Now ready, Price Sixpence, 
 
 HERBARIUM LABELS 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 BRITISH FERNS AM) ALLIED PLANTS; 
 
 CONSISTING OF THE 
 
 NAMES OF THE ORDERS, GENERA, SPECIES, 
 AND VARIETIES, 
 
 INTENDED FOR PASTING ON 
 
 HERBARIUM COVERS. 
 BY THOMAS MOORE, F.L.S., 
 
 ETC., ETC., 
 
 AUTHOR OF THE " HANDBOOK OF BRITISH FEKNS," Ac. 
 
 "Neat and useful for those who take a pride in the beauty of 
 their collections. They are on the same plan as Dr. Lindley's 
 Labels for the Herbarium, and form three quarto leaves." Gar- 
 dener's Chronicle. 
 
 LONDON : GROOMBRIDGE AXD SONS, 
 
 PATERNOSTER HOW. 
 
 [FOR SPECIMENS SEE NEXT PAGE.]
 
 SPECIMENS OF 
 
 HERBARIUM LABELS 
 
 FOR BRITISH FERNS. 
 
 OSMTJNDACEJEt 
 
 LYCOPODIACEJE 
 
 V. FOLYSTICHTJM, Schott. 
 
 Lastrea cristata, Presl. 
 
 Scolopendrium vulgare. >,-. 
 
 Woodsia hyperborea. R. Brow. 
 (W. alpina, Newman.)
 
 THE HANDBOOK 
 
 BRITISH FERNS; 
 
 COMPRISING 
 
 SCIENTIFIC AND POPULAR DESCRIPTIONS, 
 
 WITH ENGRAVINGS 
 
 OF ALL THE 
 
 INDIGENOUS SPECIES AND VARIETIES, 
 
 WITH" 
 
 Snstnittinns far tjjtir 
 
 BY THOL\S MOORE, F.L.S., &c., &c., 
 
 CCBATOX OF THE BOTANIC GABDEJJ OF THE 8OCIZTT OF APOTHE- 
 CARIES, CHELSEA; AND AUTHOR OF " THE POFULAB HISTORY 
 OF BKITISH FEBNS," ETC., ETC. 
 
 SECOND EDITIOX. 
 
 LONDON: 
 R. GROOMBRIDGE AtfD SONS, 
 
 PATERNOSTER ROW; AND 
 
 W. PAMPLIN, FRITH STREET, SOHO.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 THE first edition of this little Manual of the British 
 Ferns was submitted to the patronage of fern ad- 
 mirers and the public, with the desire that it might 
 aid though in a humble degree in promoting 
 the growing taste for these charming plants ; and it 
 is no small gratification to the author to know that 
 this expectation has been realised. The present 
 edition, which is much enlarged, and is illustrated 
 with many additional wood-cuts by Mr. P. F. 
 Keir, will, it is hoped, meet with equal approba- 
 tion, and prove of equal utility. 
 
 The object of the author in this Handbook, has 
 been to provide a suitable pocket companion for 
 the students and cultivators of these now favourite 
 plants ; and it is anticipated that the use of the 
 analytical tables of the genera and species, together 
 with the more detailed descriptions and wood-cuts, 
 will in most cases, render the recognition of our 
 wild Ferns an easy task even to the novice. 
 
 The classification and nomenclature adopted in 
 the former edition are substantially retained in the 
 
 2091 209
 
 present ; for although in these matters, some novel 
 schemes have been proposed, yet the suggestions 
 which have been made, appear to be little else than 
 ingenious devices tending to render the study of 
 the British Ferns more difficult and involved, and 
 rather induce a desire to return to Linnajan sim- 
 plicity than a disposition to follow the mazy paths 
 of modern innovation. 
 
 The peculiarities of venation in the more com- 
 pound ferns, being more or less affected by the 
 luxuriance of the plants, and more or less varied 
 in different parts of the fronds, it should be re- 
 collected, in making use of the following pages, 
 that the basal pinnules on the pinnse near the centre 
 of a frond of average size, have been selected for 
 description, unless it is otherwise expressed. 
 
 The author gladly avails himself of this oppor- 
 tunity to thank all those who have kindly favoured 
 him either with criticisms of his statements or 
 with specimens for examination, and trusts for a 
 continuance of similar communications. 
 
 CHELSEA, Aug. 31, 1853.
 
 THE HAND-BOOK 
 
 BRITISH FERNS. 
 
 FERNS constitute so beautiful a portion of the creation 
 whether they ornament our ruins with their light 
 and graceful foliage, wave their bright tresses from our 
 weather-beaten rocks, or clothe with evergreen verdure 
 our forests and our hedgerows that it seems next to im- 
 possible to behold them without experiencing emotions 
 of pleasure. Thus writes a modern historian of the Ferns. 
 But it is not only when located among ruins, on the 
 mountains, or in the forests, that they constitute one of the 
 most beautiful, if not the most lovely, portion of vegetable 
 creation. The pure botanist, indeed, will most favourably 
 regard that race of ferns which cling to their natural 
 localities, and perpetuate their race without the assistance 
 of man. But another more numerous class of observers of 
 nature, while their admiration of ferns in their wild, un- 
 cultivated haunts may not be less intense, desire to render 
 them subservient to their domestic gratification ; and would 
 fain ornament their gardens with the elegant forms, they 
 may have seen elsewhere covering the rugged rock or the 
 tortuous tree-trunk, or skirting the hedgerows with a 
 feathery fringe of fairy vegetation. This leads to the en- 
 deavour to imitate the circumstances, amid mimic rocks and 
 precipices, under which nature cultivates her ferns with so 
 
 B
 
 2 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 much success ; and the effort, more or less successful as a 
 work of taste and art, can hardly fail to gratify those 
 at least who undertake it. Or it may be that the cultiva- 
 tion of ferns in pots is preferred, and very elegant and in- 
 teresting are they when so treated ; this being, moreover 
 the condition under which very many fern admirers find 
 fern culture most convenient to their circumstances. Those 
 who in pursuing this fancy may be led to adopt the more 
 refined Wardian Case, will find no more beautiful or in- 
 teresting parlour ornament, than one of those cases piled 
 internally with miniature rocks, studded with living ferns. 
 The cultivation of ferns is a growing fancy, and one 
 which may well be fostered and encouraged. For who- 
 ever admires ferns must be a lover of nature. Their 
 simple ungaudy elegance superlative though it be has 
 nothing in it to attract those whose eyes can feast only 
 on the pageantry of floriculture. Flowers may be admired 
 and esteemed for some quality altogether independent of 
 their natural beauty ; but nature and ferns are, as it were, 
 inseparable; and there is no race of plants, the culture 
 and study of which is better adapted than they to 
 
 "Lead through Xattire up to Nature's Gotl "
 
 THE STRUCTURE OF FERNS. 
 
 The ferns form a group of acrogenous plants that is, 
 flowerless plants having stems and leaves readily dis- 
 tinguishable which are furnished with a caudex or stem, 
 from which stem issue leaf-like fronds, bearing their 
 peculiar fructification usually at their back, but sometimes 
 on their margin. They bear no flowers in the popular 
 sense, but instead of them certain very peculiar bodies 
 called spore-cases, which contain spores or germinating 
 atoms somewhat analogous to the seeds of flowering plant*. 
 
 The external parts of ferns are the following ; namely, 
 the root, the caudex, the frond, and the fructification, and 
 these are technically called their external organs. 
 
 The true ROOTS consist of fibres, which are either pro- 
 duced at intervals along the creeping caudex, or where the 
 caudex is not of this creeping habit, they push out on all 
 sides from among the bases of the decayed fronds, of which, 
 in fact the caudex is constituted. These roots are more or 
 less wiry in their texture, sometimes simple, sometimes 
 branched, and in many cases, especially on the younger 
 portions, are clothed with fine hairs or scales. These organs, 
 of course, act as absorbents to supply food to the plants. 
 
 The CAUDEX, sometimes called the rhizome or rootstock, 
 is often erroneously regarded as the root It is, however, 
 a kind of stem, and assumes, in the case of ferns, two very 
 distinct appearances. Sometimes it becomes lengthened 
 and creeping, either beneath or upon the surface of the 
 soil or rock on which it grows ; and sometimes it is scarcely 
 or not at all lengthened, but erect aud tufted, forming little
 
 4 STRUCTURE. 
 
 more than a crown, whence the fronds issue. This latter form 
 does, however, in age, occasionally become considerably 
 elongated, even in some of our native species, and these in- 
 stances afford an imperfect idea of the trunks of the tree ferns 
 of the tropics, which, in some cases, attain fifty or more feet 
 in height. This tendency most decidedly exists in the 
 Osmundu regalis, whose erect naked stem may occasionally 
 be met with from one to two feet high ; and the same 
 tendency may sometimes be observed in Lastrea Filix- 
 mas, L. Oreopteris, and L. ditatata, and in the Athyrium 
 Filix-fcemina, and Polystichum angulare. When of a 
 creeping habit, it usually assumes a tortuous, branching 
 form, and extends itself either on the surface, or a few 
 inches below the surface of the earth, becoming, in fact, 
 a branching prostrate stem, from which the fronds spring 
 up individually and distinct, and more or less widely 
 separated. They are of variable size, sometimes as thick 
 as one's thumb, in other cases as fine as threads, and often 
 thickly covered with hair-like scales. Sometimes the 
 caudex of the stronger growing species extends to a con- 
 siderable distance as well as depth ; that of Polypodium 
 vulgare spreads widely in a lateral direction, but the 
 common brachen (Pteris aquiluia) creeps the most widely, 
 and Newman mentions having met with its under-ground 
 stems extending in some cases to a perpendicular depth 
 of fifteen feet. The creeping caudex where it exists, affords 
 great facilities for propagation ; a portion of moderate 
 length, bearing a frond, when separated from the rest, and 
 placed under proper conditions, producing roots in due 
 time, and forming an independent plant. Whether erect 
 and tufted, or lengthened and creeping, their growth ac- 
 cording to Hofmeister, takes place only by a continued 
 multiplication of one apical cell, through alternate walls, 
 inclined to the right and left. 
 
 The FRONDS are the most conspicuous portion of the 
 plants. Proceeding from the caudex, which is a true 
 stem, they are, in some measure, analogous to the leaves 
 of other plants ; and, for this reason, the term frond has
 
 STRUCTURE. 5 
 
 been objected to as being unnecessaiy, that of leaf being 
 employed in its stead. The peculiar manner, however, in 
 which the fructification is borne on this part of the plant, 
 seems to render it desirable to maintain a distinctive name. 
 An analogy has been traced between the fronds and the 
 deciduous branches of other plants , but this does not hold 
 good, because though the fronds are in some cases articu- 
 lated with the stem, especially in those of creeping habit, 
 yi t they are not so always. In their incipient condition, 
 the fronds of almost all ferns, are coiled up inwards to- 
 wards the axis of development, forming a series of con- 
 voluted curves, or bent like the head of a crozier. The 
 folding up of the fronds of ferns, as of the leaves of other 
 plants, is termed their vernation ; and this peculiar form 
 of vernation is called circinate. The only British species 
 which differ in their vernation, are the Botrychium and 
 the Ophioglossvm, and in these the parts, instead of being 
 rolled up while undeveloped, are simply folded. The more 
 compound of the circinate species have the divisions of 
 the frond also rolled up in a similar manner: in this case, 
 the larger divisions first open, and the rest afterwards, in 
 order. In many species, the partially developed fronds 
 have a very peculiar and graceful appearance. 
 
 When the fronds become fully developed two parts are 
 distinguishable. At the base, more or less extending 
 upwards, is a leafless portion, which is called the stipes 
 or stalk, or sometimes by error the stem, the latter term 
 properly belonging to the caudex. The lower part of the 
 stipes, generally, and sometimes even the entire length of 
 the rachis, which is the continuation of the stipes through 
 the leafy portions of the frond, is more or less densely 
 covered with paleaceous or membranous scales ; in some 
 cases confined to a few small bodies, scattered sparingly 
 near the base of the stipes, but in other cases so large and 
 numerous as to produce a shaggy surface. These scales 
 are most generally regarded as portions of disrupted epi- 
 dermis ; but whatever their origin, they must be regarded 
 as special organs, being very constant in their appearance
 
 STKUCTCRE. 
 
 and development in the same species. In most of the 
 creeping-stemmed ferns, the base of the stipes is articulated 
 with the stem ; that is, furnished with a natural joint or 
 interruption of the woody fibres, so that in age it sepa- 
 rates spontaneously. This is less frequently the case with 
 the tufted growing kinds. In the more highly compound 
 fronds, the rib which runs through their centre is called 
 the primary rachis, and that which runs through the 
 pinna?, the secondary rachis, and so on. 
 
 The upper portion of the frond, extending more or less 
 downward, is leafy. This leafy portion offers many states 
 of division, the parts being much influenced in size and 
 number by external circumstances. It is sometimes simple 
 or undivided ; sometimes pinnatifid, or more or less 
 deeply cleft ; sometimes pinnate, or divided into distinct 
 leaf-like divisions, called pinnce; sometimes bipinnate, 
 that is the pinnae themselves pinnate, this second series 
 of pinnae being called pinnules; sometimes still more 
 compoundly divided, the pinnules being either pinnatifid, 
 or even again pinnate. When the pinnae themselves are 
 only deeply cleft, they are said to be pinnatifid. The 
 character of the division of the frond is much employed 
 in distinguishing the species, and is tolerably constant. 
 
 The outline of the fronds varies greatly, and is dis- 
 tinguished by the terms which are applied to the same 
 forms in other plants ; the most common being the lance- 
 shaped, triangular, and oval. In their magnitude also 
 the fronds of the British species vary greatly, from two 
 or three inches to five or six feet in length, and from le"ss 
 than an inch to two feet or more in width. 
 
 In the form of the divisions there is an almost endless 
 variety. Their texture and colour afford other differ- 
 ences, some being thin and almost transparent, others 
 thick and leathery, and some even rigid ; some pale-green, 
 some deep-green, some blue-green, some brown-green ; 
 some smooth and shiny, others opaque or hairy. Like 
 the leaves of other plants, the fronds of ferns are variable 
 in their duration. In some species they are persistent,
 
 STRUCTURE. / 
 
 so that either absolutely or with very slight shelter the 
 plants become evergreen ; and those possessing this habit 
 are the most valuable for the cultivator where a con- 
 tinuous effect is an object. Other species are fragile, and 
 of short duration, and produced only during the warmer 
 portion of the year, shrinking before the first breath of 
 winter : this class, however, contains some of our most 
 delicately beautiful species. 
 
