FIR CLUB-MOSS. 
377 
collected in Norfolk, Sussex and Surrey, which are also of uni- 
form appearance, of much smaller size, and have the branches 
obtusely pointed rather than flat-topped. When rooted in the 
fissure of a rock it occasionally assumes a pendulous character, 
the branches being very long and their extremities recurved ; 
in this state the whole appearance of the plant is graceful and 
elegant, and totally dissimilar to its normal form ; such speci- 
mens I have found on the rocks in the Pass of Llanberis, and 
my brother has lately procured a fine example on the ascent of 
Plinlymmon. Mr. Babington, in a note to me, observes, ‘‘I 
have a curious specimen which was growing under a rock near 
Llanberis, in which the stems are prostrate and about a foot in 
length, and the leaves less densely placed than is usual in the 
species.” 
This species has received credit for many extraordinary medi- 
cal properties ; I shall record only a few of these. In the ^ Flora 
Prussica ’ it is recommended as a specific for ruptures, bruises, 
&c. Breynius asserts that a decoction of it destroys the lice 
which infest man ; and Linneus informs us that the Swedes 
employ it to kill those of swine and cattle. Schwenckenfeldius 
says that it is used by countrymen as a cathartic and emetic ; 
and Linneus, on the authority of Rothman, adds that it is sold, 
though not commonly, in the chemists’ shops of Sweden, under 
the name of muscus catliarticm^'' and is prescribed in the 
form of a decoction as an emetic ; but remarks that the dose 
must be very weak, otherwise it is likely to produce convulsions. 
Lightfoot says that it is taken by the Highlanders both as a ca- 
thartic and emetic, but unless used in small quantities it induces 
giddiness and convulsions ; he also informs us that in the island 
of Raasay, near Skye, and in some other places, it is used in- 
stead of alum, to fix colours in dying woollen cloths. 
The roots are numerous, tough, wiry, tortuous, and often di- 
vided : they are emitted from divers parts of the stem, always 
however where it is in contact with the earth. The plant in its 
normal form appears to be perfectly erect, but its hold on the 
ground being apparently insufficient for the maintenance of this 
position, it generally becomes partially recumbent, as represented 
in the figure. This change takes place as soon as the plant has 
