74 FLOWERLESS PLANTS 



in water it is of a most vivid green. In con- 

 trast to these tall-growing Bog Mosses, there 

 are several kinds of dwarf habit. Most of these 

 are to be found on moist heath, growing in 

 compact masses. One of the striking species is 

 the Red Dwarf Bog Moss (S. rubellum), which has 

 short, closely matted stems of a reddish colour. 

 Another important group is that of the 

 Thread Mosses {Bryum). One of the most 

 abundant of these is the Silver Thread Moss 

 {B. argentemn). This species is usually found 

 upon walls and is very distinctive, owing to its 

 pretty silver appearance. When the red spore 

 cases are produced the whole plant is one of the 

 most attractive of our small mosses. In some- 

 what similar situations is to be found the Hairy 

 Thread Moss [B. capillare), a plant which grows 

 densely matted together and has leaves which 

 are tipped with bristles. 



The Thyme Thread Mosses, which are typi- 

 fied by a very common species, Mniiim hornum, 

 as a rule favour somewhat damp situations. 

 The kind which has been named often com- 

 pletely covers the ground of moist, shady woods 

 with tufts which may be three inches high. 

 The spore cases are oval in shape, and are 



