MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS 79 



miniature ferns. One species which has been 

 called the Neat Feather Moss [Hypnum purum) 

 is excessively common. It is rather a large 

 kind, bearing erect stems which are simply 

 branched, the rounded leaves giving to the 

 plant quite a distinctive appearance. Another 

 very abundant species is the Triangular Feather 

 Moss [H. triquetrum), a species which is very 

 often dried and dyed a hideous green. The 

 plant grows to the height of five or six inches, 

 and the leaflets are generally turned back, closely 

 protecting the stem. The Striated Feather 

 Moss {H. striatum) is another kind which is 

 likely to be met with on tree stumps and grow- 

 ing amongst short grass. The moss often 

 completely covers the object over which it is 

 growing. The shoots are covered with delicate 

 leaflets which are very decidedly striated. The 

 spore cases in the Feather Mosses are borne on 

 rather long stalks which are generally curved, 

 and rise from the sides of the shoot. Some of 

 the Feather Mosses are not very commonly 

 found in fruit. 



Certain species of moss grow to a large extent 

 under water. The one with which we shall be 

 most likely to meet is the Great Water Moss 



