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indications of this year’s growth other than the sporophytes themselves, 
while the other plants nearby showed the new year's growth distinctly. 
Polytrichum commune found by the roadside a little way west of Hazen’s. 
Notch on July 21st was apparently as far advanced as P. juniperinum found 
in the Missisquoi Valley on August 21st. 
This year’s observation would indicate that for these two species of hair- 
cap moss the escape of the sperm cells and the maturing of the archegonium 
for their reception occurs in April, and that the maturing of the spores 
within the sporophyte takes place one year from the following August. The 
early stages of the development of the sporophyte progress rather slowly. 
Later, in July and August, growth seems rapid. Then again in the fall 
growth is slower. Let those who wish to get motile sperms search in April 
for male rosettes in which the white tips of the antheridia may be seen just 
peeping out from between the scales of the rosette, if one looks carefully 
with a good glass. Let such plants dry slightly, then by wetting them for 
mounting they will show the discharge of the sperm mother cells. 
When the interest in the subject began to deepen a search was made for 
literature relating to it. Nothing was found until the last volume of Hedwi- 
gia came out containing an article by A. Grimme: Ueber die Bliithezeit 
Deutscher Laubmoose und die Entwickelungsdauer ihrer Sporogone. The 
length of time of development of P. commune and P . fimiperinum is there 
given, for Europe, as from thirteen to fifteen months, 'this corresponds 
closely with the observations made in Vermont. It is stated in the article 
referred to that no moss develops its sporophyte in less than three months, 
and that some take nearly two years. This shows that there is an opportun- 
ity for much interesting work in verifying this study and in finding out the 
life history of other of our commoii mosses in this country. 
Botanical Laboratory, University of Vermont, Feb. 1, 1904. 
NOTICE. 
M. Bescherelle, whose death recently was announced in this journal, 
was interrupted in the preparation of an important bryological work, a 
“Sylloge” of all the species of mosses described by him. M. Cardot, to 
whom its completion was entrusted, states that it will contain 450 to 500 
pages, and that it will need to be published by subscription. It will be 
possible to print the work at $5.00 a copy, provided that at least fifty of the 
minimum of 140 subscribers necessary to begin the printing can be found in 
the United States. I desire to announce that I will head this list, and will 
also receive names of other subscribers, at Winona, Minn. 
John M. Holzinger. 
NOTE. 
Bescherelle’s proposed “Sylloge,” will cost about $3.00, not $5.00 as- 
stated. „ J. M. H. 
SULLIVANT MOSS CHAPTER NOTES. 
“A Field Day or Moss Walk” has been proposed for all Sullivant Moss- 
Chapter members and their friends living within ten miles of Boston, Mass. 
To take place on Saturday afternoon, April 23rd, or. if stormy on Saturday, 
April 30th. All interested in such an event write to the originator for 
details. Address, Mr, Walter Gerritson 66 Robbins Street, Waltham, Mass. 
