464 
NEW ARRANGEMENT OF 
a wonderful resemblance to each other ; that, in short, no 
generic marks can then be collected from them. 
When, on the other hand, we note the direction of the 
teeth in a dry state, and find that they constitute more ob- 
vious distinctive features ; — that all those species which have 
reflexed teeth form a natural group, even to the acute form 
of the leaves (except in S. vasculosum alone) ; — that all 
those which have erect teeth* (not reflexed) agree still 
more beautifully in habit, their capsule of a different shape, 
their apophysis narrower than the capsule, and of the same 
colour, their leaves all agreeing most strikingly in their ob- 
tuse form and texture ; —that, farther, when we see equally 
forcible characters taken from the direction of the teeth in 
the dry state of Tayloria, we cannot help flattering our- 
selves, that, for the tribe of mosses now under considera- 
tion, these are the only tangible generic characters. Those 
we have discarded seem only of importance, inasmuch as 
they indicate affinity and similarity of structure. 
The peristome of Dissodon varies much in the same 
manner as that of Splachnum : 1st, In one species, the teeth 
are 16, once geminated, and equidistant; besides which, 
each tooth, when mature, is divided at the line of gemina- 
tion, either to the middle or to the base, ^dl]/. In another 
species, the teeth, though 16, and also equidistant, remain 
permanently once geminated. Sdli/, In the other species, 
they are 16 once geminated, and also geminating in pairs *[-. 
• Mr Brown seems to consider erect teeth as worthy to constitute a 
subgeneric character, and thinks S. Frcclichianum and iS*. Wulfenianum 
might be placed together on that account, joined to the inclined capsule.— 
Parry's First Voy. App. p. ccci. 
•f We have in our possession, through the kindness of our friend Dr 
Hooker, a plant which we consider to belong to this genus : but as it has 
only a manuscript name attached to it, we refrain from noticing it fkrther. 
It assimilates witli the rest in every character. 
