MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS 8i 



the cases of the liverworts generally split into 

 four valves when mature. In a general way, 

 even these liverworts which resemble mosses 

 are seen to have more delicate leaves than the 

 latter plants, a distinction which is readily 

 appreciated when the two examples are com- 

 pared. Most of the liverworts prefer a damper 

 situation than would be favoured by mosses, 

 though it should be added that not a few 

 kinds are commonly to be found growing 

 amongst Sphagnum and other bog species. 



The number of species of liverwort which 

 have been identified in the United Kingdom is 

 very considerable, and it may be most useful 

 to indicate a few of the kinds which are most 

 likely to be met with. Certainly one of the 

 most abundant is the Leaf-like Liverwort {Pellia 

 epiphylla). As a rule, this plant grows in large 

 patches in shady, wet places, such as on the 

 banks of streams, where its ribbon-like foliage, 

 of a bright green, is sure to attract attention. 

 On the underside of the plant are to be found 

 a quantity of rooting hairs which fix the growth, 

 or thallus, as it is called, to the soil. Almost 

 any time in the spring we may discover the 

 spore capsules on this plant ; these have long, 



