AND MOSSES. G3 
although the branches frequently bend towards the ground, 
where their extremities strike and take root. 
In this respect the humble Feather-moss resembles its 
giant relative (the Ficus Indica of Hindostan and Cochin - 
China), of which the lateral branches, sending down shoots 
which take root in the earth, compose a grove that often 
covers a wide area. "We use the term relative though one 
grows low, and may be trodden upon by every passer-by, 
and the other rises to a commanding height because all 
vegetables are related, individuals of one great family ; and 
what the Banian is to those who walk beneath its branches, 
whether Hindoo, Chinese, or European, so is the unassuming 
Feather-moss to insects that find a home and storehouse 
within its precincts. And if it be allowable to apply lines 
descriptive of that vast and peculiar Banian to its lowly 
brother, we may say with equal truth 
" Many a long depending shoot, 
Seeking to strike its root, 
Straight, like a plummet, grows toward the ground ; 
Some on the lower boughs which cross their way, 
Fixing their bearded fibres round and round, 
"With many a ring and wild contortion wound ; 
Some to the passing wind, at times with sway 
Of gentle motion swung." 
June llth. A rainy day, yet passed pleasantly in spread- 
ing out the mosses which we had gathered between sheets 
of blotting-paper, and then laying upon them a heavy 
weight. Travellers are not provided in this respect, but 
we found an excellent substitute in a board borrowed from 
the landlady of our little inn, and this we covered with 
stones. Besides our note-book, we had taken the pre- 
caution of bringing another with blotting-paper sheets 
about the same size ; and these, with tin cases for holding 
ferns or mosses, were all that we required for our botanical 
excursion. 
June 12th. "Went forth again upon the moor. The 
