928 



Tkibb II. ANBRMAGEM. 



Schistocarpous Mosses. Capsule borne on a pseudopodium, not operculate, open- 

 ing by 4 longitudinal fissures, and forming 4 valves cohering by their tips (Andrwa), 

 or free [Acroschisma). 



This little tribe, which was formerly placed near Jungermannieoe on account of its 

 habit and the valvate capsule, is separated by its columella, the absence of elaters, 

 and the coherence of the valves at the top, or towards the middle of the urn ; but 

 . it approaches both these and Sphagnece in the development of the fruit. 



GENERA. 



Andraea. 



Acroscliisma. 



Mosses, like Phsenogams, possess other modes oi reproduction than that by spores. In nearly all 

 tubercles are formed on the subterranean and even aerial roots, which when exposed to the air germinate 

 like the buds formed on the prothallus, some of the peripheric cells elongating to form tlifi roots, others 

 furnishing new cells for the stem and leaves. 



In some Mosses reproductive tubercles are also developed in the axila of the leaves (Phasciem nitidum, 

 Sri/um erpthrocarpuvi). Sometimes they are developed into buds before detachment, and root in the soil 

 as soon as they reach it (Bryum. annotinurn). In still other cases these buds root before separating from 

 the mother-plant {Conomitrmm Julianum, Cinclidohis aqttativm). In some cases even a detached leaf can, 

 according to Schimper, produce a prothallus by cell-multiplication (Funaria hygrometrica). Finally, 

 excrescences oi propagula form at the extremity of the stem and branches of some Mosses (Aulacomnium, 

 Tetraphis, &c.), or even on the leaves {OrthotricJiuni), which when detached form new individuals. Mosses, 

 80 distinct from Hepaticce in their organs of vegetation and fructification, evidently approach them in their 

 sexual organs. SphagnecB connect the two families, resembling Mosses in habit, foliage and formation of 

 fruit, and Hepaticee in the evolution of the prothallus, and in the structure of the antheridia and 

 antherozoids, &c. 



Mosses inhabit all climates and most opposite localities, from the equator to the poles ; they abound 

 in temperate regions, ascending the highest mountains and descending into the deepest valleys. They 

 clothe with pei-petual verdure the trunks of trees, rocks, and often old walls and roofs. Wherever there 

 is moisture they are found ; some are submerged in running water (Fontinalis), others in stagnant water 

 (JsTypnum). A large number, after being totally dried up during the summer, recover their verdure in 

 the cool and rain of autumn. Their part in the economy of nature as contributing to the formation of 

 soil, is not less important than that of Lichens, whose work they carry on, adding their own detritus to 

 that of these latter, and forming on sandy lands, by their decay and reproduction, a layer of soil suitable 

 for the agriculturist. 



Certain species were formerly used in medicine as astringents and diuretics. Leskea sericea is still 

 applied externally in some countries for its hsemostatic properties. Several Mosses are used in the arts 

 and domestic economy; in Sweden and Norway the peasants utilize -HiZ/wMm^janeiiVmOT and Fontinalis 

 to fill the crevices in the walls of their huts. The common PolytrioJmm is made into brushes much used 

 to give a dressing to stuffs. Finally, Hypnmn triquetrum is used, on account of its great elasticity, in 

 packing Phsenogamous plants. 