 Allusion has been made to the woody fibre, or vas- 
 cular tissue which forms the chief substance of the stipes, 
 and is continued onwards into the rachis. This vascular 
 tissue is carried still further, its ultimate ramifications 
 forming the veins which occur in the substance of the 
 fronds themselves. Thus the vascular system may be said 
 to form the framework of the entire plant, which is filled 
 out by cellular expansions. Now it is on some deter- 
 minate part of these veins that the fructification is borne, 
 and that part, which is more or less thickened, is called 
 the receptacle. The vascular system, or venation, 
 having thus so close a connection with the production of 
 the reproductive organs, its modifications have been very 
 properly freely used in some of the modern systems of 
 classification. 
 
 The veins are distinguished by different names ac- 
 cording to their relative position. The central rib, which 
 runs along a simple frond, or a simple portion of a com 
 pound frond, is the mid-vein or custa ; its branches are 
 ailed veins the branches of these are the venvles ; and the 
 branches of these again, when present, are the veinlets ; 
 so that whilst v. ins are the first series of branchings from 
 the costa, venules are the secondary, and veinlets the 
 tertiary series. 
 
 The REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS of ferns consist of spores, 
 or germinating atoms, enclosed in spore-cases, sometimes 
 called thecce. These spore-cases are mostly furnished with 
 a short pedicel, and have extended nearly or quite around 
 them an elastic vertical or oblique band or ring (an- 
 nulus). the elasticity of which causes them to burst ir-
 
 STKUCTUBK. 
 
 regularly when they reach maturity. In a few instances 
 they are sessile, and without the ring, opening by regular 
 valves. The ferns have in consequence been sometimes 
 divided into annulate and exannulate groups. When the 
 fructification is borne on the under surface, or what is 
 called the back of the frond, it is said to be dorsal, and 
 such ferns are said to be dorsiferous ; but when it is pro- 
 truded from the edge of the frond, it is said to be mar- 
 ginal. The spore-cases in all annulate ferns are col- 
 lected together into groups of various outline called sort, 
 which sometimes form distinct spots, and in other cases 
 take a linear or oblong arrangement. In the marginal- 
 fruited group the spore-cases are collected around the 
 extremities of the veins which are extended beyond the 
 margin. The exannulate ferns have their spore-cases 
 collected upon the sides or surface of contracted fronds. 
 The spore-cases in certain of the annulate groups spring 
 from the surface of the fronds without any covering, and 
 in other groups rise as it were from beneath the cuticle, 
 which, in this case, is pushed up in the form of an 
 investing membrane, called the indusium, or sometimes 
 involucre. Hence are formed two classes, the indusiate 
 and the non-indusiate ferns. The term involucre seems 
 more properly confined to those ferns whose spore cases 
 have no covering, but a membrane interposed between 
 them and the frond. 
 
 The spore-cases arise directly from the veins, either on 
 the under surface or the margin of the fronds. The 
 seem to have been for a long time considered as special 
 organs, not having any very clear analogy with any- 
 thing that occurs in flowering plants. Dr. Lindley, 
 nowever, suggests that they may be considered as minute 
 leaves, having the same gyrate mode of development as 
 the ordinary leaves or fronds of the tribe ; their stalk 
 being the petiole, the annulus the midrib, and the case 
 itself the lamina with the edges united. This view ap- 
 pears to have originated in a persuasion that there was 
 no special organ in ferns to perform a function which in
 
 STRUCTURE. 9 
 
 flowering plants is executed by modifications of leaves. 
 The theory, however, applies only to the gyrate ferns. 
 In those which are furnished with a transverse ring, he 
 suggests, either, that the midrib of the young scale, 
 out of which the case is formed, is not so much deve- 
 loped : or the case is a nucleus of cellular tissue, separat- 
 ing both from that which surrounds it and from its in- 
 ternal substance, which latter assumes the form of spo- 
 rules, in the same way as the internal tissue of an anther 
 separates from the valves under the form of pollen. In 
 Ophiogl;ssuir., there is no spore-case beyond the involute 
 contracted segments of the spore-bearing leaf. The 
 vertical ringed spore-cases, when mature, split suddenly 
 with a transverse fissure, thus ejecting the spores. Those 
 which are furnished with an horizontal ring, on the other 
 hand, burst vertically. The spore-cases of the exannulate 
 ferns are regularly two-valved. The accompanying figures 
 will convey an idea of the external appearance of these 
 organs. 
 
 Spore Casts. 
 
 1. Polypodies: 2. HymenophyUiew, (a) Trichomanog, (4) Hrme- 
 nophyllum : 3. Osmundacc* : 4. Ophioglossaces, (o) Botrychinm , 
 (6) Ophioglossum.
 
 10 
 
 STV.CCTL'KK. 
 
 The spores are minute sphaeroidal bodies, arranged 
 without order within their cases. They differ obviously 
 from seeds in having no special organs, consisting merely 
 of a homogeneous mass of cells, and they differ also in 
 other material respects. In true seeds the radicle or 
 young root, and the plumule or young shoot, are de- 
 veloped from determinate points, nothing of which occurs 
 in the development of ferns from the spores. On the 
 contrary, they consist merely of a small vesicle of cellular 
 tissue growing indifferently from any part of its surface, 
 and becoming divided into others, which are again 
 multiplied, and become enlarged until they form a small 
 green leaf-like germinal scale, from which in due time 
 the proper fronds are produced. 
 
 The germination of the spores of ferns has lately ex - 
 cited much inquiry, the result of which leads to the inference 
 that something like sexuality exists among all the higher 
 groups of so-called Cryptogatnous plants, a kind of fertilisa- 
 tion taking place on a development from the spore called 
 the pro-embryo, which in the ferns takes the form of a 
 leaf- like scale, as already mentioned. 
 
 It has also been 
 inferred that some- 
 thing like an alter- 
 nation of generations 
 takes place the one 
 complete generation 
 consisting of the 
 scale which is de- 
 
 Figs. 1 to 5. The spore and its stages of development ; fig. 5 
 showing two antheridia.
 
 STRUCTURE. 
 
 11 
 
 veloped from the spore, and bears the parts through which 
 fertilisation takes place ; the other, which results from 
 this latter act, being of a totally different form, pro- 
 ducing stems, and leaves, and spores. 
 
 The facts from which these inferences are drawn have 
 been variously, and even conflictingly, stated by different 
 observers. Suminski, who seems in great measure to 
 have revived the inquiry, states that the spore first pro- 
 duces a filamentous process, in the end of which cell- 
 development goes on until it is converted into a small 
 
 Fig. 6. Germinal frond ; a, ovules; b, antheridia; c, root-fibrils, 
 leafy scale, of very delicate texture, possessing hair-like 
 radicles on its lower surface. From this lower sur- 
 face become developed in variable numbers cellular organs
 
 12 
 
 STKUCTL'UE. 
 
 of two kinds. One kind, the more numerous, called " an- 
 theridia," consist of somewhat globular cells seated on 
 
 Figs. 7 to 10. Antheridia: flg. 7, & containing vesicles, (/burst; 
 8, side view of 4; 9, the same, discharging the vesicles ; which 
 latter discharge the spiral filaments e aud Jig. 10. 
 
 and arising from single cells of the leafy scale; these 
 produce each in its interior a number of minute vesicles, 
 within each of which is coiled up a spiral filament, con- 
 sisting of a delicate thread with a thickened vescicular 
 club-shaped extremity, which is furnished with cilia. At 
 a certain epoch the globular cell bursts and discharges 
 the vescicles, and the enclosed spiral filaments then make 
 
 Figs. 11 to 13. Ovule: 11, side veiw ; 12, summit seen from 
 above ; 13, vertical section, showing embryo ce:l In the cavity.
 
 8TR0CTCRB. 13 
 
 their way out. The other kind of organ exists in fewer 
 numbers, and is called the ' ' ovule." At first it appears 
 as a little round cavity in the tissue of the pro-embryo, 
 lyirg near its centre, and opening on the under side. In this 
 cavity lies a small globular cellule. Sumi.iski states that 
 while the ovule is in this state, one or more of the spiral 
 filaments enter the cavity, and come in contact with this 
 central globular cellule. The mouth of the cavity is 
 bounded by four cells which grow out from the general 
 surface into a blunt cone-like process ; these cells divide 
 and grow out until the ovule exhibits externally a cylin- 
 drical form, composed of four tiers of cells, the upper- 
 most of which converge and close up the orifice. In the 
 meantime, the vescicular head of one of the filaments 
 has penetrated to the globular cellule, becomes enlarged 
 and undergoes multiplication, and in course of time dis- 
 plays itself as the embryo producing the first frond, and 
 the terminal bud whence the regular stem is developed. 
 Such is the substance of Suminski's statement. 
 
 Hofmeister, who confirms these statements in the main, 
 and has distinctly observed the young plant, or rather the 
 terminal bud of the new axis produced within the 
 " ovule," believes its supposed origin from the spiral fila- 
 ment to be a delusion, and regards the globular cellule in 
 the centre of the "ovule" as itself the rudiment of the 
 stem, the embryo originating from a free cell produced 
 within it. Mettenius also, who observed a nucleus 
 within the globular cellule, believes the development of 
 the embryo to consist in the division of this into two, 
 which go on dividing to produce the cellulai scale-like 
 structure of the first frond. Mercklin states that the 
 spiral filaments swarm round the " ovule " in numbers and 
 do penetrate it, though he saw this very rarely ; and 
 moreover in the tubular portion of the "ovule," almost in 
 every case, he saw, at a definite epoch, certain club-shaped 
 granular mucilaginous filaments, and these he has found 
 in contact with the globular cellule. He concludes that 
 these club-shaped filaments are transformed spiral fila*
 
 14 
 
 STIirCTURE. 
 
 16 
 
 ments which have penetrated the " ovule," and that they 
 probably contribute to the origin or development of the 
 terminal bud already mentioned. 
 
 The foregoing statements seem to be supported by varied 
 and irrefragable evidence ; but the fact of the fertilisation 
 rests on the authority of Suminski and Mercklin alone. 
 There seems, however, sufficient reasons to assume that 
 such really takes place. The production of certain inter- 
 mediate forms of ferns t.nd of allied plants, of the nature 
 of hybrids, suggestive that something like hybridisation 
 does occur among the flowerless plants, furnishes one of 
 these reasons. 
 
 After the first growth has commenced by the organisa- 
 tion of a terminal bud from within 
 the free globular cellule of the 
 " ovule," young fronds soon make 
 their appearance. At first these are 
 very unlike those of the matured 
 plant, being of more simple form and 
 more delicate 15 
 
 texture ; but 
 they gradually 
 acquire more 
 and more the 
 texture and 
 form peculiar to 
 their species, 
 though, with 
 the exception of 
 of a few annual Figi 14 to 16 Young plantg of Pterig 8er rulata 
 kinds, they are from the spores. 
 
 a couple of years, or in many cases much longer, in 
 arriving at a perfect state. 
 
 The conditions chiefly necessary for the germination of 
 fern spores are sufficient heat and abundant moisture ; 
 that is to say, a calm moist atmosphere, accompanied 
 by the degree of heat proper to the species. Those 
 which inhabit cold climes require only a close cold frame ;
 
 STRUCTURE. 1 5 
 
 the species of temperate regions are best reared beneath a- 
 hand-glass in a greenhouse ; and the tropical species 
 should be placed in a hothouse. 
 
 A convenient way of managing them is the following : 
 Half-fill some shallow wide-moulhed pots with broken 
 crocks, and on this put a layer of about two inches of 
 turfy peat soil and mellow loam mixed with soft sand- 
 stone broken in small Jumps of the size of peas; this 
 compost should not be much consolidated. Next, shake 
 or brush very gently over a sheet of white paper, a frond 
 of the species to be propagated ; the fine brown dust thus 
 liberated consists of the spores, in greater or less quantity, 
 intermixed more or less with the spore cases. This dust 
 is to be regularly and thinly scattered over the rough 
 surface of the soil, which is immediately to be covered 
 with a bell-glass, large enough to fit down close within 
 the pot. The pots are at once to be set in feeders, and 
 these are to be filled up with water ; they may either be 
 placed under a hand-glass in a cold frame, or in a green- 
 house or stove, as may be most proper. The first indica- 
 tions of germination will consist in the appearance of 
 little semi-transparent green scales. The supply of water 
 must be kept up, and the glasses kept over the young 
 plants. When two or three fronds are developed, the 
 glasses should be tilted on one side for a short time every 
 day, and ultimately entirely removed, the pots still being 
 retained under a hand-glass. After a week or two they 
 may be taken up, carefully separated, and potted singly 
 in small pots. The young plants should still be kept 
 under a hand-glass until established, and then gradually 
 inured to the degree of exposure proper for the mature 
 plants. Fern spores spring up in myriads on the surface 
 of the soil, or on any undisturbed continually moist sur- 
 face, about the growing plants, from which they are dis- 
 persed as they ripen on the fronds. In hothouses this is 
 so much the case that they sometimes become troublesome 
 weeds. 
 
 In their internal structure, ferns are the most highly
 
 16 STRUCTURE. 
 
 developed of all the acrogenous plants. In the lower of 
 these flowerless orders of plants the whole plant consists 
 merely of cellular tissue ; but in the more highly de- 
 veloped orders, among which Ferns hold the highest rank, 
 both vascular and woody tissues are found. The woody 
 matter of the stems of ferns consists chiefly of large 
 dotted ducts embedded in hard plates of thick-sided elon- 
 gated tissue, which usually assumes an interrupted sinuous 
 appearance, but occasionally according to Brown, forms 
 a complete tube. The same kinds of tissues are continued 
 along the stipes and rachis, where also annular ducts 
 occur ; and this vascular system is carried on throughout 
 the frond, in the ribs and veins which traverse the 
 various leafy parts into which it is divided. 
 
 It is this connection of the veins of the fronds with the 
 entire vascular system, which gives to venation its great 
 value in the systematical arrangement of these plants. 
 These veios are either simple or branched, or dichotom- 
 ously forked, with their points free that is, disunited ; 
 or their apices are joined together, so as to form what is 
 called netted venation. 
 
 From some part of these veins the spore cases arise ; 
 and this part, as already mentioned, is called the recep- 
 tacle. It occurs sometimes at the apex sometimes be- 
 tween the base and apex of the free veins sometimes 
 where two or more veins unite, but always at some de- 
 terminate point.
 
 The British ferns are widely distributed throughout 
 the United Kingdom, occurring more or less abundantly 
 from north to south and from east to west, except where 
 local peculiarities are unfavourable to their existence. On 
 the summits of our loftier mountains they occur but 
 rarely, but here their comparative absence is to be attri- 
 buted not so much to the actual elevation as to the bleak- 
 ness of the situation, which condition is generally un- 
 favourable to ferns. They are found, however, existing 
 under a variety of circumstances ; and though undoubt- 
 edly a calm and moist atmosphere is, in a general sense, 
 most favourable to their development, there are but few 
 species which are strictly confined to localities where 
 these conditions prevail. When growing in drier and 
 more exposed localities, they follow the law which affects 
 vegetation generally, being in such situations smaller, 
 more rigid in texture, and often less divided ; and it is an 
 interesting inquiry, how far variations of appearance thus 
 induced become permanently fixed characters, transmis- 
 sible to succeeding generations. 
 
