CHAPTER XXV 
MOSSES AND THEIR ALLIES 
279. General Features. — The plants in this group have 
more parts, stems, leaves, etc., than the fungi and algae 
have; the chlorophyll is evenly distributed, and they tend 
to grow erect. The life history of the mosses is more com¬ 
plex than that of the simple algae 
(Figure 299). 
If a cushion of moss is ex¬ 
amined, it is found to be made 
up of small plants packed closely 
together. At certain times of 
the year some of these plants 
have a stiff, wiry, brownish stalk, 
surmounted by a boxlike capsule, 
on top of which may be a shaggy 
cap or cover (Figures 298 and 
299). 
280. Habitat. — Mosses grow 
A , calyptra ; B, capsule; C, seta; i n moist places, for their root- 
A female gametophyte. uke rhizoidg ^ ^ gufficiently 
developed to gather water from the soil. They thrive best 
in shady woods, on decaying logs, and on stones wet by 
spray. Another reason for their need of moisture will ap¬ 
pear in the study of their reproduction. 
281. Life History. — If a dry moss capsule is shaken, 
powdery spores, much like the “ smoke ” from a puffball, 
float off in the air. When these spores fall on moist ground, 
each sends out a small, alga-like thread which branches, 
328 
Figure 298. — Types of Moss. 
