CYNODONTIUM. 73 



Var. )3. laxirete Dixon n. var. Leaves longer, broader, 

 upper cells 3-4. times as large as in the type, quite smooth, more 

 regularly quadrate ; margin entire except at apex ; capsule 

 cylindrical, with a longer neck which is swollen at the base of the 

 capsule, but equally all round, not forming a struma ; when dry 

 and empty the capsule is very long and narrow, gradually 

 narrowing from the wide mouth downwards into the pedicel. 



Hab. Rocks in mountainous districts. The var. /3 on a Wall in Glenlyon, 

 Perthshire, July, 1893 (H. N. Dixon.) Fr. summer. 



This species is subject to considerable variation, in points, however, which very 

 little affect its general appearance ; the form and serrature of the leaves, the amount 

 of papillosity of the cells, and the general size of the plant, being the characters most 

 affected. The var. $ is a very striking form in the shape of the capsule and the size 

 and character of the areolation. 



C. polycarpum may readily be recognised by its narrow, striated, slightly unequal 

 fruit. Except in its pale colour there is a certain superficial resemblance to Ceratodon 

 purpureas. The differences between it and the allied plants of the present genus will 

 be found noticed under the several species. 



* Oynodontium strumiferum De Not. (Dicranum strumi- 

 ferum Ehrh. ; Cynodontium polycarpum var. strumiferum Schp., 



Syn. ; Oncophorus strumifer Brid., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) 

 (Tab. XIV. F.). 



Leaves with the upper cells more papillose, in front as well 

 as at back. Capsule broader, inclined and slightly arcuate, 

 gibbous at back, with a distinct struma at base in front. 



Hab. Rocks on the higher mountains ; rare. Fr. late summer. 



The variations that occur in the form of the capsule, the varying amount of papil- 

 losity in the leaves, and the occasional presence of a rudimentary struma in C. poly- 

 carpum tend to show that the characters distinguishing C. strumiferum are hardly of 

 sufficient importance to constitute specific rank. The papilla? on the leaves are by no 

 means distinct in some specimens with the typical capsule of C- strumiferum. 



* Oynodontium gracilescens Schp. (Dicranum gracilescens 

 W. & M. ; Oncophorus gracilescens Lindb., Braithw. Br. M. Fl.) 



(Tab. XIV. G.). 



Differs from C. polycarpum in its more slender habit, the 

 leaves slightly broader and more obtuse, usually more strongly 

 papillose both on back and front, the margin less recurved above ; 

 the perichaetial bracts more shortly acuminate ; the seta slender 

 andflexuose, the neck of the capsule small and inconspicuous, not 

 strumose, the lid smooth at margin, the annulus rather narrower. 



