240 ELEMENTS OF BOTANY 
study of the structure of a moss is to be made, it will, therefore, be 
better for the student to provide himself with specimens of almost 
any of the smaller genera,! and work out what he can in regard to 
their minute anatomy. 
309. The Capsule. — That part of the reproductive apparatus of 
a common moss which is most apparent at a glance is the long-stalked 
spore-capsule (Fig. 167). This is covered, until it reaches maturity, 
with a hood which is easily detached. Remove the hood from one 
prim 
Fic. 168. Protonema of a Moss. 
prim, primary shoot; h, a young root-hair; p/, young moss-plant; 
br, branches of primary shoot. 
of the capsules, examine with a magnifying glass, and sketch it. 
Note the character of the material of which its outer layer is 
composed, 
Sketch the uncovered capsule as seen through the magnifying 
glass, noting the little knob at its base and the cireular lid 
Pry off this lid, remove some of the mass of spores from the 
interior of the capsule, observe their color as seen in bulk through 
the magnifying glass, then mount in water, examine with the high- 
est obtainable power of the microscope, and sketch them. These 
TAs Mniwn or Bryum. 
