FKKXS AND MOSSES. 10j 
rate decorations, scrolls, or braiding in many a fringe or 
capsule that projects from out a bed of moss. 
The _B. rentricosum has also been placed among the 
Jlntums. We state, however, on the authority of Messrs. 
Hooker and Taylor, that this interesting moss pertains to 
the family of Bryum, and these are its characteristics : 
Stems elongated, and branched leaves, oblong, acuminated, 
scarcely serrulate, margins recurved, nerve reaching beyond 
the point, capsules oblong and pendulous. The stems are 
frequently from two to four inches or more in height, in- 
cluding innovations. The ventricosum delights in marshy 
ground and the crevices of damp rocks, where it grows 
abundantly, and is often of a deep brown or reddish hue. 
of which the whole plant generally partakes more or less. 
The nerve is reddish. 
The S. punctatum, Dotted fringe moss, is assigned by 
Withering to the Mnium tribe ; by Hooker and Taylor to 
the Bryum, "Who may decide between such varying 
opinions ? We incline, however, to the judgment of the 
latter authorities, and shall therefore give their concurrent 
description of this singular moss : Stems elongated, leaves 
roundish ovate, very obtuse, reticulated, margins thickened 
entire, nerves disappearing below the point, capsule ovate, 
or rather oblong egg-shaped pendulous, lid short, rostrate : 
leaves, largest in the order Musci, approaching very nearly 
to those of the Cinclidium stt/yium, inner peristome of a 
firm and rigid texture, outer teeth pale coloured. 
Seek for this interesting moss in marshy places, on the 1 
roots of alders and water-loving trees, where it vegetates in 
large patches, and the leaves have occasionally a scarlet 
rib. Bogs in the West Riding of Yorkshire are its favourite 
growing places, and there the brotherhood obtain their 
fullest development. The broad and inversely egg-shaped 
leaves are elegantly varied with small dots. 
" Prepare your sweetmeats," says the Chinese proverb. 
" and your friend will come ;" " Think of him, and he will 