 The limits of this volume do not admit of the distribu- 
 tion of the British species being stated in detail. Some 
 attempt, however, may be made to indicate their range 
 by means of the tabular formulary inserted on the follow- 
 ing pages (18-19). This table is constructed on the basis 
 of Mr. Watson's ' ' Botanical Provinces," which we have 
 also adopted in the Popular History of British Ferns, and 
 of which a more detailed account may be found in Mr. 
 Watson's valuable contribution to botanical geography, 
 the Cybele Britannica. These provinces, as here adopted, 
 have the following limits : (see page 20.)
 
 18 
 
 DISTRIBUTION AND AFFINITIES. 
 
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 DISTRIBUTION AND AFFINITIES. 
 
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 20 DISTRIBUTION AND AFFINITIES. 
 
 (Botanical Provinces of Great Britain.) 
 
 1. Peninsula Cornwall, Devon, Somerset. 
 
 2. Channel. Hants, Sussex, Dorset, Wilts. 
 
 3. Thames. Herts, Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Berks, 
 
 Oxford, Bucks, Essex. 
 
 4. Ouse. Huntingdon, Bedford, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cam- 
 
 bridge, Northampton. 
 
 5. Severn. Warwick, Gloucester, Monraouth, Hereford, 
 
 Worcester, Salop. 
 
 6. S. Wales. Radnor, Brecon, Glamorgan, Carmarthen, 
 
 Pembroke, Cardigan. 
 
 7. N. Wales. Anglesea, Denbigh, Flint, Montgomery, 
 
 Merioneth, Carnarvon. 
 
 8. Trent. Leicester, Rutland, Lincoln, Notts, Derby. 
 
 9. Mersey Cheshire, Lancashire (excl. northern part). 
 
 10. Humber. York. 
 
 11. Tyne. Durham, Northumberland. 
 
 12. Lakes. Westmoreland, Cumberland, N. of Lanca- 
 
 shire, Isle of Man. 
 
 13. W. Lowlands. Dumfries, Kircudbright, Wigton, Ayr, 
 
 Renfrew, Lanark. 
 
 14. E. Lowlands Peebles, Selkirk, Roxburgh, Ber- 
 
 wick, Haddington, Edinburgh, Linlithgow. 
 
 15. E. Highlands. Stirling, Clackmannan, Kinross, 
 
 Fife, Perth, Forfar, Kincardine, Aberdeen, Bauff, 
 Nairn, Elgin or Moray incL Inverness E. of 
 Loch Erricht. 
 
 16. W. Highlands. Inverness W. of Loch Erricht, 
 
 Argyle, Dumbarton ; the Isles adjacent from Bute 
 and Arran to Skye. 
 
 17. N. Highlands. Ross, Cromarty, Sutherland, Caith- 
 
 ness. 
 
 18. N. Isles. Orkney, Shetland. 
 
 19. W. Isles.^-Outer Hebrides. 
 
 20. Ulster (N.). Antrim, Londonderry, Donegal, Ty- 
 
 rone. Down, Armagh, Monaguan, Fermanagh, 
 Cavan.
 
 DISTRIBUTION AND AFFINITIES. 21 
 
 21. Connaught (W.). Leitrim, Sligo, Galway, Ros- 
 
 common. 
 
 22. Leinster (E.). Longford,Westmeath,Meath, Louth, 
 
 Dublin, Kildare, King's, Queen's, Wicklow, Wex- 
 ford, Carlow, Kilkenny. 
 
 23. Munster (S.) Waterford,Tipperary, Clare, Limerick, 
 
 Cork, Kerry. 
 
 24. Channel Isles. Guernsey, Jersey. 
 
 The proportion which the ferns bear to the phsenoga- 
 mous portion of the flora of the British Isles, may be 
 taken in round numbers, as 1 to 35. In Scotland, they 
 are computed to hold the proportion of 1 in 31. The 
 geographical distribution of ferns, generally considered, 
 shows an enormous disproportion between them and the 
 rest of the flora in certain tropical islands : thus, in Ja- 
 maica, they are l-9th of the phsenogamous plants ; in 
 New Guinea, they bear the proportion of 28 to 122 ; in 
 New Ireland, they are as 13 to 60 ; and in the Sandwich 
 Isles, as 40 to 160. It is clear from the collections of 
 Wallich, that ferns must form an important feature in the 
 vegetation of the Indian Archipelago. Upon continents, 
 however, they are found to be far less numerous : thus, 
 for example, in equinoxial America, Humboldt does not 
 estimate them higher than 1-3 6th ; and in New Holland, 
 Brown finds them l-37th. They decrease in proportion 
 towards each pole; so that in France, they stand as 
 l-63rd ; in Portugal, as l-116th; in the Greek Archipe- 
 lago, as l-227th ; and in Egypt, as l-971st of the flower- 
 ing plants. Northwards of these countries, their propor- 
 tion again augments, and they are found to form l-31st 
 of the phsunogamous vegetation of Scotland, l-35th in 
 Sweden, l-18th in Iceland, l-10th in Greenland, and 
 l-7th at North Cape. The Adder's tongues (Ophioglot- 
 saceaR) are most abundant in the islands of tropical Asia ; 
 they occur, however, in the West Indies, and are not un- 
 common in the temperate latitudes of both hemispheres.
 
 22 DISTBIUDTION AND AFFINITIES. 
 
 As to their affinities, the ferns approach flowering plants 
 through the Cycads, a group of Gymnogens, which may 
 be considered as closely allied to them, on account of the 
 imperfect degree in which the vascular system of that or- 
 der is developed, of their pinnate leaves with a gyrate 
 vernation, and of their naked ovules borne on the margins 
 of contracted leaves, as the spore-cases are upon the leaves 
 of Osmunda and Ophioglossum. To Conifers, another 
 group of Gymnogens, they also advance very closely 
 through Salisburia, whose leaves might be mistaken for 
 those of a fern. Among Acrogens, their affinity with 
 Horsetails (Equisetum) is not very obvious, consisting 
 chiefly in the presence of annular vessels, and in the ab- 
 sence of flowers. The Club-mosses (Lycopodium) which 
 have some relationship, are distinguished readily by their 
 axillary spore-cases, which dehisce by regular valves. 
 The Pepperworts (Marsileacea) are, according to Lindley, 
 much more remote. These latter, however, the Horsetails. 
 Club-mosses, and Pepperworts. are popularly considered 
 as being specially " fern- allies."
 
 GENERAL HINTS ON FERN CULTURE. 
 
 Special hints on the cultivation of each species will be 
 given when we come to describe them. In this place, 
 however, some general rules will be laid down, in order to 
 avoid subsequent repetition. 
 
 PROPAGATION. Ferns are propagated either by sowing 
 the spores as seeds, or by dividing the plants. When the 
 latter mode is adopted it is generally best to remove the 
 plant from the soil, and shake away all, or as much as 
 possible, of the soil from the roots, in order that the parts 
 may be clearly seen. Those ferns which have the caudex 
 creeping, are generally increased without difficulty by di- 
 viding it so that each portion intended for a plant has one 
 or more fronds, and a portion of the roots retained with it, 
 in an uninjured condition. Such divided portions should 
 be potted in the light soil recommended for the more deli- 
 cate sorts, and should be kept close in a cool moist frame 
 until established. They must be potted with the caudex 
 buried, or fixed on the surface, according to the habit of 
 the kind under treatment. Tbose having a tufted or 
 erect caudex require a different process. If there is more 
 than one heart or crown as the tuft of fronds which sur - 
 round each distinct axis is termed, the point of a knife is 
 to be inserted carefully at the base, separating them so 
 that each crown retains a portion of the roots ; these are 
 then potted in the soil proper to the species, and kept in 
 a frame until established, as in the other case. Some- 
 times those which have the erect caudex, form but a 
 single crown, and to attempt to divide this would be to 
 destroy the plant. In such cases the only course, if pro-
 
 24 CULTURE. 
 
 pagation must be attempted, is to destroy, by some gentle 
 process, the axis or extreme point of growth, to wait pa- 
 tiently until the lateral crowns which may thus be forced 
 to develop themselves, have gained some strength, and 
 then to divide as before ; only, in this case, very much 
 more care is necessary in the process of division. The 
 spring season, just before growth recommences, is the best 
 time for these operations. 
 
 The most interesting mode of propagation, however, is 
 by the spores. The mode of raising these described at p. 15, 
 may serve for the mere purpose of propagation. Where, 
 however, exactness in the results is an object, or where it 
 is desired to watch the progress of development, either 
 in a cursory way, or more minutely by means of a micro- 
 scope, other methods will be found more convenient, and I 
 know of none which can be more strongly recommended 
 than that which has been described in Mr. Ward's valuable 
 book, " On the Growth of Plants in Close-glazed Cases," 
 by Mr. Deane, of Clapham, in a letter the substance of 
 which I will transcribe : 
 
 Mr. Deane's intention was to procure some soft porous 
 potter's ware material, that should readily imbibe and re- 
 tain moisture, upon which to sow the spores. He, how- 
 ever, met with a peculiarly fine and soft sandstone, which 
 was equally adapted to the purpose, and with this his 
 experiments were made. The stone was prepared by 
 breaking it into pieces of from one to two inches square, 
 and less than one inch thick, the faces being rendered 
 parallel and smooth by rubbing on a flat stone. The ob- 
 ject of thus adjusting the size and smoothness of the pieces 
 of stone, was to facilitate their being placed for observa- 
 tion on the stage of a microscope. Before sowing the 
 spores, the prepared pieces of stone were baked in an oven 
 to destroy any organic matters which might be lurking 
 about them. They were then moistened with distilled 
 water, and covered with bell-glasses, preparatory to re- 
 ceiving the spores. The spores were obtained by laying 
 recently-gathered fronds with mature fructification be-
 
 CCLTUBE. 25 
 
 tween two sheets of white paper, pressing them slightly 
 to keep them in place. In three or four days an abun- 
 dance of spores was discharged from the spore-cases, and 
 they were attached to the damp surface of the stones by 
 inverting the latter on them, care being taken that they 
 did not lie too thickly. The stones were kept moist, and 
 covered by glasses. In this way many species were 
 raised without a failure ; and by this process the kinds 
 sown were raised with certainty, which is not often the 
 case with the ordinary process, stray spores in most cases 
 intruding themselves in some unsuspected way, and leading 
 to disappointment. Any one who makes a garden of this 
 kind under a bell-glass, must observe that the material 
 used is so porous that the requisite amount of moisture 
 may pass to the top by capillary action, when applied to 
 the bottom of it. Also, that with an abundance of light, 
 the sun must not shine directly on it. " No kind of vege- 
 tation," concludes Mr. Deane, " that I am acquainted with 
 has ever struck me with such wonder, admiration, and 
 delight, as the little crops of Ferns thus raised." 
 
 SOIL Nearly all ferns like the soil more or less sandy. 
 A mixture suitable for all the purposes of pot-culture may 
 be thus compounded : Take of fibry mellow loam, light 
 spongy peat, and well -decayed pure leaf-mould, equal parts, 
 and mix them with sand. For all the stronger-growing 
 species use the soil in the rough state, to which it will be 
 reduced by merely chopping it fine with the spade, and 
 add to it an eighth part of clean but coarse sharp sand. 
 For all the smaller and more delicate species, rub the soil 
 through a sieve with half-inch square meshes, and be 
 careful to rub through as much of the fibry portion as 
 possible; add to it a sixth part of clean silver sand. In 
 both cases mix up with this compost a fourth part of 
 crushed sandstone, broken to the size of walnuts, and 
 smaller for the vigorous growers, and of the size of hazel 
 nuts and smaller for the more delicate sorts. 
 
 POTTING. Pot ferns must always have thorough 
 drainage. One fourth of the depth of the pot should be
 
 26 CULTURE. 
 
 occupied by drainage material, which may consist of 
 potsherds broken up to the sizes of nuts and 'walnuts, re- 
 jecting the finer portions On this a thin layer of sphag- 
 num moss should be spread, to prevent the soil washing 
 or settling down among the drainage. Then, in potting, 
 lay a little soil on the moss, spread out the roots as much 
 as possible, and fill in the soil gradually, working it with 
 the fingers well among the roots. When the pot is filled, 
 consolidate it by a few smart taps on the potting-bencb, 
 and by pressing firmly with the fingers, so that the soil 
 may be settled down close and firm, and fill the pot to 
 within from half an inch to an inch of the level of the 
 rim. The soil should be in a half- dry state when used 
 never wet. The small ferns seldom require pots larger 
 than five inches in diameter, and good plants of the large 
 ones may be had in pots from twelve to eighteen inches in 
 diameter. March or April is the best time for re-potting. 
 If the soil is open, and the pots not too full of roots, avoid 
 re-potting, as they are better not disturbed ; but if the 
 texture of the soil has become too close from the decay 
 of its fibry particles, if the drainage has become imper- 
 fect, or if the pots are too full of roots, re-pot by all 
 means, shaking away, in the former cases, as much of the 
 old soil as possible, and rectifying the errors, and in the 
 latter case affording a larger pot, if the limit has not yet 
 been reached. If the latter is the case, reduce the roots 
 without bruising those retained, and re-pot in the same 
 sized pot. 
 
 WATERING. All ferns love moisture, therefore while 
 they are growing they should be well supplied. The 
 supply to the roots must vary according to the habits of the 
 species ; but through the growing season, or from May till 
 September, the plants will be benefited by a daily syringing 
 over the fronds, repeated in the evening of all hot days. 
 Dryness at the root, or in the atmosphere, is very hurtful 
 to them. At the same time, it is to be remembered that 
 if by reason ?of continued dull or damp weather, the 
 amount of water supplied ia producing anything like a
 
 CULTURE. 27 
 
 soddening or continued wetness, as distinguished from 
 mere dampness of the soil, the supply must be checked; 
 for no ferns except the few which are naturally bog 
 plants, will thrive in soil approaching this condition. 
 Soft or at least aerated water should always be used, 
 and the water used for syringing should be scrupulously 
 clean, or the fronds will soon become disfigured by it. If 
 the amount of dampness in the atmosphere is pro- 
 ducing mouldiness in the fronds, give more air and less 
 moisture until the tendency is checked. 
 
