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ture, and this passing into the empty pores of the 
tree, causes décomposition. In this state it affords 
nourishment to those least sightly of vegetable pro¬ 
ductions, the Fungi. It then becomes the resort of 
various insects, who ail assist in undermining it, till 
at last it falls, and crumbling into mould, is pre- 
pared to receive the seeds of other vegetables. 
But there is another manner in which Mosses act 
as pioneers to the advance of less diminutive plants. 
They are generally the first végétation that cover 
stérile spots; and if the atmosphère be humid they 
will increase, and in time form a foundation stratum 
of vegetable mould. Then Grasses and larger plants 
will spring up, and in their turn decay, to be suc- 
ceeded by shrubs and trees. 
Many a bird frames its nest almost entirely of 
Moss ; and the squirrel and dormouse find it a 
valuable material in forming their winter habitation. 
It is, too, the home of numberless insects : 
“ Upon each Moss-wove border damp, 
The glow-worm hangs liis fairy lamp ; ’’ 
but its close foliage does not secure them from their 
enemies, the birds. 
