MOSSES. B 
by conditions of light, temperature, elevation 
above the sea, geological character of the district, 
and various other physical causes ; but the won- 
derful vital energy with which the mosses are en- 
dowed, enables them to resist the most unfavour- 
able influences, to grow freely and luxuriantly 
even in the bleakest circumstances, and to accli- 
matize themselves, without changing their charac- 
ter, in any region of the earth, and every kind of 
situation upon its surface; while, owing to the 
extreme minuteness and profusion of their germs 
of reproduction, they are almost universally dis- 
seminated by the winds and waves. There is no 
spot so barren and desolate where some species 
or other may not be found. Although often grow- 
ing in great abundance within the tropics, carpet- 
ing the ground, and covering the trunks of the 
trees, and sometimes attaining very luxuriant pro- 
portions, the temperate zones, however, are the 
proper regions of the mosses. Unlike the ferns, 
the size and number of which gradually diminish 
in passing from tropical to temperate countries, 
the maximum of mosses is found in cold climates, 
increasing in luxuriance, beauty, and abundance 
as we approach the North Pole. Like the ferns, 
moisture and shade are highly favourable to their 
growth and wellbeing ; hence, as a rule, they pro- 
duce a larger number of species and individuals, 
