No. ii. 
Volume XII. 
NOVEMBER, 1883. 
THE SELAGINELLA. 
Tiie Selaginella derives its name from Selago, an climbing habit; many of them are remarkable for the 
ancient name of a Lycopodium from which this genus metallic lustre of their leaves, which makes them ex- 
lias been separated. The species constituting this genus tremely elegant, consequently favorite objects for the 
are popularly known as Club Mosses, and are, botan- greenhouse, and for wardian cases. S. Convoluta, a 
ically, half way been the Ferns and the Mosses, partak- native of Panama, has the fronds curiously curled in 
ing of the nature of both. This genus differs from the and contracted when dry, so as to form a ball some- 
Lycopodium, only, in having two-ranked stems, some 
of which grow to a considerable length, and in the 
form of its fruit. The species are numerous, and mostly 
inhabitants of warm countries. They vary greatly in 
stature and habit, some being very dwarf and compact, 
while others attain considerable size, and are of a 
what like the Rose of Jericho, but expands again when 
moistened. It is commonly called the Resurrection 
Plant, because of its commencing to grow, when ap¬ 
parently dead, by coming in contact with water. S. 
Mutabilis has the remarkable property of changing its 
color during the day; in the morning it is a bright 
