_Such as consist of a more lax and flexible matter, formed into a
foliaceous appearance, having the parts of fructification in the form
of_ scutellæ.
Some of the plants of this division are interspersed with the former
in some of the systems of botanic authors. In general this division
contains the whole first series of the second order of _lichenoides_
in Dillenius; the first division of the second series, and the latter
part of the second division, of the same: it comprehends the _lichenes
imbricati_ and _umbilicati_ of Linnæus; and many of the _placodium_ of
Hill.
The plants of this order are many of them not less common in England
than the foregoing, on rocks, stones, old pales, trees, _&c._ Some
adhere very closely to what they grow upon, and seem to be only
foliaceous about the edges: others adhere but loosely, and are much
expanded and divaricated, so as to form something like ramifications.
It was remarked, from Linnæus’s observation, that one of the
crustaceous lichens was scarcely ever found growing but upon limestone
rocks. On the contrary, the same author has observed of a foliose
lichen belonging to this order, that it will thrive on all kind of
rocks but limestone rocks. This species[106] Dillenius calls _The
common grey-blue pitted lichenoides_. It is very common with us upon
trees, old wooden pales, _&c._ as well as upon rocks and stones. It is
the _usnea cranii humani_ of the old _materia medica_. Linnæus adds,
that it will dye a purplish colour.
Hither likewise must be referred the cork or arcel[107], which is
used by the Scotch, and others, to dye a purple or scarlet colour.
The preparation of it is by powdering, and making it into a mass with
urine. Parkinson tells us[108] the poor people in Derbyshire scrape
it from the rocks, and make the same use of it. Mr. Ray[109] adds to
this account, that the Welch, who call it _kenkerig_, have long been
acquainted with this property, and have it in common use. The colour
from this moss is but very dull; but if the same methods were taken
to improve it, as have been with the _orchel_, it would undoubtedly
be rendered much better, and more durable. Linnæus relates[110], that
there is an immense quantity of this moss about the rocks of the isle
of Aland in the Baltick; where the good women themselves make a yellow
dye with it from a simple decoction of the plant, without the addition
of any saline article. He adds, that those, who would heighten the
colour, add a small quantity of _roucou_[111] to the decoction.
Professor Linnæus tells us, that the Gothlanders manufacture a yellow
dye from the common curled _lichenoides_ with yellow leaves and
plates[112]. He adds, that it is a celebrated medicine in the esteem
of the country people, as a specific in the jaundice[113]. Helwingius,
in the Supplement to the _Flora Prussica_, affirms, that this moss
will tinge paper and linen of a lively carnation colour, which too
will stand the test of being exposed to the open sun for a long time
without fading. It seems very probable, however, that he must mean some
other plant of this genus, as Dillenius tells us he made the experiment
unsuccessfully.
Sweden affords a moss of this order, which, as far as hitherto appears,
seems to be unknown to former botanists, and which Linnæus says will
dye a deep purple colour[114].