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Peat-mosses

Genus SPHAGNUM, Dill.

THE peat- or bog-mosses are usually of large size, green or gray, dark-red, yellow, or purple, growing over extensive areas in the wet places of lowlands or mountain summits. They are attractive both to travellers and to botanists and are always a source of wonder on account of their habit of changing colour with every change in the humidity of the air. The individual plants are so perfectly preserved when carefully pressed that they are attractive to the collector, whether artist or botanist. Nature employs these mosses to redeem shallow waters for the use of higher plants. The geologist solves many problems by reading their life-history. The economist uses them for fuel in localities where other vegetation is scanty, and finds them useful packing for plants on account of their ability to hold moisture.

The great Linnaeus calls them "flowers of Lapland" and tells us that the Lapland mothers use them for their children's cradles.