SPLACHNUM. 263 



distinctly serrate, one or two rows of cells often narrower and 

 discoloured ; nerve reaching nearly to the summit. Seta very 

 thin and weak, paler, variable in length, sometimes six inches. 

 Apophysis smaller, only slightly wider than the capsule, oval or 

 globose, blackish, quickly contracted into the seta ; narrower and 

 more tapering at base when dry, rugose. Capsule rather shorter 

 and broader ; columella much exserted when dry, dilated at apex. 

 Teeth of peristome orange. Dioicous. 



Hab. In similar situations, but usually at rather higher altitudes, common in 

 mountainous districts. Fr. summer. 



.?. spharicum is easily known from the last species by the shape and colour of the 

 apophysis, as well as by the broader less serrate leaves ; .S. vasculosum differs in the 

 obtuse leaves, usually shorter seta, large apophysis, etc. ; Tetraplodon mnioides in the 

 narrower leaves, firmer seta, and more tapering, firmer apophysis, which is usually 

 narrower in proportion to the capsule. The latter plant is quite distinct when the 

 capsules are fresh, but in old and dried specimens of 6 1 . sphczricum the apophysis 

 becomes narrowed and more tapering, and the distinction diminishes. 



3. Splachnum vasculosum L. (Tab. XXXVI. H.). 



In pale or deep green tufts, often black below. Leaves 

 distant, widely obovate or sub-orbicular, rounded or shortly and 

 bluntly pointed, but almost always obtuse, entire; nerve ceasing 

 below apex ; marginal cells rectangular, rather narrow, dis- 

 coloured. Capsule rather small, shortly cylindrical, contracted 

 below the mouth when dry; apophysis large, globular, dark 

 purplish black, slightly rugose when dry. Peristome teeth rather 

 short. Columella exserted. Dioicous. Perigonial bracts squar- 

 rose, oval, acuminate, obtuse. 



Hab. Springs and bogs on high mountains ; very rare. Fr. summer. 



A fine and distinct species, readily known, even when barren, by the rounded 

 entire obtuse leaves, which are rather glossy when dry and less altered than in the 

 two previous species. It is possible that the barren plant may have been overlooked 

 and may be more frequent than is usually supposed. 



54. TETRAPLODON B. & S. 



Mosses resembling Splachnum, usually with narrower, longly 

 tapering leaves. Capsule oval-cylindrical, apophysis of the same 

 colour and texture, more solid than in Splachnum, narrower and 

 more tapering, not much wider than the capsule; teeth of 

 peristome 16, at first arranged in fours, finally in pairs. 

 Columella not exserted. 