 SITUATION. Pot ferns are best kept in a cool shady 
 frame or pit. In such a place, they may stand during 
 winter, with just enough water to prevent dryness of the 
 soil, and no more ; and in such a place, the atmosphere 
 being kept moist, by the free use of water, they will in 
 summer reach their full perfection of growth. In winter 
 nothing but watering occasionally need be clone, except 
 covering just to exclude severe frosts. In summer no 
 sunshine should smile upon the then growing plants, which 
 must be shaded with scrupulous exactness if it is desired 
 to preserve that delicacy of tint and texture which in 
 the ferns are so much prized. In summer allow a free cir- 
 culation of air, limited on the one hand, so that the tem- 
 perature does not rise much beyond that of a shady wood ; 
 and, on the other, so that the atmosphere does not 
 become at all parched. Many of the strong-growing 
 kinds, though more beautiful when kept in a pit or frame, 
 do not absolutely require to be so treated, but may be set in 
 a cool shady place out-doors ; and if so, the pots should 
 be plunged as a protection to the roots against sudden 
 drought. Most of the British ferns will bear a little 
 moist heat, when they are making their growth ; but it 
 must not be too high, nor should it be too long-continued. 
 
 GLAZED CASES. The close-glazed cases invented by 
 Mr. Ward are invaluable aids in fern-culture; and besides 
 this, they are, when well filled with living plants, very 
 instructive and suggestive ornaments in the comfortable 
 parlours of the affluent. By their aid, too, the culture
 
 28 CULTURE. 
 
 of a few plants, and none better adapt themselves to 
 this treatment than the ferns may be made to throw a 
 gleam of satisfaction across the often cheerless path of 
 the town-imprisoned poor. There is no obstacle except 
 that of size to prevent all our British ferns being grown 
 in glass cases suitable to occupy the window of a living- 
 room ; and all the smaller species are admirably suited 
 for such a structure. 
 
 The form of a Wardian case, and of the stand which sup- 
 ports it, may be various; but its principle, so far as our 
 present subject is concerned, is, that a closely- glazed cover- 
 ing surrounding the plants, shall admit of the supply of the 
 necessary moisture in the atmosphere in which they are kept, 
 which cannot be the case in the ordinary atmosphere of 
 a living-room. Such cases should be nearly air-tight, 
 but need not be strictly so ; indeed, it is better to have 
 them provided with means of ventilation to be used in 
 moderation. The bottom of the case should be a deep zinc 
 or other metal tray, through which the moisture cannot 
 penetrate : this for the sake of cleanliness. At its lowest 
 part a vent should be provided, which vent is to be kept 
 stopped by a plug or valve, except when it is required 
 to let off the superfluous moisture after watering. In this 
 tray a miniature rock should be built with sand-stone and 
 cement ; the ferns planted on it, and watered. The case 
 may then be closed, and need not be opened, except for 
 an hour occasionally if there is any symptom of too 
 much moisture, until the plants are thoroughly established. 
 When they begin to grow, it may be opened for an hour 
 daily. The soil must not be suffered to get wet ; it should 
 be only just moist. When the plants get too large, or 
 require re-arrangement, they may be taken up, divided 
 and replanted, or young plants substituted. This is best 
 done in spring just before growth recommences. 
 
 HARDY FERNERY. An out-door fernery should occupy 
 a shady position, in the neighbourhood of water. It 
 should consist mainly of natural or artificial rock, on 
 which the ferns may be planted, with water here in mimic
 
 CULTURE. 29 
 
 cataracts dashing its spray around ; there losing itself 
 in cavernous- recesses ; now spreading out in a glassy 
 pool ; anon meandering among the bases of the rocks, and by 
 evaporation yielding the moisture so essential to the well- 
 being of the ferns. A few ivy-covered pollard-stumps, 
 and some pathways winding to the most important points, 
 complete the arrangements necessary to a tolerably com- 
 plete hardy fernery, in the disposition of which it is obvious 
 there is ample scope for the display, of taste, or to follow 
 the dictates of fancy. Any such scenery, however, covered 
 by a glass-roof would form an admirable fernery, in which 
 many species from temperate climates, might be associated 
 with the natives of our own country. Such a covering of 
 glass, while it facilitates the cultivation of the more delicate 
 species, adds much even to the beauty and gracefulness 
 of the more hardy and free-growing kinds, and renders 
 the charms of all much more enduring than is possible 
 if they are exposed to the vicissitudes of our clime. 
 
 Some of the hardy ferns might be used with advantage 
 in beds in the flower-garden as relief plants, iii situations 
 not too much exposed to wind and drought. Thus, 
 a bed having the centre filled with strong roots of Lastxea 
 Filix-mas, or Polystichum angulare, or Laslrea dilutata, 
 and the outer portion occupied by high-coloured dwarf 
 flowering plants, would present a highly effective contrast. 
 So, entire beds of ferns here and there, presenting in them- 
 selves the elements of contrast, would have a good effect : 
 for example, Lastrca Filix-mas, surrounded by L. 
 fcenisecii, and this again by Scolopendrium vulgare 
 crispum. Any of these would succeed in a tolerably 
 sheltered situation, and would even flourish if the Boil 
 could be kept damp. Of course if any degree of shade could 
 be secured, that would be beneficial to the ferns ; even if 
 only in a degree which would do little injury to flowering 
 plants.
 
 THE CLASSIFICATION OF FERNS. 
 
 The characters by which ferns were originally brought 
 into groups such as those now called genera, were 
 derived from the shape and division of the frond. This 
 principle of association, however, as the knowledge of 
 species became extended, was found to produce vague and 
 unnatural results, and generic or family characters came 
 to be sought in the organs of reproduction, the shape of 
 the clusters of spore-cases being taken as their most" 
 obvious feature. This, too, in its turn, though affording 
 better discriminative marks than the former, proved to be 
 insufficient. Then it was that the presence or absence of 
 an indusium, or cover to the sori, and its form and 
 attachment, came to be included among the characteristic 
 marks of genera ; and this combination was found to 
 mark out much more satisfactory and natural-looking 
 groups, than the characters which had been previously 
 employed. But a still better and more discriminating 
 mode was wanting, and this was at length found to exist 
 in the peculiarities of structure of the* venation or 
 vascular system of the frond, and in the connection of 
 these veins with the sori. Among the earliest proposers 
 of these features as characteristic of generic differences, 
 the names of Robert Brown in connection with living 
 ferns, and Adolphe Brogniart with fossil remains, stand 
 prominent; and the subsequent labours of various 
 botanists, especially of Presl in Germany, and J. Smith 
 in this country, have led to its very wide adoption. In- 
 deed, it is made the basis of most modern systems of 
 classifying ferns; and, taken in conjunction with the 
 peculiarities of the fructification, renders little further 
 change necessary or to be desired.
 
 CLASSIFICATION. 31 
 
 A binary arrangement, by which it is proposed to 
 classify ferns according to the mode in which their fronds 
 are developed from the caudex, has lately been suggested 
 by Mr. Smith of Kew. The facts upon which this 
 arrangement is founded have been already explained 
 (pp. 3 6). Those ferns whose caudex produces fronds 
 laterally, that is to say from their sides, not their apex, 
 form one division, which it is proposed to name Ere- 
 mobrya. Those which have terminal fronds, that is 
 fronds from their apex, not their sides, constitute the 
 other division, which is to be named Desmobrya. The 
 application of this principle has not yet been explained in 
 detail. Its adoption, however, would lead to the entire 
 breaking up of the groups and genera now recognised. 
 As, therefore, the habit and manner of growth cannot be 
 admitted to form characters of greater value than those 
 derived from the parts of fructification in ferns any more 
 than in flowering plants ; and moreover as the adoption 
 of such a principle of classification would introduce 
 another element of confusion into the already difficult 
 and involved nomenclature of this race of plants, it 
 seems better to regard the suggestion rather as an in- 
 genious proposition than as the foundation of a system 
 of classification for practical use. Such radical changes 
 indeed, in the case of plants already so well classified as 
 the ferns, and all other unnecessary alterations in 
 the grouping or naming of genera or species, ought, 
 we think, to be deprecated, as tending more to bring their 
 study into disrepute than as affording any real or prac- 
 tical advantages. At the same time, it must be admitted 
 that the systems now in use, do here and there present diffi- 
 culties and objections, but not more important ones than 
 would be likely to arise in the application of any other 
 system by the light of our present limited and ever- 
 varying knowledge. Mr. Smith's original suggestion, 
 moreover, has something very natural about it, being 
 somewhat tantamount to the divisions of exogens and 
 endogens among flowering plants; so that were we
 
 32 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 beginning to classify ferns de novo, it would probably be 
 found desirable to follow it up. For the reasons already 
 adduced, however, we shall adhere to that system of 
 classification which is based on the vascular system of 
 the frond, taken in conjunction with its fructification. 
 
 Mr. Newman, following up the suggestion of Mr. 
 Smith, has proposed to form four groups, which would 
 produce the following arrangement : Eremobrya : 
 those whose fronds are produced from any part of the 
 rhizome except its point, and are always articulated 
 with it ; Chorismobrya : those whose fronds are pro- 
 duced as in the preceding class, but are not articulated ; 
 Desmobrya : those whose fronds are produced only at 
 the point of the erect or suberect corm-like rhizome, and 
 are not articulated ; Orthobrya : those having the ver- 
 nation straight. This scheme is open to the same 
 objections as that of Mr. Smith. 
 
 In the wider sense the FERNS (called also Filices} 
 that is to say, those vascular acotyledonous or acrogenous 
 plants which bear on the backs or edges of their leaves 
 one-celled spore^cases containing spores of one kind only 
 comprise the groups of Polypodiacece, Gleicheniacea, 
 Schizceacece, Osmundacece, Marattiacea, and Ophio- 
 glossacece ; but three only of these, the Polypodiacece, 
 OsmundacefB, and Ophioglossacea, are represented in 
 the British Flora, and these and their subdivisions are 
 distinguished by the following characters : 
 
 L POLYPODIACEJE=Ferns whose vernation is cir- 
 cinate, and whose spore-cases girt by an elastic jointed 
 ring having no valves, burst irregularly. This includes 
 the following subdivisions: 
 
 * Ring of the spore-cases vertical. 
 1. Polypodleae=Dorsal-fruited ferns, whose sori 
 have no proper indusium or scale -like cover. 
 
 IL Aspidleae=Dorsal-fruited ferns, whose sori in- 
 viestcd by scale -like or capillary indusia, are roundish 
 in outline, and spring from the back jf the veins.
 
 CLASSIFICATION. 33 
 
 III. .spleniese=I ) orsal-fruited ferns, whose son, 
 covered by scale- like indusia, are oblong or elongated 
 in form, and spring from the sides of the veins. 
 
 Iv. Blechneae=Dorsal-fruited ferns, -whose linear 
 sori, covered by special indusia, are borne longitudinally 
 between the midrib and margin of the divisions of the 
 frond. 
 
 v. Pterideae=Dorsal-fruited ferns, whose con- 
 tinuous or interrupted aggregations of spore-cases are 
 covered by the reflexed margin of the frond, altered 
 in texture and becoming indusioid. 
 
 * * Ring of spore-cases horizontal or oblique 
 vL Hymenophylleae=^larginal"fruited ferns, 
 whose spore-cases are clustered around veins (re- 
 ceptacles) which project from the frond, and are sur- 
 rounded by urn-shaped or two-valved involucres. 
 
 H. OSMUNDACEJE=Ferns whose vernation is 
 
 circinate and whose two-valved spore-cases have no 
 elastic ring. 
 
 III. OPHIOGLOSSACEJE=Ferns whose verna- 
 tion is plicate, and whose two-valved spore-cases have no 
 elastic ring. 
 
 The distinguishing characters of the genera are the 
 following : 
 
 I. (i.)-Polypotlieoe. 
 
 Sori circular, exposed 1. Polypodium. 
 
 Sori circular, becoming confluent 
 
 and concealed by the reflexed 
 
 margins of the frond, unaltered in 
 
 texture 2. Allosorus. 
 
 Sori linear forked 3 . Gymnogramma.
 
 34 
 
 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 I. (il.)-Aspidieae. 
 
 Sori within inferior involucres, whose 
 
 margin is divided into incurved 
 
 capillary segments 4. Woodsia. 
 
 Sori beneath cucullate or hooded in- 
 
 dusia, attached by their broad base 5. Cystopteris. 
 Sori beneath circular peltate indusia, 
 
 attached at their centre 6. Polystichum. 
 
 Sori beneath reniform indusia, attached 
 
 at the notch on their indented side 7. Lastrea. 
 
 I. (iii.)-Aspicnieae. 
 
 Sori beneath oblong curved sometimes 
 
 horseshoe-shaped indusia, attached 
 
 along their concave edge, the free 
 
 margin fringed with capillary seg- 
 ments ; venules free 8. Atbyrium. 
 
 Sori beneath simple elongate straight 
 
 indusia, attached along their ex- 
 terior side ; venulesfree 9. Asplenium. 
 
 Sori beneath elongate straight indusia 
 
 lying in proximate parallel pairs, 
 
 and opening along the centre of 
 
 each (twin) sorus; venules free... 10. Scolopcndrium 
 Sori elongate scattered, all except the 
 
 lowest on each pinna growing 
 
 from the anterior side of the veins, 
 
 hidden among imbricated chaffy 
 
 scales ; indusium obsolete ; venules 
 
 anastomosing at the margin 11. Ceterach. 
 
 I. Iv. Bleclmeae. 
 Sori forming continuous lines parallel 
 with the midrib, and within the 
 margin 12. Blechnum.
 
 CLASSIFICATION. 35 
 
 I. (v.)-Pterldeae. 
 
 Sori forming a continuous marginal 
 line covered by the reflexed edge 
 of the ultimate divisions of the 
 frond altered in texture 13. Pteris. 
 
 Sori transverse, growing on the re- 
 flexed apices of the lobes of the frond, 
 which are altered in texture 14. Adiantum. 
 
 I (vl.) Hymenophylleae. 
 
 Rec> ptacles exserted, surrounded at 
 
 the base by urn-shaped involucres 
 
 of the same texture as the frond ... 15. Trichomanes. 
 Keceptacles included, surrounded by 
 
 two-vaived involucres of the same [lum. 
 
 texture as the frond 1(5. Hymenophyl- 
 
 II. Osmundaceae. 
 
 Fructification forming irregular, 
 densely-branched panicles at the 
 apex of the fronds 17. Ostnunda. 
 
 III.- Ophioslossaccse. 
 
 Fructification forming irregularly- 
 branched panicles terminating a 
 separate branch of frond 18. Botrychium. 
 
 Fructification forming two-ranked 
 simple spikes terminating a separate 
 branch of frond 19. Ophiogiossum.
 
 so 
 
 CLASSIFICATION.
 
 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 S7 
 
 * od s 
 
 g O - g, , 
 
 CS t> <8 w> 
 
 I 9 
 
 gs 
 
 bo =s u 
 
 I l^ 13 
 ^ 5Jb 
 
 "S 
 r -s - 
 
 4-1 P 1 P QJ 
 
 tf "S * oo 
 
 h c a 
 S|| 
 
 i ill 
 
 M . ^f ? 3 S 
 
 t s |1 
 
 _oT g o c. C. 
 
