Pygmea thomsoni, Buch., n.s.

A small scarcely hoary moss-like plant, 1 inch high, forming compacted patches on the ground. Branches with the leaves on ⅙ inch diameter. Leaves coriaceous, densely imbricate, ⅛ inch long, quadrately obovate, obtuse, entire, ciliate on the margins, and on the upper part of the outer surface, 1-veined. Flowers ⅛ inch long, terminal on the branches, sepals linear, obtuse, shorter than the corolla tube.

Hab.—Mount Alta, 6,000 feet alt.—Buchanan and McKay, 1881.

Plate XXXII., fig. 3, plant nat. size; 3 a, flower enlarged ¼; 3 b, c, leaves enlarged 5/1.

The three species here figured comprise all at present known of the Genus Pygmea. From their extremely small size and hoary appearance they may easily escape observation, and except when in flower they are difficult to distinguish from hoary mosses such as species of Grimmia and Racomitrium. They may be recommended as well adapted for garden rockeries, living specimens being easily transported for long distanees.