53 
EQUISETUM LIMOSUM, Lixx^us. 
(^Smooth Horsetail.) 
SYXOXYMES. 
Present name now generally adopted. 
DESCRIPTIOX. 
Stems mostly fertile but sometimes barren ; either cpiite 
naked or with scattered whorls of branches ; frequently the 
branches do not form whorls, but spring out singly, or in 
twos or threes from the joints. Sometimes, after the fructi- 
fication has withered, whorls of branches will then appear, 
and at this time will often become longer than when they 
come at the time the stem fu’st springs. Sheaths distant, 
short with numerous teeth, those of the branches with few 
teeth. 
Spike often nearly globular, varpng from half an inch 
to an inch and half long, with fructification as in the pre- 
ceding species. 
This plant spreads very rapid!}- and grows in large mas- 
ses, contributing to the solidification of the mud in which 
it flourishes, and thus materially assisting in the conversion 
of bogs into dry land, as the dense masses of roots become 
gradually elevated. As it will only grow i)i the water it 
gradually recedes as the water diminishes. 