 2 c ^ 
 
 J-a-s 
 
 lr ~ 
 
 PM '*4 
 
 i -s 
 tfiSs 
 
 l-gb 
 
 1J5 
 
 S *F a fl 
 
 03 > ,-. 
 
 ^o""1 
 
 jg a> ^w g 
 
 a> ^5 C ^ 
 B 0.= 
 
 tilt
 
 38 
 
 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 
 1 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 t 
 
 I 
 \l 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 Lx-mas. 
 
 incisa 
 abbreviate 
 
 cristata 
 Ida 
 
 
 rt 
 
 i 
 
 
 I 
 
 M 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 3 
 
 gplnulosa 
 
 
 
 
 s* 
 
 
 H 
 
 
 ~ 00 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 r 
 
 
 
 J* 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 a 
 
 
 r 
 
 c 
 
 i 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 & h 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 - j 
 
 a 
 
 
 *~ 
 
 9 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 o* 
 
 ' 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 $ \ 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 a; 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 z 
 
 8 
 
 y 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 J 
 
 3*5 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 <n .22 
 
 
 g 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 J S 
 
 j 
 
 CO 
 
 J-B 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 09 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 fi 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 u 
 
 ta 
 
 
 
 0) . 
 
 Bt 
 
 9 
 
 .2- 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 fc ^ 
 
 
 'S 
 
 1j * 
 
 If 
 
 = 
 
 'S 'S 
 
 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 indiscriminately soriferous 
 
 hhmif rrlonrla rxilirlmr prppninff 
 
 1 
 
 1 * 
 
 ( 
 
 : 
 
 1 
 
 !i 
 
 : i 
 
 : : 
 
 *] 
 11 
 
 venules only (of medial fertile pii 
 tures not spinose-mucronate 
 
 lusium with a plain margin 
 >nls. with broad attachment or com 
 
 )nls. distinct deeply lobtd, lobes se 
 )nls. confluent scarcely serrate, dw; 
 
 r. and pin. multifid-crisped at apes 
 lusium fringed with stalked glands 
 
 tures spinose-mucronate 
 lies of stipes ovate, ind. entire, i.e., 
 
 Fr. nar. linear pinnate, pnls. all conn< 
 equal, crenato-serrate or lobed 
 
 r 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 "E. 
 
 if 
 
 = 
 
 ^ 
 
 H 
 
 'd 
 
 the basal ones nearly equal, 
 
 nrith arictatp tppth 
 
 rr, nar. oblong lane, bipinn., post 
 longest, all lobed or pinnatif. 
 
 _ 3; t. *; t3 
 
 |fa||a 
 
 111 1 

 
 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 39 
 
 
 d 
 
 colllna 
 Smltbll 
 dumetorui 
 angusta 
 
 maculata 
 
 glandules; 
 nlsecll 
 
 aeticum 
 
 a 3 | 
 
 g 3 & 
 
 IM *> O (4 
 
 M 3 S 3 
 
 
 M 
 
 8333 
 
 a 
 
 B 
 
 8 
 
 
 A 
 
 " "* 2 
 
 
 w 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 IM 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 Ml > 
 
 
 id 
 
 E 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 (-> ^- 
 
 I 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 ^ 
 
 
 o> 
 
 g 
 
 ^^ 
 
 s i 
 
 S3 : 
 
 1 i 
 
 
 
 ft 
 
 a 
 
 ts 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 A 
 
 ^ -3 
 tn 2 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 5 
 
 
 ar acut 
 
 g-c 
 
 U 
 
 
 st. lane, entire, ind. with stalke 
 two-col., the centre dark 
 anc. ovate or subtriaug-ovate, bi 
 ar. ovate apex elong. bipinn. pn 
 
 ov,/1c, F lr,V>pe sprratP 
 
 iar. subtriang.-ovate, bipinn. pn 
 ubtriang. ovate, bipinn. dwarf 
 in. -lane, bipinnate, pin. short de 
 
 whole-coloured, narrower 
 bl.-ovate bipinn., very glandular 
 whole coloured, broader 
 inc.-ovate bipinn, very glandula 
 f st. lane, lacin., ind. with sessik 
 
 VIII.-ATHYRIUM- 
 
 erect, pnls. convex distinct line 
 ceolate, pinnules flat 
 
 a! 
 irf 
 
 W "m 
 
 ^^ 
 
 J^'i 
 a * 
 
 long, connected at base, sori unis 
 long, connect, crowded, fr. sprea 
 
 o ^ 
 
 
 
 01 
 
 as ~ 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 3 > .0 .0 
 
 a 
 
 - 
 
 C fcn IH IH 
 
 <u f- 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 c 
 
 00 00 
 
 
 
 
 
 "3 ** 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 "a 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 "3 
 
 
 jj 
 
 "3 3 ^ 
 
 c s o o o 
 
 -^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 
 cu &i o. cu 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 5 
 
 o 
 
 a
 
 40 
 
 CLASSIFICATION 
 
 
 '5 >u -^ 
 
 ").S W) 
 
 Sc** ^ -S "I j .S 
 
 1*1 S s*;I s 'if| 
 
 si* i liii I 1 
 
 55 - c ^ s-SJs 
 
 I - 
 
 ^^'^ 
 g55^ 
 
 ^ * >S - 
 
 ,|its ! 
 
 liiild 
 
 ^^ a c "* "i o'-'*j**o2iS 
 
 ** !_ rn . cfl , eo -^^ u? co n 
 
 0.2^2 S c3 S C.S'S =- g ^ C 
 
 a ll III |i 1 1^ 6 S 
 
 s- Q ,s- g& a '22 fl * 
 
 S I 
 
 * s 
 
 a 
 
 .5 J 
 
 ^S 
 ^.2 
 
 _s < 
 
 g 
 
 F.
 
 CLASSIFICATION 
 
 _ _ _ _ _ _ 
 
 a 
 
 j>> 
 
 "e 
 O
 
 42 
 
 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 I I 
 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 S o 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 
 M 
 
 S3 "Si 
 
 1 
 
 B 
 
 P 
 
 l.-PTEBIS. 
 
 t 
 
 i 
 
 \\ 
 
 Li 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 :1 
 
 .-ADIANTUM. 
 
 -TBICHOMAN 
 
 L-HYMENOPH^ 
 
 nvolucres compress 
 
 [I.-OSMUNDA. 
 
 III.-BOTBYCHI 
 
 t. OPHIOGLO& 
 
 aoecies .. 
 
 1 
 
 u 
 
 n 
 
 I 
 
 M 
 
 2 S 1 
 
 i *:i 
 
 3 t> ^ 
 
 3 5 -j 
 : - s 
 
 i 5 ,] 
 
 3 "^ cs = 
 Jl 
 
 5 > i 
 
 I M ? 
 
 R-l 
 
 4 1 
 
 i -E 
 
 P 
 
 : 
 
 5 i 
 
 B P 
 
 3 P 
 
 "Si 
 
 i p 
 
 9 P 
 
 5 PS 
 
 < 
 
 [2 
 
 : 
 
 S 
 
 3* 
 = = 
 
 3 < 
 
 i { 
 
 i 
 
 1 1 
 
 * ^ 
 
 a i 
 
 > 
 : .S.J 
 
 i i 
 
 ! 
 
 i ! 
 
 r -i 
 
 I I 
 
 r I 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 c 
 
 > -- 
 
 H C 
 
 ) C 
 
 ) C
 
 GENUS I. 
 
 POLYPODIUM, Linnams 
 
 POLYPODY. 
 
 GENERIC CHARACTER. Sori circular naked, ter- 
 minal or subterminal on the back of the veins. Veins 
 free ; midvein distinct ; venules simple or forked. 
 
 The type of this genus is the common Polypodium vul- 
 gare, -which Xewman injudiciously and unnecessarily 
 separates from Polypodium, and proposes as a new genus 
 with Blume's sectional name Ctenopteris. The other 
 species do not indeed well associate with this, but in the 
 absence of satisfactory distinctive characters, it is better 
 not to disturb them. 
 
 The name is derived from poly many, and pous, 
 podos a foot ; from the many foot-like divisions of the 
 candex. 
 
 i. Polypodium vulgare, Linnaeus. Common 
 Polypody. Fronds deeply pinnatifid, linear-oblong 
 acuminate, lobes broad linear obtuse or acute, obscurely 
 serrate, the upper smaller. 
 
 POLTPODIUM VCLGARE, Linn.Tns : Engr. Bot. t 1149 : Sm. 
 Eng. Fl. iv. 267 : Hook and Arn. Fl. 56fi : Bab. Man. 408 : Florig. 
 Brit. iv. 37: Newm. Ill: Franc. 21. CTIXOPTEBIS VULGABIS 
 Ne-wm. App. xxix-
 
 44 
 
 I. POLTPOCIDM. 
 
 The following varieties 
 
 occur : 
 
 ft. bifidum : lobes irregu- 
 larly forked. 
 
 ry. serratum : lobes deeply 
 serrate-notched. 
 
 d. cambricum : lobes 
 lanceolate deeply and 
 interruptedly pinnatifid 
 throughout, with acute 
 serrate segments P. 
 cambricum Linnaeus. 
 
 e. hibernicum : lobes 
 lanceolate partially pin- 
 natifid crenate- serrate 
 bluntish. 
 
 [Poly podium vulgare.]
 
 I. POLYPODIUM. 
 
 45 
 
 [P. vulgare /3 and 7] 
 
 on the lower part are 
 deeply lobed. 
 
 Other slight varia- 
 tions occur. One of 
 these, with taper- 
 pointed lobes, is called 
 acutum; and the var. 
 bifidum is sometimes 
 more than two-lobed, 
 and is then called pro- w 
 liferum. 
 
 The Common Poly- 
 pody has a creeping 
 caudex, as thick as 
 one's finger, densely 
 covered while young 
 with brown taper- 
 pointed paleaceous 
 deciduous scales, be- 
 coming bare in age, 
 and throwing out, as 
 it progresses, densely 
 hairy branching 
 
 Sometimes entire 
 fronds of the variety e 
 are deeply crenate-ser- 
 rate when it is the var. 
 sinuatum of Willdenow. 
 At other times the up- 
 per part of the frond 
 only is thus crenated, 
 while the primary lobes 
 
 [P. cambricum.]
 
 46 I. POLTPODIUM. 
 
 fibrous roots. The fronds perish in winter when ex- 
 posed to frost, and are renewed in May and June ; but 
 nnder shelter become persistent: they generally ac- 
 quire a drooping habit. The stipes is usually nearly 
 equal in length to the leafy portion of the frond, and at 
 the base is distinctly articulated with the caudex. The 
 fronds are pinnatifid, with a more or less elongated ob- 
 long outline, and vary from three to six, twelve, or even 
 eighteen inches in length : the lobes are flat, linear- 
 oblong, parallel, shorter towards the apex of the frond, 
 obscurely serrated, and somewhat blunt- pointed, though 
 occcasionally acute ; sometimes (var. bifidum) cleft at 
 the end into diverging lobes; sometimes deeply and often 
 bluntly serrated (var. serratuni). In the var. cambricum 
 the frond is much broader, though not always ovate, as 
 described, and the lobes themselves are irregularly jagged 
 or slashed, so that it is twice pinnatind The venation of 
 the common form is thus arranged : each lobe has a tor- 
 tuous prominent mid- vein, from which alternately on 
 either side the venules proceed ; these lateral veins are 
 divided into four branches (veinlets) in vigorous fronds, 
 or into three branches in smaller fronds, or in some of 
 the very strongest fronds occasionally into five branches. 
 The lowest venule, always on the anterior side, reaches 
 about midway to the margin, and terminates when fenile 
 in a sorus or cluster of spore-cases, or when barren in a 
 club-like transparent head ; the other branches terminate 
 in similar club-like heads, which form a line near the 
 margin of the lobes. The sori are circular, entirely with- 
 out an indusium, and at an advanced stage, often become 
 crowded and confluent. The fronds are usually all fertile, 
 the sori being produced on the upper part of each. 
 
 This very common species is pretty generally distri- 
 buted over the United Kingdom ; and is also met with 
 in various other parts of Europe, in Asia, and in Africa. 
 The decaying stumps and living trunks of trees, old 
 thatched roofs, walls, moist rocks, and shady banks, are 
 the positions which its creeping caudex prefers.
 
 L POLY PODIUM. 47 
 
 This plant is invested with an antiquated medicinal 
 reputation. The caudex has a sweetish taste, which, by 
 long boiling, is said to become bitter ; an infusion of 
 the fresh caudex is considered as a mild laxative. A 
 mucilaginous decoction of the fronds was formerly, and 
 probably still is used in country places as a cure for colds 
 and the hooping-cough, in children : for this purpose 
 the matured fruitful fronds gathered in the autumn are 
 dried, and when required for use are slowly boiled with 
 coarse sugar. Polypody is still used as a demulcent by 
 the Italians. The fronds yield a considerable quantity 
 of carbonate of potass on being burnt ; the ashes are 
 boiled in water, and the liquor strained and evaporated 
 until the crystals are formed. 
 
 This fern is well adapted for planting on artificial 
 rockwork, and among rustic work formed of the stumps 
 of old trees, especially delighting to extend its creeping 
 caudex over a decaying mossy tree-stump. It will, how- 
 ever, grow in almost any situation, provided there is free 
 moisture about its roots, but is much finer in the shade 
 than when exposed. When depending from the trunks 
 and exposed roots of old trees, on deep shady banks, 
 under which circumstances it is often seen naturally, it 
 must be ranked as a decidedly ornamental'object. It is 
 readily increased by dividing the branched caudex. 
 
 2. Polypodium Phegopteris, Linneeus. Moun- 
 tain Polypody, or Beech Fern. Fronds pinnate be- 
 low ; pinnae narrow lanceolate, the lower pair deflexed 
 standing forward, pinnatifid, with linear-oblong blunt 
 lobes ; upper pinnae united at the base. 
 
 POLYPODIUM PHEGOPTERIS, Linnaeus: En. Bot. 2224: Sm. 
 En?. Fl. iv. 269: Hook and Arn. B. Fl. 566: Bab. Man. 408 : 
 Florig. Brit. iv. 41: Newm 115: Franc. 23. LASTBEA 
 PHEOOPTERIS, Newm. POLTSTICHOM PHEGOPTEBIS, Roth. 
 GYMXOCAKPIUM PHEOOPTERIS, Newm. App. xxiii.
 
