OF THE MOSSES AND THEIR ALLIES. 
13 & 
CHAPTER XIV. 
OF THE MOSSES AND THEIR ALLIES. 
The Mosses occupy a less exclusive position than the pre- 
ceding classes of the Cryptogamia, inasmuch as in many 
respects they approximate to the great family of plants, the 
Phanerogamia. [Not that there is any likeness to a 4 flower r 
in their organs of fructification ; so far there is still a wide 
gulf between the highest of the 4 Muscal alliance ’ and the 
lowest of the sexual plants : nevertheless, when we come 
to examine their structure, we find that among Mosses a 
great step in advance has been made in the scheme of 
nature. For the first time now we have to deal with a 
true root, a true stem, and true leaves ; though it must be 
owned, that in a few instances it is a work of some difficulty 
to detect these organs. Thus Buxbaumia aphylla has re- 
ceived its specific name from the apparent absence of leaves, 
and the species of Sphagnum retain their roots only in the 
young state. For the first time, too, we meet with traces 
of that special characteristic of the more highly organised 
plants — a vascular system. — Ed.] 
With regard to the localities in which the Mosses 
delight to dwell, we find them to be truly cosmopolitan. 
The particular species are by no means indifferent to the 
situation they may occupy; but, taking them as a whole, the 
members of this order exist wherever shade and moisture 
are afforded ; the actual species varying according to the 
nature of the soil, and the material on which they grow. 
Streams and morasses have their peculiar species. Fonti- 
nalis, Sphagnum, &c., are strictly aquatic ; and from these 
we may trace them, step by step, to the sloping sides of a 
ditch, the weather-beaten roof of a thatched cottage, the 
