Nitrate reductase activity(NRA) and induced NRA were compared in 4 species of moss ctenidium molluscum, homalothecium, tortella tortusa and neckera crispa collected from limestone in england. the NRA and dry weight of the c. molluscum were also measured after spraying with acidic deposition adjusted to ph 5.6, 4.6, 3.6 and 2.8 with one of two molar ratios of nitric to sulfuric acid, i.e. 1:0(N alone) and 1:2(1N+2S) for 20 days. All 4 species showed high NR leavels in the upper part of cut shoots and occurred maximum inducation of NRA within 6h. c. molluscum had the highest NRA levels among 4 species. after daily spraying of acidic deposition, NRA of c. molluscum was increased much more largely at ph 6 and ph 3.6 derived from N alone than from 1N+2S. However that was decreased at ph 2.8 derived both from N alone and 1N+2S . Decline of dry weight had occurred at ph 3.6 and 2.8 derived both from N alone and 1N+2S. Whereas substantial fertilization effect was observed at ph 4.6 derived from N alone. the data suggest that c. molluscum are able to utilize nitrate more effectivery than any other species, and NRA induction are more sensitive than growth response to nitrogen content of acidicdeposition in a short- term. however toxic effects was detected at high $NO_3$ supply and low phacidic deposition.