 48 I. POLYPODICM. 
 
 The Mountain Polypody has a tough, slender, dark- 
 coloured, slightly scaly, extensively creeping caudex, pro- 
 ducing black fibrous roots. The fronds are hairy, deli- 
 
 [Polypodium Phegopttris.] 
 
 cate in texture, and pale green ; they are produced in May, 
 and are developed with rapidity, reaching maturity in 
 July, and becoming destroyed by the earliest frosts ; they
 
 I. POLYPODIITM. 49 
 
 are lateral, and are not articulated with the caudex. The 
 stipes is succulent, much longer than the frond, very brittle, 
 erect, with a few scattered light-coloured scales near 
 the base. The fronds are pinnate, ovate-triangular, taper- 
 ing to an acute point, and varying in size from four to 
 ten, twelve, or even twenty inches in length. The pinnae 
 are narrowly-lanceolate, acute, usually opposite, but some- 
 times alternate ; the lowest pan- is bent downwards, placed 
 at a marked distance from the others, and very shortly 
 stalked ; the next pair is more or less adnate at the base, 
 and the remainder are united to the rachis by their whole 
 width. When the pinnae are opposite, a cruciform figure 
 is formed by the contact of the basal segments. In the 
 upper part of the frond, the decurrent bases of the pinnae 
 are continuous along the rachis. The pinnae are deepry 
 pinnatifid, those near the apex becoming entire ; the point 
 of the frond being altogether pinnatitid. The venation of 
 the ultimate lobes consists of a distinct but slender mid- 
 vein, scarcely thicker than the venules, which are alter- 
 nate, mostly unbranched, and extending to the margin, 
 those near the base of the segments bearing each a small 
 sorus near their extremity. The sori, which are circular, 
 thus become almost marginal. 
 
 This species, though somewhat limited in its distribution, 
 is common in some localities, occurring in moist mountain- 
 ous situations, hi damp woods, and in the vicinity of 
 waterfalls, and seems to be constantly found hi damp situ- 
 ations. It occurs in the southern, western, and northern 
 districts of England ; in Wales ; rather generally in Scot- 
 land, and rarely in Ireland. The species is also distributed 
 throughout Europe, and occurs in North America. Fee 
 calls this plant Phegopteris polypodioides. 
 
 This is~a free-growing plant, requiring a very abundant 
 supply of moisture, both about its roots and fronds ; the 
 soil, however, should be well drained, that this moisture 
 may not become stagnant. It attains its fullest perfection 
 in damp woods, and near water-falls, even within range of 
 the spray ; and hence requires shade and a moist atmo-
 
 50 I. POLYPODIUM. 
 
 sphere to secure the most perfect growth under artificial 
 circumstances. If planted on artificial rockwork, it should 
 be placed where these conditions may be secured, and where 
 it will also enjoy shelter in other respects. As a pot plant, 
 it is a very delicate object ; and should be planted hi well- 
 drained pots of turfy peat soil, mixed with decayed tree 
 leaves, broken sandstone, and sand. In the summer it 
 succeeds best hi a cold frame, shaded from bright sunshine ; 
 and it may be induced to grow hi winter, by the applica- 
 tion of heat, which it bears well. The spray of a water- 
 fall, in which the plant delights, may be imitated, by 
 suspending over the plants a vessel of water, which, fur- 
 nished with a coarse worsted-thread syphon, may be made 
 to supply a succession of water-drops, to fall on a stone 
 near the plant, and thus keep it constantly sprinkled. It 
 may be increased by separating its creeping caudex. 
 
 3. Polypodlum alpestre, Sprengel Alpine Poly- 
 pody. Fronds bipinnate, lanceolate; pinnules linear- 
 lanceolate, pinnatifid with obtuse sharply serrate lobes. 
 
 POLTPODITTM ALPESTRE, Sprengel. P. RHJETicnic, Wood's Tonr. 
 Fl. 423, not of Linnaeus. ABPIDIUM AIPESTRE, Hoppe : Schkuhr 
 58, t60. A. RH.BTICUM, Swartz. PsEUDATHraicM AJLPISTKX, 
 Newm. App. xiv. 
 
 The Alpine Polypody has a short decumbent caudex, 
 having a tendency to become divided into several crowns 
 or distinct axes of growth, to which the adherent fronds 
 are terminal. These fronds, as in most of the deciduous 
 species, grow up about May, and reach then- maturity 
 towards the end of summer. The stipes is short, usually 
 about one-sixth of the whole length of the fronds; stoutish, 
 swollen near the very base, and sparingly clothed with a 
 few broadly ovate-lanceolate pointed pallid scales. The 
 fronds vary from six inches to three feet and upwards in 
 height, the more usual height being about a foot and a 
 half; in the former dwarfed condition Mr. Backhouse
 
 I. POLYPODirM. 
 
 [Polypodium alpestre.] E 2 *
 
 52 I rOLYPODIUM. 
 
 describes it as resembling Cystopteris fragilis, but in all 
 the more vigorous states it has much of the habit and 
 aspect of Athyrium Filix-fcemina, on which account it 
 has been so long overlooked in the Scottish highlands. 
 In outline the fronds are narrow-lanceolate, the base being 
 narrowed about equally with the apex ; they are bi- 
 pinnate, the pinnae linear-lanceolate acuminate spreading 
 at an obtuse angle with the stout rachis, and rather thickly 
 set with oblong acute very shortly stalked pinnules, which 
 stand at nearly a right angle with the rachis of the pin- 
 nae, and are themselves deeply pinnatifid, the segments 
 being notched with sharp coarse teeth. The venation is 
 very distinct, and consists of a tortuous mid- vein to each 
 pinnule ; this throwing off into each segment a pinnate 
 branch, or venule, whose ramifications, the veinlets, are 
 simple, and extend almost to the margin, bearing a sorus 
 some distance below their apex. Either the lowest an- 
 terior veinlet only bears a sorus, this occurring in the 
 smaller pinnules, and the sori, then occupying a position 
 just within the sinus of the lobe, form a single series on 
 each side the mid-vein ; or, in the larger pinnules, two or 
 more of the lower pairs of veinlets in each segment bear 
 each a sorus, about four being the average number on 
 each lobe : in this latter case the fructification soon be- 
 comes confluent, but the sori are at first quite distinct, 
 small, and circular. 
 
 This fern, which inhabits the Alps of Europe, has 
 lately been recognised as a common inhabitant of the 
 highlands of Scotland, where it had heretofore been 
 passed over as Athyrium Filix-f<Emina. It was first 
 found by H. C. Watson, Esq., in 1841, but not then re- 
 cognised. According to Mr. Backhouse, it occurs in com- 
 pany with the Athyrium at from 2,000 to 3,000 feet 
 elevation ; above which, at from 3,000 to 4,000 feet, the 
 latter disappears, and P. alpestre becomes abundant. 
 
 It is perfectly hardy and not inelegant, though not com- 
 parable for delicacy with some states of the Lady fern. In 
 the hardy rockery, or in pots, it will grow readily in any
 
 I. FOLYTODIVM. 53 
 
 well-drained porous loamy soil ; and may be increased by 
 dividing the tufted caudex. 
 
 4. Folypodium Dryopteris, Linncetis. Smooth 
 three-branched Polypody, or Oak fern. Fronds ternate, 
 glabrous, membranaceous, branches pinnate; pinnaj pin- 
 natifid, with obtuse subcrenate lobe?. 
 
 POLTTODIFM DRYOPTERIS, Linnasus: Enpr. Bot. 616: Sm. En?- 
 FLiv. 269: Hook and Am. B. FL 567 : Bab. Man. 409: FloriR 
 Brit iv. 42: Newm. 123: Franc. 24. LASTREA DKTOPTXKIS, 
 Newm. POLYSTICHCM DRTOPTEKIS, Roth. GYMSOCAKPIUM DBT- 
 OPTEBW, Newm. App. xxlv. PHEGOPTEBIS D&TOPTERIS, Fee. 
 
 [Pclj-podiora Dryopteris.] 
 
 The Smooth three-branched Polypody has a dark- 
 coloured, widely creeping slender caudex, often forming a
 
 54 I POLYPODIUM. 
 
 dense matted mass ; it is slightly scaly, and protrudes 
 black fibrous roots. The fronds grow up in March and 
 April, soon arriving at maturity, and entirely perishing 
 before winter. Their vernation is peculiar ; the branches 
 are rolled up separately, so that the undeveloped fronds 
 resemble three little balls set on slender wires. They are 
 bright green, smooth, and delicate in texture ; from six 
 to twelve inches high, including the stipes ; three-branched, 
 each branch being triangular, and attached by a distinct 
 stalk-like portion of the rachis, to the common stem or 
 stipes. The stipes is usually two-thirds of the height of 
 the frond ; slender, brittle, dark-coloured, and quite smooth , 
 except in having a few scattered scales near the base ; it 
 is lateral and adherent to the caudex. The central branch 
 of the frond is the largest, and its rachis is deflexed ; the 
 others stand at an obtuse angle ; thus all the branches 
 become loosely spreading. Each branch is pinnate at the 
 base, and pinnatifid at the apex ; the pinnae usually 
 opposite, nd, especially in the central branch, themselves 
 pinnate at the base, then pinnatifid, and acute and nearly 
 entire at the apex. The pan- of pinnules at the base of 
 each pinna are so placed, that when the pinnae are exactly 
 opposite, and they are thus brought together, they stand 
 somewhat hi the form of a cross, the two towards the 
 apex of the branch being nearly parallel, and smaller than 
 the other two which are divergent. The pinnules and 
 ultimate lobes are oblong and obtuse. Sometimes the 
 fronds are more compoundly divided, the pinnules instead 
 of being serrated as in ordinary examples being pinna- 
 tifid ; when this is so, the venation becomes more deve- 
 loped. In ordinary cases, each pinnule, or ultimate lobe, 
 has a slender tortuous mid-vein, from which venules branch 
 out alternately, extending quite to the margin, and 
 bearing the son, near then* extremity ; when the parts are 
 more compound hi structure, the venules are branched. In 
 some cases the son are numerous, and form a crowded line 
 near the margin ; in other examples they are few and scat- 
 tered.
 
 T POLYPODIUM. 55 
 
 This species is almost entirely confined to wild and 
 mountainous rocky districts, occurring in the drier parts of 
 wet woods, and in the neighbourhood of waterfalls, sometimes 
 growing on limestone in company with P. Robertianum. 
 It is met with in- various parts of England, Wales, and 
 Scotland, but is very rare hi Ireland. It occurs also 
 throughout Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. 
 
 This species is a moisture-loving plant, and also a lover 
 of shade and shelter ; indeed its delicate texture would 
 render it liable to injury if much exposed. It is, however, 
 an excellent dwarf rock fern, and very hardy. It is a 
 very free-growing pot plant, and may be readily increased 
 by the division of its creeping caudex. 
 
 5. Polypodiuxu Robertianum, Hoffman. Lime- 
 stone Polypody. Fronds subternate, glandular-mealy, 
 lower branches bipinnate at the base; pinna? pinnatitid 
 with obtuse lobes. 
 
 POLTPODIUM ROBEBTIANTTM, Hoffmann. P. CALCAREUM, Smith, 
 Fl. Brit. 1117: Eng. Fl. iv. 270: Eng. Bot. 1525: Hook and Arn. 
 Fl. 567 : Bab. Man. 409 : Florig. Brit. iv. 43 : Nowm. 131 : 
 Franc. 24. LASTBEA ROBERTIANA, Newman. L. CALCAHKA, 
 Newm. GTMNOCABPICM ROBEKTIANUM, Newm. App. xxiv. PHE- 
 GOPTEBIS CALCAREA, Fee. 
 
 The Limestone Polypody has a dark brown creeping cau- 
 dex, rather stouter than that of P. Dryopteris. The fronds 
 grow up in May, and attain full development soon after 
 Midsummer. They are deep dull green, firm and sub- 
 rigid in texture, six to twelve or eighteen inches in height, 
 erect, and without the marked deflexure of the rachis ob- 
 servable in P. Dryopteris. In vernation their pumas are 
 rolled up separately into little balls. The stipes is stoutish, 
 pale-coloured, much longer than the frond, abundantly 
 scaly about the base, and clothed with very minute stalked 
 glands which occur more or less over the whole frond, 
 giving it a dull mealy aspect, which character forms an
 
 GENUS II. 
 
 ALLOSORUS, Bernhardi. 
 
 GEN. CHAR Sort circular, at length confluent, at- 
 tached near the apex of the venules, covered by the 
 revolute margin of the pinnules of contracted fertile fronds. 
 Veins free, mid-vein distinct, forked where soriferous. 
 
 The only British species of this genus is an elegant little 
 plant, somewhat resembling parsley, and assuming two or 
 three distinct forms. The genus has considerable affinity 
 with Pteris, from which however the unaltered condition 
 of the indusioid margin, and the detached masses of spore- 
 cases readily distinguish it. 
 
 The name is derived from the Greek alias (various), and 
 sorus (a heap), in allusion to the altered appearances of 
 disposition presented by the son in the stages of their 
 development. 
 
 l. Allosorus crispus, Bernhardi. Rock Brakes, 
 or Mountain Parsley. Fronds of two kinds, bi-tri-pinnate ; 
 ultimate divisions of barren fronds wedge-shaped often 
 bifid ; of the fertile linear-oblong. 
 
 ALLOSORUS CBISPUS, Bernhardi : Bab. Man. 408 : Florlg. Brit 
 iv. 47: Newm. 103. OSMUNDA CRISP A, Linn. PTERIS CRISP A, 
 Linn. MS- : Sm. Eng. Fl. iv. 306 : Eng. Bot. 1160. CRTPTO- 
 ORAMHA CKISPA, R. Br. : Hook andArn. Fl. 575: Franc. 57. 
 PHOROLOBC? CWSPCS, Desv.
 
 II. ALLOSOBCS. 
 
 59 
 
 The Rock Brakes has a short decumbent caudex, pro- 
 ducing numerous fibrous roots, and a tuft of adherent 
 fronds from its crown. The young fronds spring up in 
 May and June, and attain ma- 
 turity by the end of the summer, 
 disappearing at the commence- 
 ment of winter. They are nearly 
 triangular in outline, and from 
 four to eight and sometimes 
 twelve inches high. The stipes 
 is long, slender, pale-coloured, 
 and smooth. The barren fronds 
 are bi-tri-pinnate, the pumas 
 
 [Allosorus crispns.] 
 
 pinnules and lobes being all alternate ; the ultimate 
 divisions are wedge-shaped and cleft, or oblong-oval 
 with an even sinuously-toothed margin; or sometimes
 
 G E N U S III. 
 
 GYMNOORAMMA, Desvaux. 
 
 GEX. CUAK. Sori linear forked, subsequently con- 
 fluent ; spore-cases medial, superficial on the back of the 
 veins. Veins free, forked or pinnate. 
 
 This genus consists principally of tropical ferns, and in- 
 cludes those beautiful species whose fronds, covered 
 l>eneath with a golden or silvery powder, are familiarly 
 called Gold and Silver Ferns. 
 
