synonyms referable here, which bear other names in books, and 
whose variations are in a great measure due to altitude on the 
mountains, proximity to the Poles, or other modifying circum¬ 
stances. 
The stems of this species run along upon the ground to the 
length of many feet, and have a slight hold on the soil by means 
of simple or branched wiry roots. The branches spring in tufts 
or fascicles of pretty nearly equal lengths, and the stems being- 
very flexible, and the branches very tough and elastic, in the 
north of Europe the peasantry weave them into doormats of a 
very useful description, of which samples may be seen in the 
Museum of the Royal Gardens of Kew. The plant is also em¬ 
ployed for dyeing and medicinal purposes, and we have already 
alluded, in the Introductory Notice, to the use made of the spores 
of it for producing artificial lightning upon the stage. 
Plate 49. Fertile portion of a plant of Lycopodium clavatum , Linn .,—natural 
size. Fig. 1. A leaf,— magnified. 2. Bract and 2-valved capsules, including 
spores,— magnified. 3. Spores ,—more highly magnified. 
