64 
THE CULTIVATION OF MOSSES. 
enumerate liere, as greatly worthy of the Moss-grower’s attention; this is the F. grandifrons , 
observed by Spruce to be the characteristic Moss of the Pyrenees, and which is truly magnificent if 
that term is at all applicable to any member of this lowly tribe of plants.* 
In the genus Dicranum, we can only with safety recommend I), lieteromallum and D. scoparium. 
The former is by no means unfrequent on moist shady banks, clothing them with its bright green 
verdure, and pretty little capsules ; and the latter may be found hi great profusion on many of the 
hills and mountains, preferring rather dry, though cool situations. The different conditions under 
which these two species are found should regulate their garden treatment. 
Trichostomum lanuginosum and canescens occur plentifully on heaths, and stony mountainous situa¬ 
tions, and may be readily grown in peaty soil, being kept cool and not too moist. Tr. heterostichum , 
fascicular e, &c., should be removed attached to the stones or fragments of rock on which they grow, 
the same being firmly potted in a light peaty soil, and kept rather dry. Tr. lanuginosum is a strong 
growing plant, and requires plenty of pot room. 
j Diclymodon capillaceum, although sometimes found at a low altitude, must be considered as truly a 
mountain species. It should be removed along with a portion of the firm peaty turf on which it is 
generally found, and kept very cool with a good deal of moisture at all seasons. I). purpureum will 
be much easier cultivated, as it is often found naturally in cultivated pasture fields, and seems to love 
bare earthy places where the ground has been stirred by human operations. The rare D. inclinatum 
will succeed well in light sandy soil, kept rather moist. 
Funaria Tiygrometrica is a curious plant that grows almost everywhere, and is especially recom¬ 
mend able to the tyro in Moss-culture, as it will be impossible to fail with it. The beautiful Neckera 
crispa may not be so easily cultivated; but it well deserves care and attention, and with plenty of 
moisture and shade, and what is not less essential, a cool atmosphere, we have no doubt but it may be 
readily succeeded with. Various species of Bartramia are likewise very beautiful, and may receive 
the same treatment. 
The species of Mosses we have noticed in the preceding remarks are, with one or two exceptions, 
those only which should be potted in mould in the ma nn er usually done with the higher tribes of plants. 
Many there are, however, that require to be grown attached to rocks and stones, and there is likewise 
a numerous aquatic family that require fo be continually immersed in water. In our former paper 
we gave general instructions regarding the culture of these kinds ; and as, with all the species of each 
of the divisions, the treatment is so very much the same, we would deem it a trespass to dwell farther 
upon them. 
It will be observed that in these papers on the cultivation of Mosses, we have given no instructions 
for the erection of structures purposely adapted for their cultivation. We have refrained from doing 
so under the impression that few horticulturists, if any, will consider these plants worthy of a separate 
structure for their growth. The time may come when patriotic gardeners will admire our native 
Mosses more than the Heaths and Orchids of foreign lands, and treat them with corresponding care. 
But, alas! the idea is Utopian! we may as well think of growing toad-stool forests for timber!! The 
most convenient mode of keeping Mosses is to have them in a frame with a northern exposure, and 
completely shaded, or if that cannot be had, they may be placed behind a wall, the position of which 
secures these conditions, without exposing the plants to drying or frosty winds, which prove highly 
detrimental to them. The most successful mode of keeping them continually moist (and moisture is 
essential to the success of the great majority), is to plunge the pots to the rim in HypnumMoss, 
which retains the moisture well: Sphagnum will also do, but will retain too much moisture for some 
of the species; and when it once gets dry is difficult to get thoroughly moistened again. The plants 
may be removed to the back stage of a cool greenhouse at the beginning of winter, as they will thus 
afford their beauty to the admiring eye, at a time when there is little else to attract attention, although 
the very season when they are in their gayest dress. This protection is not, however, essential to 
their successful cultivation, and they will push up then- lovely capsules with equal force through the 
wreath of snow. Manv of the Mosses are well suited for adorning rock-work, and imitations of 
%J O' 
natural scenery: and we hope yet to see them used extensively hi this way. 
* In tlie Transactions of the Botanical Society, in., 117, Mr. Spruce in speaking of the Fissidens grandifrons remarks :—“ It 
will not be out of place to mention here a curious circumstance relating to tbis Moss. Its fruit has never yet been found, and even 
its floicers were unknown when it was figured in the Bryologia Europcea. A few years ago Mr. Sullivant discovered female plants 
at the falls at Niagara, and in 1S46 he published the specimens in his beautiful “ ILusci AUeghanienses” (No. 1S6). In January, 1846, 
a single tuft of male plants was found bymyself and M. Phillippe, on a dripping limestone rock, near Bagneres, and the inflorescence 
will be described in the proper place. These are all the flowers that have ever been found, and it will be a remarkable circum¬ 
stance if it be ascertained (as this would seem to show) that only the male plant exists in Europe , and only the female in America ! 
The obvious conclusion would be that the plant never had fruited, and without artificial aid never would fruit. It has, however, 
ample means of maintaining and spreading itself without the aid of seeds.” 
o 
