HOW TO COLLECT MOSSES, 



'HE classification of mosses is so largely based on the charac- 



ters of the capsule and seta that the beginner would best 



collect only fruiting specimens, unless he may chance to 

 find something particularly striking. If one is to study the mosses 

 at all carefully he must preserve his collections in a systematic 

 way for future reference. The larger the number of correctly 

 named specimens in a collection the more valuable and useful it 

 is. Additional specimens can usually be obtained by exchange 

 or by purchase. It has been the purpose of the Editor to place a 

 series of correctly named specimens within the reach of all our 

 readers because such specimens are almost indispensable for sat- 

 isfactory work in the study of mosses. If one is to make exchanges, 

 extra specimens must be collected and prepared. One should usu- 

 ally collect enough for six or more good specimens and if the moss 

 seems rare, collect a larger quantity. 



Most species of mosses, by reason of their growing on the 

 surface of trees, stones or earth, are subjected to great extremes of 

 drouth and moisture so that they readily soak out in good condi- 

 tion for study, no matter how dried, provided only that they be 

 dry enough to prevent moulding. Much more satisfactory speci- 

 mens are made by drying under a light pressure. If the moss 

 grows in thin mats it can be transferred bodily to the pressing 

 sheets. If time is abundant, it will be well to separate the mats 

 into sections such as will be distributed for herbarium specimens, 

 wrapping each in a newspaper packet. If, as is often the case, 

 two or more species are growing interwoven, it will be well to 

 separate them. If the mats are thick and consist mostly of erect 

 stems, it is better to break them up into vertical sections or slices. 

 The substance upon which the plant is growing, the date, and the 

 locality should be plainly noted in every case. The Editor always 

 carries some old envelopes in his pocket and finds them very 

 handy for collecting chance specimens. 



An unnecessary and troublesome amount of earth or rotten 

 wood often adheres to the plants ; as much of this should be re- 

 moved as can be done without injury to the specimens. After 

 drying it can often be removed more easily. The best season for 

 collecting varies with the plants. The Mniums, the Bryums, the 

 hair- caps and their allies will mostly be in prime condition by July 

 first. Most of the Pleurocarpous mosses are in the best condition 



