THE BRYOLOGIST. 



Vol. VI. May, 1Q03. No. 3. 



SOHE INTERESTING FORflS OF POLYTRICHUM. 



By a. J. Grout. 

 Polytrichum Smithiae n. sp. 



While collecting on Mt. Mansfield summit in August, 1902, I noted in 

 moist depressions of the moss covered summit a Polytrichum which looked 

 to me like P. gracile and which I collected in quantity intending to dis- 

 tribute it as that species. Microscopic examination, however, showed that it 

 could not be P. gracile as the terminal cells of the lamellse were broader 

 than high and usually concave on the outer face as in P. Ohioense. The 

 plant was then referred to P . Ohioeiise as a variety, but on preparing the 

 description for publication it seemed so distinct as to be worthy of specific 

 rank. I have named it in honor of Mrs. Annie Morrill Smith, who has done 

 so much to advance the study of mosses in this country. 



Plants dioicous, light green, small for the genus, about 2 cm. high 

 exclusive of sporophyte, rarely reaching 3 cm.; leaves reaching 5 mm. in 

 length exclusive of the sheathing base, erect spreading when moist, closely 

 appressed when dry, not curling in the least, serrate on the margins, lamellae 

 about 32, four to six cells high, flat or usually concave on the upper surface; 

 seta about 3 cm. long, pale; capsules small, urn 3-4 mm. long with oper- 

 culum beaked as in P . Ohioense, inclined to horizontal, slightly curved with 

 an indistinct hypophysis, four angled. 



Distinct from P. Ohioense in its constantly smaller size in all parts, 

 leaves closely appressed and straight when dry, and lighter color. Its 

 habitat is similar to that of P. strictuni and it seems to be related to P, 

 Ohioense much in the same manner as P. sti'ictiini is to P . j uniperiiitim. 



Forms close to this were collected on the summit of Mt. Katahdin, 

 Maine, by F. P. Briggs, August, 1892; on Mt. Mansfield, August, 15, 1892, by 

 Mrs. Britton 



Polytrichum commune uliginosum Heuben. 



In August, 1898, I collected on the summit of Mt. Washington a form of 

 Polytrichum commune, with very small capsules, calyptra reaching only to 

 the base of the capsule, and the leaves spreading-recurved when dry. This 

 seems to be nearer the variety iiliginosiim than any described form, 

 although the leaves and stems are shorter than is indicated in Limprichfs 

 description. For this form I would suggest the name forma W ashing ton- 

 iannm. 



Plate VIII. Figs, i, 10 and 11. Polytrichum Smithiae. Figs. 2, 3, 12 and 

 4. P. Ohioense. Fig 5. P. commune Fig, 6. P. co?nmu?ie, pressed 

 when wet with leaves expanded. Fig. 7. P. commune uliginosuin 

 forma Washing tonia?ium. Fig. 8. P. commune uliginosuin, from 

 State of Washington. Fig. 9. P. commune perigoniale, showing the 

 elongated perichaetial leaves. 



The March Bryologist was issued March 4th, 1003. 



