3 
THE CULTIVATION OF MOSSES. 
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having also a toothed calyptra, is distinguishable by its much larger size, blunt leaves without any 
prolongation of the midrib (as in the other kinds), as well as by the spirally streaked capsules. 
The genus Weissia does not offer many promising subjects for cultivation; but W. nigrita is well 
worthy of a trial. It is one of the few species that seem peculiarly suited for growing in sandy soil, 
but it must be kept pretty moist. It frequents moist banks among the highland mountains, and is 
seldom found at a very low elevation ; but on the well known sands of Barry (of botanical celebrity), 
we have picked it within a few feet of the sea level. 
Br yum is richer in cultivable beauties; and, indeed, almost all of the species are worth growing, 
being of easy culture. Among the more beautiful, are B. ligulatum, B. roseum (very rarely found in a 
state of fructification), B.punctatum , B. marginatum, B. rostratum, B. hornum, B. ventricosum, &c. 
B. argenteum and B. ccespititium frequently occur on the roofs of houses, and on old walls, banks, 
&c., and thus should be kept pretty dry in cultivation ; but, by far the greater number grow only in 
moist shaded situations, and should receive corresponding treatment when grown in artificial circum¬ 
stances. This should be more particularly observed in the case of the large leaved species, which 
can only be maintained in their native beauty by being continually surrounded with a moist and cool 
atmosphere. 
Hypnum is decidedly the most extensive genus of Mosses, embracing as it does, about one hundred 
species and varieties. There is a strong general resemblance among all the family, by which they 
may be readily recognised; but in many cases they run so closely into one another, and are separated 
by so minute differences that it requires a long and patient study of the various species under all 
modifications of circumstances, to give one anything like a complete knowledge of this critical genus. 
We could not ask any horticulturist, who has closely to follow the rapid progress of phanerogamic 
botany in the present day, to encounter the arduous task of acquiring an intimate acquaintance with 
native Hypna; but luckily there are many of our most showy species so perfectly distinct, that once 
seen correctly named they cannot readily be forgotten,—and to a few of these we think we may 
safely recommend the cultivator’s attention. In the first place then, H. crista-ccistrensis may be 
noticed, as, in our opinion, the most elegant of British Hypna, if not of British Mosses. It is by no 
means a common species, being chiefly confined to alpine districts; but it is not so rare that it may 
not readily be procured for cultivation : we have gathered it in various places in the low grounds of 
Forfarshire. It generally occurs in woods in large spreading patches, and in removing the plant it 
will be advisable to lift it with a piece of the turf. This moss should be kept cool, and in the shade; 
but it does not require much moisture. H. splendens, as its name would indicate, is also a splendid 
moss, and is much more common, occurring frequently on hills and heaths, and on the old walls and 
tree-roots of dry woods. Its capsules are by no means rare. The treatment recommended for the 
preceding species, may, with equal propriety, apply to the present; and in the same category we 
may rank, H. purum, II. undulatum , H. triquetrum , H. loreum, and H. proliferum, all of which 
are well worthy of a little care and attention, and may be readily found in some adjoining woodland. 
The curious H. scorpioides , with H. dendroides, and H. aduncum , may be found in bogs, and such 
moist situations, and in cultivation, of course, require an abundance of moisture. H. alopecurum and 
H. ruscifolium , most frequently attach themselves to wet dripping rocks, the latter often immersed 
altogether in the waters of a running stream, or the crystal column of a waterfall. Both of these 
should be kept continually wet, and out of the reach of sunbeam or summer breeze. H. ruscifolium 
may be advantageously introduced for the adornment of artificial waterfalls, or running streams in a 
garden. But it should be kept in view that nothing makes a better harbour than it, for hordes of 
aquatic insects. 
Whoever has a feeling of esteem for the Director of the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew, will 
endeavour to obtain a bit of Hookeria lucens, from some shady bank, and cultivate it, as at once one of 
the loveliest and most interesting of the muscological objects under his care. The Hookeria requires 
a good deal of moisture, and may never see a ray of sun from the 1st of January to the 31st of 
December. 
The genus Fissidens is one of peculiar interest and beauty, and F. bryoicles will long be associated 
with the never-to-be-forgotten name of the African traveller. F. bryoicles and F. taxifolius, are of 
frequent occurrence on moist banks and in shady woods, and as they generally grow in extensive 
patches, a few dozen of these tiny plants may be taken up upon a piece of the earthy turf, and trans¬ 
ferred to the flower-pot without marring their delicate beauty. They require to be kept well shaded 
and moist, to preserve the beauty of their delicate leaves; but F. adicmtoides, a much larger growing 
species, requires even more moisture, its native habitats being in bogs, and other wet marshy places. 
There is one species of Fissidens, which, although not belonging to our native flora, we are tempted to 
