Bryophytes and lichens in the pastures of the Maritime Provinces

A survey was made of the mosses, lichens and hepatics growing on permanent pastures with stable swards in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. A list is given of twenty-six species found and tabulated data are given of the percentage abundance of important species and the relation of species to drainage and soil type. It is concluded that an abundance of mosses in pastures is not in itself harmful, but merely indicates a high rate of soil drainage and possibly a low level of fertility. On poorer dry pastures, mosses may hold the soil surface particles together and retard run-off. Mosses are not strong competitors for available water, since they have but a shallow rooting system.-P.J.B.