 The name is derived from gymnos (naked), and gramme 
 (a line) ; and alludes to the circumstance of the son being 
 linear and naked. 
 
 l. Gyxnnogramma leptophylla, Desvaux. 
 Slender Gymnogram. Fronds ovate bipinnate, fragile ; 
 pinnae roundish cuneate, about three-lobed, the lobes 
 obtuse two-toothed. 
 
 GYMKOGRAMMA. LEPTOPHYLLA, DcSvailX. AXOGKAMMA LEP- 
 
 TOPHYLLA, Link. GRAMHITIS LEPTOPHYLLA, Swartz. POLYPO- 
 
 DIUM LEPTOPHYLLUM, LilllliCUS. ACBOSTICHCM, LEPTOPHYLLUM, 
 
 De Candolle. OSMCNDA LEPTOPHYLLA, Lamarck. ASPLZNICX 
 
 LEPTOPHYLLUM, CavailillcS. 
 
 The Slender Gymnogram is an annual or perhaps a 
 biennial species. The plants form each a little crown, 
 fixed to the soil by a few short fibres, and producing a
 
 III. GYMXOGRAMMA. 
 
 63 
 
 fGymnogramma leptophylla].
 
 GENUS IV. 
 
 WOODSIA, R. Brown. 
 
 GEM. CHAR. Sort circular, attached near the ex- 
 tremity of the venules. Indusium divided at the margin 
 into numerous incurved capillary jointed segments, inferior 
 and therefore involucral. Fein* free ; mid-vein indistinct ; 
 venules simple or forked. 
 
 There are two native species of this genus, the obvious 
 and constant differences between which are altogether op- 
 posed to any doubt of then- specific distinctness ; the plants 
 being in every stage of development altogether different 
 
 The name has been given in compliment to J. Woods, Esq., 
 a writer on British Roses, and author of the Tourist's Flora. 
 
 l. Woodsia ilvensis, R.Brovm. Oblong Woodsia. 
 Fronds pinnate lanceolate, covered with narrow chaffy 
 hair-like scales beneath ; pinnae oblong deeply pinnatifid, 
 with bluntly ovate or oblong obtuse lobes ; stipes and 
 rachis chaffy. 
 
 WoowtA ILVEKSIS, R. Brown : Eng. Bot 9np. 2616 : 8m. Eng. 
 Fl. iv. 309. Hook and Arn. FL 567: Bah Man. 409: Florig. 
 Brit. iv. 45: Newm. 137: Franc. 26. ACBQSTICHUM ILVENSE, 
 Liunseos. POLTPODIDM ILVK.NSE, Swartz,
 
 IV AVOODSIA. 
 
 67 
 
 The Oblong Woodsia has a thick tufted caudex, from 
 which the wiry roots are produced. The deciduous fronds, 
 which are pinnate and broadly lanceolate, vary from two 
 to six, but seldom exceed four 
 inches in height. They are some- 
 what thick, appearing smooth 
 above when mature, but in reality 
 sparingly clothed with bristle-like 
 scales, which, together with shining 
 jointed hairs, are much more 
 abundant on the veins beneath, 
 and are also numerous on the stipes 
 and rachis. The stipes is distinctly 
 articulated or jointed at a short 
 distance from its junction with the 
 caudex to which it is adherent, 
 and it is at this point the natural 
 separation of the frond takes place, 
 the basal portion remaining at- 
 tached to the caudex, and the 
 upper portion falling away. This 
 articulation of the stipes is a cha- 
 racter common to a section of the 
 genus. The piHuas are usually 
 opposite, oblong obtuse, broadest 
 at the base, sessile, deeply lobed or 
 pinnatifid with many ovate-oblong 
 obscurely crenated segments. The 
 mid-vein of these ultimate divisions 
 is indistinct, the venules free, some- 
 times branched and sometimes sim- 
 ple, extending nearly to the mar- 
 gin, in which position the sori are 
 produced, thus forming a marginal 
 series. The sori are circular and quite distinct in the young 
 state, but become at length more or less confluent ; and are 
 often almost concealed by the hair-scales already men- 
 tioned, and by the capillary szgments of their involucres. 
 
 K2 
 
 [Woodsia ilvensis.]
 
 68 
 
 IV. WOODSIA. 
 
 This covering consists, first, of very long pointed narrow 
 
 scales which are more particularly abundant about the 
 
 mid-rib; secondly, of jointed 
 
 shining hairs, which are 
 
 scattered nearly over the 
 
 whole surface; and thirdly 
 
 of the capillary segments of 
 
 the involucres themselves, 
 
 which are also jointed and 
 
 shining. The fronds die down 
 
 on the approach of frost, and 
 
 are renewed in spring. 
 
 This is one of the rarest of 
 our indigenous species, grow- 
 big in exposed rocky alpine 
 regions, and there very spar- 
 ingly. The Falcon Clinta 
 and Cauldron Spout, hi Tees- 
 dale, Durham; Clogwynn-y- 
 Garnedd, one of the highest 
 peaks of Snowdon, and Llynn- 
 y-cwn, on Glyder Vawr, hi 
 Wales ; and Moffat, Dum- 
 fries ; Ben Chonzie, Ben Law- 
 ers, and the Clova Mountains 
 hi Scotland, are the chief re- 
 corded localities. In these 
 places it grows sparingly, 
 rooting into the crevices of 
 the damp rocks. It occurs 
 hi the most northern parts of , 
 the northern hemisphere, as ' 
 far as Greenland. '^^M/" ii 
 
 [Woodsia hyper borea.J 
 
 i. Woodsia hyperborea, R. Brown. Alpine 
 Woodsia. Fronds pinnate linear-lanceolate ; pinnae bluntly 
 triangular, pinnatifid with rounded usually entire lobes.
 
 rv. - WOODSIA. 
 
 C9 
 
 WOODSIA HTPEKBOIIEA, R. Brown : Engr. Bot. 2023 : Sm. Eng. 
 Fl. iv. 3 1 : Hook and Arn. Fl. 5C7 : Franc. 27. W. ILVENSIS, van., 
 Bab. Man. 409. W. ALPINA, Newm. 143 : Florigr. Bnt. iv. 46. 
 ACKOSTICHCM ALPINUM, Bolton. A. HYPEBBORECM, Liljeblad. 
 
 POI.YPODIUM HYPERBOREUM, SwOTtZ. P. ARVOXKT.M, Withering: 
 
 Sin. Fl. Brit. 11 15. 
 
 Two forms of this species are distinguished by Mr. 
 Babington gracilis with linear-lanceolate fronds, tri- 
 angular pinnatifid pinnae, cut into 
 69 obtuse lobes, which are entire, 
 or the lowest one crenate ( Wood- 
 sia hyperborea, Eng. Bot. ; Poly- 
 podium hyperboreum ft yracile, 
 Wahl.) ; and alpina having ob- 
 long fronds, triangular oval pin- 
 nae, with 3 5 rounded very 
 blunt lobes ( W. alpina, Newm. ; 
 Polypodium hyperboreum, 
 Wahl. ; Acrostichum, alpinum, 
 Bolt). 
 
 The Alpine "Woodsia has a 
 thick tufted caudex, from which 
 are protruded the blackish wiry 
 roots. The fronds which die down 
 annually, growing up again in 
 spring, are narrow, almost linear, 
 pinnate ; more tender and mem- 
 branous than W. license; gla- 
 brous, or nearly so, though some- 
 times the stipes, rachis, and veins 
 beneath bear some scattered hairs, 
 mixed with a few pale chaffy 
 scales, which are chiefly present 
 in the young state, and appar- 
 ently very easily displaced. The 
 stipes is articulated as in the 
 last species, the lower part re- 
 maining adherent to the tufted 
 caudex. The pinnae are trian- [Woodsia alpina.]
 
 64 III GYMXOGRAMMA. 
 
 tuft of. about half a dozen fronds, which vary much in 
 their size and division, and are of a delicately membranous 
 texture. When the plants have reached maturity then 
 are usually present, first, a very small fan-shaped frond 
 half an inch high, divided into two or three lobes, anc 
 probably the first developed from the primordial scale 
 then one or two pinnate fronds, one or two niches long 
 and having obliquely fan-shaped three-lobed pinnae, mor 
 or less tapering to the base and decurrent with the rachia 
 both these forms of frond are spreading, more leafy thai 
 the rest of the plant, and usually barren. The plant 
 reach their full development by producing two or thra 
 larger, more erect, and more compound fertile fronds 
 which vary from three or four to six or eight inches ii 
 height; of these the stipes is stoutish, glossy, ligh 
 brown, and about half the entire length ; the frond i 
 ovate twice or three-times pinnate, the pinnae alternate 
 ovate, with alternate pinnules. The ultimate pinnule 
 are three-lobed at the apex and wedge-shaped a 
 the base, and hence become roundish-cuneate, the lobe 
 being rather distinct, and usually slightly and bluntl; 
 notched at the apex, so as to become two-toothed ; th 
 little stalk of the pinnules is somewhat decurrent witJ 
 the rachis. The venation is very simple : a vein break 
 off from the rachis into each pinnule, and branches twic 
 so as to send a venule into each lobe, the venules usuall; 
 becoming forked, and one veinlet proceeding nearly to th 
 apex of each of the little teeth into which the lobe i 
 divided ; the spore cases are borne along the whole lengt 
 of the veinlets and on a portion of the venule, so that th 
 sori form two lines on each lobe of the pinnule* divergin 
 from then* base where they are united. Occasionally th 
 lobe is not toothed, and there is but a simple venule an 
 one line of spore-cases. The sori at length become con 
 fluent, and cover the under surface of the pinnules. 
 
 This interesting little fern has long been known as 
 native of Madeira and the Azores, extending throug 
 Portugal and Spain northwards to France. It is furth<
 
 Ill GYMHOCRAMMA. 
 
 stated by Link to occur in Naples, Sicily, and the Morea ; 
 arid, according to Kunze, it is also indigenous to Mexico. 
 It was found in Jersey in 1852, and thus becomes added 
 to the list of British species. It had also, during the same 
 year, been reported to have been found indigenous near 
 Braemar, hi Aberdeenshire ; but this is so unlikely a range 
 for a southern plant that some error is to be suspected. 
 
 This fern is properly a greenhouse or half-hardy species, 
 requiring a moist, calm atmosphere, and a shady situa- 
 tion, such as a close frame facing the north. It will, 
 however, readily accommodate itself to a much higher 
 temperature, and may be cultivated with good success in a 
 hothouse, where, hi company with its near ally G. 
 ch&rophylla, a West Indian species, it will scatter its 
 spores, and come up annually, if any suitable situation 
 in the house is left undisturbed. Very light sandy peat 
 soil is the best for it, and if grown hi pots several plants 
 should be associated in the same pot. Its small size, 
 quick as well as free growth, and delicate structure, will 
 render it both suitable and interesting for a Wardiau 
 Case.
 
 GENUS IV. 
 
 WOODSIA, R. Brown. 
 
 GEM. CHAR. Sori circular, attached near the ex- 
 tremity of the venules. Indusium divided at the margin 
 into numerous incurved capillary jointed segments, inferior 
 and therefore involucral. Veins free ; mid-vein indistinct ; 
 venules simple or forked. 
 
 There are two native species of this genus, the obvious 
 and constant differences between which are altogether op- 
 posed to any doubt of their specific distinctness ; the plants 
 being hi every stage of development altogether different. 
 
 The name has been given in compliment to J.\Voods,Esq., 
 a writer on British Roses, and author of the Tourist's Flora. 
 
 1. Woodsia ilvcnsis, R, Brawn. Oblong Woodsia. 
 Fronds pinnate Lanceolate, covered with narrow chaffy 
 hair-like scales beneath ; pinnae oblong deeply pinnatifid, 
 with bluntly ovate or oblong obtuse lobes ; stipes and 
 rachis chaffy. 
 
 WOODSIA ILVEH9IS, R. Brown : Eng. Bot Sup. 2616 : 8m. Eng. 
 Fl. iv. 309. Hook and Arn. FL 567: Bah Man. 409: Florig. 
 Brit. iv. 45: Newm. 137: Franc. 26. ACBQSTICHUM ILVENSE, 
 Linnaeus. POLTPODICM ILVENSE, Swartz.
 
 iv. AVOODSIA. 
 
 67 
 
 The Oblong Woodsia has a thick tufted caudex, from 
 which the wiry roots are produced. The deciduous fronds, 
 which are pinnate and broadly lanceolate, vary from two 
 to six, but seldom exceed four 
 inches in height. They are some- 
 what thick, appearing smooth 
 above when mature, but in reality 
 sparingly clothed with bristle-like 
 scales, which, together with shining 
 jointed hairs, are much more 
 abundant on the veins beneath, 
 and are also numerous on the stipes 
 and rachis. The stipes is distinctly 
 articulated or jointed at a short 
 distance from its junction with the 
 caudex to which it is adherent, 
 and it is at this point the natural 
 separation of the frond takes place, 
 the basal portion remaining at- 
 tached to the caudex, and the 
 upper portion falling away. This 
 articulation of the stipes is a cha- 
 racter common to a section of the 
 genus. The pinnae are usually 
 opposite, oblong obtuse, broadest 
 at the base, sessile, deeply lobed or 
 pinnatifid with many ovate-oblong 
 obscurely crenated segments. The 
 mid-vein of these ultimate divisions 
 is indistinct, the venules free, some- 
 times branched and sometimes sim- 
 ple, extending nearly to the mar- 
 gin, in which position the sori are 
 produced, thus forming a marginal 
 series. The sori are circular and quite distinct in the young 
 state, but become at length more or less confluent; and are 
 often almost concealed by (he hair-scales already men- 
 tioned, and by the capillary sjgments of their involucres. 
 
 F2 
 
 [Woodsia ilvensis.]
 
 68 
 
 IV. WOODSIA. 
 
 This covering consists, first, of very long pointed narrow 
 
 scales which are more particularly abundant about the 
 
 mid-rib; secondly, of jointed 
 
 shining hairs, which are 
 
 scattered nearly over the 
 
 whole surface; and thirdly 
 
 of the capillary segments of 
 
 the involucres themselves, 
 
 which are also jointed and 
 
 shining. The fronds die down 
 
 on the approach of frost, and 
 
 are renewed in spring. 
 
 This is one of the rarest of 
 our indigenous species, grow- 
 ing hi exposed rocky alpine 
 regions, and there very spar- 
 ingly. The Falcon Clints 
 and Cauldron Spout, in Tees- 
 dale, Durham; Clogwynn-y- 
 Garnedd, one of the highest 
 peaks of Sno wdon, and Llynn- 
 y-cwn, on Glyder Vawr, in 
 Wales ; and Moffat, Dum- 
 fries ; Ben Chonzie, Ben Law- 
 ers, and the Clova Mountains 
 in Scotland, are the chief re- 
 corded localities. In these 
 places it grows sparingly, 
 rooting into the crevices of 
 the damp rocks. It occurs 
 in the most northern parts of , 
 the northern hemisphere, as 
 far as Greenland. 
 
