122 FISSIDENTACE/E. 



leaves distant, very short, about twice as long as broad, oval- 

 oblong, spreading and slightly recurved, apiculate, in 6-10 pairs ; 

 cells a little more pellucid ; fruit either terminal or lateral, on a 

 stouter seta, shorter, peristome paler. 



Hab. Similar to the last, rare. Fr. winter. 



The differences in the fruit between this and the last are slight, but appear to be 

 constant ; and the very distinct form and arrangement of the leaves is so marked that 

 the plant has certainly a better claim to specific position than many others which have 

 been awarded that rank. The variation in the position of the fruit is similar to that 

 in the var. inconstans of F. bryoides. 



6. Fissidens bryoides Hedw. (Hypnum bryoides L.) 

 (Tab. XX. F.). 



Very densely gregarious or tufted ; dark green, \-i inch high. 

 Leaves in few or many pairs, oblong-lingulate, abruptly acuminate 

 or rather obtuse and apiculate ; border strong, especially on the 

 sheathing laminae ; at apex continuous and confluent with the 

 nerve or becoming faint and almost disappearing, with a few 

 obscure denticulations ; inferior lamina distinct to base. Cells 

 about the same as in the three previous species, obscure, rounded- 

 hexagonal, 8-10 p wide. Autoicous ; male inflorescence con- 

 spicuous in the axils of the leaves, the antheridia naked or more 

 frequently bracteate. Seta red, terminal, capsule erect, symmet- 

 rical ; lid acutely conical, peristome highly papillose. 



Var. /3. intermedins Ruthe. Leaves less acuminate, with 

 shorter and wider points, the inferior lamina not continued to 

 base, often ceasing half-way down the leaf, border narrower , 

 sometimes almost obsolete on the superior and inferior laminae ; 

 male flowers very minute and inconspicuous. 



Hab. Clay banks, woods, etc., common. The var. ;8, Sussex ; Dublin. Fr. 

 winter. 



The axillary male flowers form the character by which this species is most readily 

 recognised from its allies ; these are, however, sometimes very minute, and very rarely 

 the male flower is found on a radical branch, according to Braithwaite ; in such cases 

 it is known from all the preceding species by its larger size, more distinct border, 

 symmetrical capsule, and continuous, almost decurrent inferior lamina of the leaves ; 

 the nerv« also is as a rule more percurrent, usually passing into the apiculus. F. 

 inconstans Schp., found by Boswell in Oxfordshire, and later by Bagnall in Warwick- 

 shire, is now generally admitted to be a form or sport rather than a permanent variety, 

 far less a separate species ; and this is supported by the fact that similar variations 

 occur in other species, e.g , F. tamarindifolius. In this form the fruit is sometimes 

 terminal, sometimes lateral, the two conditions sometimes occurring on the same stem ; 

 at other times it is basal, while the position of the male flower is equally variable. In 

 other respects it is similar to F. bryoides. 



The var. intermedins is peculiar in habit, the short inferior lamina giving it a 

 very singular appearance. 



