AQUATIC PLANTS OF FRESHWATER 



of these i*". antipyrotica, F. gigantea and F. gracilis are most easily obtained 

 and best serve for aquarium purposes. The young foliage has a fine green 

 color but changes to a dusky brown with age. A few sprigs, attached to 

 the stone upon which they grew or in soil may be introduced if the 

 aquarium is exposed to a good light. 



Fontinalis antipyretica (Linn.) or Willowmoss, Watermoss, Fig. 127', 

 has broad ovate and acuminate entire sharply plicate leaves with the 

 borders reflexed on the side towards the base, in two or three rows, more 

 or less imbricated and sharply keeled. 

 The bracts are also closely imbricated 

 and the capsules ovate-oblong with a 

 conical lid and bright coral-red per- 

 istome or cap. The plant adheres 

 to rocks, submerged wood and stones 

 in rivers and cold-water streams, and 

 flowers in summer. Its name is in 

 allusion to the use for which it is often 

 applied, that of filling in between 

 chimneys and walls to exclude the air 

 and prevent the spread of fire. It is 

 a fairly good oxygenator. 



Fontinalis gracilis (Schp.) Fig. 

 127^ is a generally distributed species 

 very much more slender and mosslike 

 than the above, with divided stems 

 considerably denuded of leaves at the 

 base. The tiny leaves are narrow and 

 often split to the keel, the carpels 

 smaller and usually contracted below 

 the mouth. Common to most ponds, 

 rivers and often rapid streams, some- fig. 127. wniowmoss. i. Fontinaih antipyratUa 



■ ^ J ■ . 1 , with enlarged leaf and fruit carpel. 2. Fontinalh 



times associated with the above. gradlh. Reduced one-third. 



Fontinalis -gigantea (Sull.) is a very robust Willowmoss, less branched 

 than the above with wide leaves, less acute or curved at the base, of a 

 coppery brown color, having small capsules and less perfect peristomes. 

 Found attached to stones and stumps by the side of the water, but less 

 generally distributed than the two above species, and in more southern 

 latitudes. 



There are a number of other varieties of the Watermosses which are 

 more rare and not so often met with. Their purpose in the aquarium is 

 more for their singular and interesting appearance than special utility. 



