70 HANDY UOOK OF 
as we gathered. Accept them now, for we are at home 
again, and have abundant leisure for the employment of 
oui' pencil. But first let us consider the component parts 
of these small plants, and reflect for a brief space on their 
admirable construction. 
Observe those urn or vase-shaped vessels, on the summit 
of stems or peduncles arising from among green foliage ! 
They contain innumerable seeds, which are either sown by 
winds when ripe, or scattered immediately upon the earth, 
and the base of the upholding stem, closely examined, dis- 
covers a sheath of scaly leaves. Those leaves were all- 
important to the welfare of the plant ; before the peduncle 
springs up to light and air, they serve as a kind of calynx 
to protect the embryo fruit, and bear the name of sheath or 
perichctium : a capsule, b pedicle, c sheath. Observe, also, 
two important parts connected with the capsule, before the 
period when it splits open and its contents are scattered 
abroad d the operculum or lid, which closes the mouth, 
and e the calyptra or veil, which covers both the lid and 
capsule like a conical roof; / is the fringe or peristome 
(peristomiwn), which becomes apparent when the seeds 
being fully ripe no longer require protection, and the casting 
