NOTES ON MOSSES, 343 
only be settled microscopically. Recondite manipulation is not 
much required in any of these researches, but rather a good know- 
ledge of how to use the Microscope as an instrument. 
If in any case there are obstacles to original research, it is 
always interesting to follow the work of some distinguished in- 
vestigator. It is very rarely that a subject is treated exhaustively, 
and the sedulous yet candid critic, may solve truths which his 
predecessor had not approached. 
In concluding this address, I cannot avoid a special mention of 
the recent death of a man whose genius and careful microscopical 
work, established an era in histology, and influenced that study of 
embryology which must ever be the starting point of philosophical 
zoology and botany. ‘Theodore Schwann elaborated the “cell 
theory” forty-three years ago, and in the main it holds good at the 
present day. He lived to see its value appreciated by every 
zoologist, and to be able to follow the researches with improved 
lenses, and to recognize the entities which have no cell-wall. 
Schwann investigated most successfully the nervous system, and 
his name will ever remain associated with it. He died at a ripe 
old age, having led an industrious, simple, and most useful life, 
and having lived to see himself the recipient, on the occasion of 
his jubilee, of distinguished honours on the part of the scientific 
world. 
NOTES ON MOSSES. 
DECEMBER. 
ITH very few exceptions, the whole of the Mosses mentioned 
in November may be gathered in this month ; and those who 
care to see Dicranodontium longirostrum in very fine condition will 
find it in the wood on the right hand side of the stream in Staley 
brushes, growing in great luxuriance, although rather rare. This 
Moss first noticed in England in 1864 by Mr. John Whitehead, of 
Dukinfield, as being distinct from Didymodon, is of an extremely 
fragile character, the least touch of the fingers bringing away 
quantities of entire leaves; hence named by some authorities, 
denudatus. 
Growing with it, and in fine contrast from its dense velvety 
appearance, will be seen Campylopus flexuosus, the rush swan-necked 
Moss; stems %4—1% in. high, erect forked (dichotomous), with 
reddish-purple radicles to apex, bearing gemme intermixed. Leaves 
patent straight or secund, sub-falcate, lanceolate and toothed at 
apex ; red when old; nerve one-third width of base ; capsule oval, 
