PYLAISIA. 



. Pylaisia affects the habitat of the Grimmia Family in that 

 it grows on the bark of living trees. It is readily distinguished 

 from the members of that family by being pleurocarpous, by the 

 long exserted capsules, by the lighter green color, and by having 

 the branches somewhat hooked at the end when dry. Old apple 

 trees in rather dense orchards are a favorite habitat. 



P. ScHiMPERi R. & C, the Common Pylaisia. (P intri- 

 cata of most authors). It is also common on trees in the 

 open woods and can be found on the shade trees of almost any 

 of the smaller New England towns, but does not seem to thrive 

 near the large cities. The plants grow closely interwoven and 

 present the appearance represented in the figure only when dis- 

 entangled. The erect subcylindric capsules mature in autumn. 



