SPHAGNUM, Bog-moss; a genus of the order of musci belonging to the cryptogamia class of plants. There are three species; the most remarkable of which is the palustris, or common bog-moss, which grows on our bogs in wide patches, so that it frequently covers a large portion of their surface. The stalks are from two inches to two feet long, irregularly surrounded with numerous, conical, pendant branches, and terminated with a rosette cluster of erect short ones. It is generally believed, that the roots and decayed stalks of this moss constitute a principal part of that useful bituminous substance called peat, which is the chief fuel of the northern regions.—The Lapland matrons are well acquainted with this moss. They dry and lay it in their cradle, to supply the place of bed, bolster, and every covering; and, being changed night and morning, it keeps the infant remarkably clean, dry, and warm. It is sufficiently soft of itself; but the tender mother, not satisfied with this, frequently covers
Splenoides covers the moss with the downy hairs of the reindeer; and by that means makes a most delicate nest for the young babe.
OS SPHENOIDES, the seventh bone of the cranium or skull. See ANATOMY, n° 15.