 [Woodsia hyper boreoj 
 
 1. Woodsia hyperborea, R. Brown. Alpine 
 Woodsia. Fronds pinnate linear-lanceolate ; pinnae bluntly 
 triangular, pinnatifid with rounded usually entire lobes.
 
 IV. - WOODSIA. 
 
 69 
 
 HYPCTBOBEA, R. Brown : Engr. Bot. 2023 : Sm. Eng. 
 Fl. iv. 3 1 : Hook and Arn. Fl. 567 : Franc. 27. W. ILVENSIS, van., 
 Bab. Man. 409. W. ALPINA, Newm. 143 : Florigr. Bnt. iv. 46. 
 ACROSTICHDM ALPINCM, Bolton. A. HYPEKBOREPM, Liljeblad. 
 POI.YPODIUM HTPERBOBEUM, Swartz. P. AXVONICUM, Withering: 
 Sm. Fl. Brit. 11 15. 
 
 Two forms of this species are distinguished by Mr. 
 Babington gracilis with linear-lanceolate fronds, tri- 
 angular pinnatifid pinnae, cut into 
 5-9 obtuse lobes, which are entire, 
 or the lowest one crenate ( Wood- 
 sia hyperborea, Eng. Bot. ; Poly- 
 podium hyperboreum /3 gracile, 
 Wahl.) ; and alpina having ob- 
 long fronds, triangular oval pin- 
 nae, with 3 5 rounded very 
 blunt lobes ( W. alpina, Newm. ; 
 Polypodium hyperboreum, 
 Walil. ; Acrostichum, alpintim, 
 Bolt). 
 
 The Alpine "Woodsia has a 
 thick tufted caudex, from which 
 are protruded the blackish wiry 
 roots. The fronds which die down 
 annually, growing up again in 
 spring, are narrow, almost linear, 
 pinnate ; more tender and mem- 
 branous than W. ilrense ; gla- 
 brous, or nearly so, though some- 
 times the stipes, rachis, and veins 
 beneath bear some scattered hairs, 
 mixed with a few pale chaffy 
 scale. 1 ?, which are chiefly present 
 hi the young state, and appar- 
 ently very easily displaced. The 
 stipes is articulated as in the 
 last species, the lower part re- 
 maining adherent to the tufted 
 caudex. The pinnae are trian- [Woodsia alpina.]
 
 70 IV. WOODSIA. 
 
 f^ilar with the angles rounded, less deeply pinnatifid than 
 in W. ilvense ; the lobes, 3 7 in number, are broadly ovate 
 and entire, the first superior lobe sometimes considerably 
 larger than the rest. The pinnae are usually alternate, the 
 lower ones distant, and gradually becoming smaller from 
 near the middle. The midvein of the pinna is indistinct, its 
 venules free, simple or forked, extending almost to the mar- 
 gin. The sori are placed near the extremity of the veins, 
 and in consequence of the presence of more numerous spore- 
 cases are larger than in W. ilveruis, and often become 
 confluent. 
 
 This is equally rare with its kindred species, and has 
 been discovered only in the wildest and most inaccessible 
 mountain regions. It has been found on Clogwynn-y- 
 Garnedd, Snowdon, in Wales ; and on Ben Chonzie, Ben 
 Lawers, Craig-Challiach, Mael-dun-Crosk, and the Clova 
 mountains in Scotland. It is also met with rarely in 
 arctic and sub-arctic countries. 
 
 The "Woodsias are best cultivated in moderate- sized 
 well-drained pots, kept in a cold frame, facing the north 
 in the summer season, and should not be kept constantly 
 closed up. They are very impatient of sunshine and 
 stagnant moisture. The crown of the plants may in pot- 
 ting be advantageously elevated a little between three 
 small pieces of freestone. They must not be kept too 
 damp, especially during winter. A shady shelf in a cool 
 greenhouse, where there is a free circulation of air or a 
 dryish cold frame are good situations in which to preserve 
 them during the dormant season. When it becomes 
 necessary to divide the tufts, which is the most ready 
 mode of propagation, it should be done very carefully in 
 spring about the time they commence their seasonal 
 growth. In obtaining plants from their wild habitats for 
 the purpose of cultivation, as with most other of the rare 
 ferns, it is found that small plants are much more suc- 
 cessfully transplanted than the large and older masses.
 
 GENUS V. 
 CYSTOPTERIS, BernhardL 
 
 BLADDER FKRX. 
 
 GEN. CHAR. Sori roundish, small, medial, attached at 
 the back of the venules. Indusium hooded or cucullate, 
 fixed by its broad base beneath the sori (which it covers 
 when young), the free margin fringed, and directed to- 
 wards the apex of the segment, at length reflected. Veins 
 free; mid vein distinct, sinuous; venules simple. 
 
 The Bladder ferns are all very elegant plants, with much 
 divided fronds, of delicate texture ; and easily cultivated. 
 
 The name is derived from the Greek kystos, a bladder, 
 and pteris, a fern ; in allusion to the peculiar form of the 
 indusium. 
 
 1. Cystopteris fragilis, BernhardL Brittle 
 Bladder-fern. Fronds lanceolate bipinnate : pinna ovate- 
 lanceolate, or oblong-lanceolate ; pinnules ovate, or ovat*- 
 lanceolate, pinnatifid or toothed. The following are dis- 
 tinguishable, though closely connected forms : 
 
 a. vulgaris: fronds lanceolate ; " pinnules ovate-acute 
 pinnatilid, cut, or serrated ;'' sori sub-central, becoming 
 confluent.
 
 V CTSTOPTEKI^ 
 
 [Cystoptcris fragills.]
 
 V. CTSTOPTERIS. 73 
 
 CrsTOPTERis FRAGILIS, Bernlianli : Hook and Arn. 572 : Bab. 
 Man. 412: Florig. Brit. iv. 8-5: Newm. 1>5 : Franc. 29. C FRA- 
 oiLis a. Hook. Sp. Fil. i. 197. CIATHEA FRAGILIS. Sm. Fl. Brit 
 1139: En^. Bot 1587. CTATHEA CTNAPIFOLIA, Roth. CTATHEA 
 
 ANTHRISCIFOLIA, Roth. CYSTEA FBAOILI8, Sm. Eng. Fl. iv. 285. 
 POLTPODIUM FRAGILE, ],illtKVUS. P. CTNAPIFOLIUM. Hoffman. 
 P. ANTHRISCIFOLIUM, HoffllJ. P. POLTMORPHUM, VUlaTS. P 
 
 TRIFIDUM, Withering. ASPIDIUM FRAGILE, Swartz. 
 
 /3. anyustata : fronds oblong-ovate; "pinnules linear- 
 lanceolate, deeply and acutely pinnatifid, or slightly toothed 
 on the margin ;" ultimate subdivisions oblong or linear ; 
 sori distinct, sub-central. 
 
 CTSTOPTERIS FRAGILIS, /? Franc. 30. C. DEJJTATA, 13 Hook. 
 Brit. Fl. 5 ed. 441. CTATHEA FRAGILIS, /? and 7 Sm. FL Brit. 
 1139. -CISTEA ANGUSTATA, Sm. Eng. Fl. iv. 288. 
 
 7. dentatn : fronds oblong-lanceolate; "pinnules ovate- 
 obtuse, bluntly toothed, rarely pinnatifid ;" sori sub-mar- 
 ginal, often crowded, sometimes confluent. 
 
 CTSTOPTERIS DENTATA, Hook. Brit. Fl. 5 ed. 441. Franc. 28. 
 CTATHEA DENTAT A, Sm. Fl. Brit 1141. CTSTEA DENTATA, Sm. 
 Eng. Fl. iv. 28.': Eng. Bot. 1588. POLTPODIUM DENTATUM, Dick- 
 son. ASPIDIUM DESTATUM, Swartz. 
 
 2. Dickieana : fronds ovate-lanceolate ; pinnae deflexed, 
 overlapping ; pinnules crowded, broad obtuse, very slightly 
 toothed ; sori marginal, distinct. 
 
 CTSTOPTERIS DICKIEANA, Sim. Gard. .Tourn. (1848) 308: Newm, 
 App. xxvi. C. FRAGILIS, var. DICKIEANA, Moore, in 1 ed. p. 81, and 
 Bot Gaz. L 310. 
 
 The Brittle Bladder-fern is an exceedingly variable 
 plant, assuming several tolerably distinct forms ; but these 
 are so closely connected by intermediate states, as hardly 
 to admit of definition. Indeed it is possible to obtain from
 
 71 
 
 V. CTSTOPTERIS. 
 
 the same root at different periods, fronds resembling each 
 of the forms above enumerated. The species lias a short 
 creeping or quasi-tufted caudex, producing numerous wiry 
 roots. The fronds, which are very delicate in every state, are 
 terminal, and adherent to the caudex ; they grow up early 
 in the spring, and die down annually, soon arriving at 
 maturity, and as speedily declining, a succession of fronds 
 being produced throughout the summer and autumn, but 
 disappearing with the first frosts of winter. The stipes is 
 
 ( smooth, of a brown or 
 blackish colour, very 
 brittle, from about 
 one-third to one-half 
 the height of the frond, 
 destitute of scales, ex- 
 cepting a few small 
 ones at the base; in 
 the upper part it is 
 usually slightly bor- 
 dered or winged. 
 The fronds are bipin- 
 nate, and they grow 
 up several together 
 more or less erect 
 The general form is 
 lanceolate, and the 
 size very variable 
 from three or four to 
 twelve or fifteen inches 
 in height. The pinnae 
 are lanceolate, with 
 the pinnules distinct, 
 ovate acute or pointed, 
 tapering at the base, 
 and copiously deeply 
 and sharply toothed 
 on the margin ; the 
 
 [Cystopteris angustata.] 
 
 larger and lower ones
 
 V. CY9TOPTERIS, 7o 
 
 being deeply pinnatifid, their lobes resembling the up- 
 per pinnules. The texture is very delicate: from this 
 cause, the venation is distinctly seen. The mid-vein 
 of each pinnule is more or less sinuous or flexuose ; 
 from this the venules are produced alternately, becoming 
 more or less branched. In the larger lobes, where the 
 venule becomes a secondary midvein, a series of simple 
 branches are usually produced, each extending to the mar- 
 gin, and generally bearing a sorus towards its extremity ; 
 in the smaller lobes the lateral veins become two, three, or 
 four-branched, one branch extending to each of the serra- 
 tures of the lobe. The son are usually numerous, one being 
 borne by most of the veins ; they are disposed rather nearer 
 the mid-vein, than the margin, and are at first distinct 
 though they often become confluent afterwards and cover 
 the whole under surface. They are of small size and nearly 
 circular, covered by a pale membranous concave or hood- 
 shaped indusium, which is attached by its broad base be- 
 neath the capsules on the side towards the base of the lobe, 
 the other extremity, or that towards the apex of the lobe, 
 becoming free, and at this part usually split, jagged, or torn 
 into narrow unequal often capillary segments. This in- 
 dusium soon becomes reflected, and is at length obliterated, 
 or pushed off by the growing spore cases. 
 
 The variety anyustata is one of the larger forms of the 
 species, growing from six to fifteen inches high. It differs 
 from the commoner variety in the more ovate outline of 
 the frond, which is much attenuated and lengthened at the 
 apex ; in having its pinnse lanceolate with the point much 
 narrowed and extended ; and in its pinnules being linear- 
 lanceolate, deeply and acutely pinnatifid, or slightly 
 toothed at the margin, the ultimate divisions being always 
 oblong or linear and acute, never dilated rounded or ovate. 
 The son too are smaller and less prominent, and always 
 continue distinct, standing either solitary, or in pairs, to- 
 wards the bottom of each lobe or tooth, and thus occupy- 
 ing a sub-central position. This variety does not appear 
 to be very common.
 
 70 
 
 V. CYSTOTTERIS. 
 
 The variety dentata is smaller, and grows from six 
 to eight inches in height ; the pinnae are of an ovate-lau- 
 ceolate form, and in the young 
 fronds take a reflexed droop- 
 ing convex habit ; the pin- 
 nules are distinct, oblong or 
 oblong-ovate, obtuse, point- 
 less, deeply and bluntly 
 toothed, or, in luxuriant speci- 
 mens, a few of the lowest 
 become pinnatifid. The sori 
 also are sub-marginal, and 
 often numerous. This form 
 would seem to be not un- 
 common, if the records con- 
 cerning it are trustworthy; 
 but it is to be feared that this 
 is not the case. It seems to 
 be more common in the north 
 and in Scotland, and is 
 scarcely record ed from Ireland . 
 
 The variety Dickieanrt is 
 of the average height of four 
 to six inches. The fronds of 
 this plant are often scarcely bi- 
 pinnate, the pinnte and upper 
 pinnules being frequently con- 
 fluent. The pinnae are ovate-lanceolate, somewhat twisted 
 round, so that one edge points backwards, and the other for- 
 wards, as occurs in an equally marked way in Polyttichitm 
 Lonchitis; they are also deflexed more or less. The pin- 
 nules are mostly somewhat decurrent, and sometimes much 
 so, broad, oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse, having but a few 
 shallow blunt notches on the margin, and lying over each 
 other in an imbricate manner. The sori are less numerous 
 than in dentata, and are ranged close to the margin, often 
 just within the sinus of the shallow lobes. It is the most 
 
 [Cystopteris dentata.]
 
 V. CYSTOITBKIS. 
 
 distinct and least divided British form of Bladder-fern. 
 Found only hi a cave near the sea at Aberdeen, where it 
 was met with in 18i6, by Dr. Dickie, to whom I am in- 
 debted for the only native specimens I have seen. It is now 
 
 common in culti- 
 vation, having been 
 distributed lib e r- 
 ally by Dr. Dickie, 
 and is found to 
 retain all its pecu- 
 liarities, and to re- 
 produce itself from 
 ,^ - <-7<_- -^ tlie s P res - 
 
 ^&^m^^> Thou h l have 
 
 W=r-T^ placed all the above 
 forms as varieties of 
 C. Jr ay His, I am 
 - (-*&*< vvj -i* jr 3 y v }/-, inclined to thhik C. 
 
 ^SLftf^lnTOr^ rftetetobema- 
 
 ciently distinct to 
 take rank as a spe- 
 cies, and to look upon 
 C. Dickieana as an 
 extreme form of it. 
 
 The species is mo- 
 derately abundant 
 as well as widely 
 distributed through- 
 out the United 
 Kingdoms, growing 
 hi the fissures of 
 rocks and walls, in 
 moist and mount- 
 ainous districts 
 showing a prefer- 
 ence for limestone, 
 and generally finest 
 [Cystopteris Dickieana.] ^ the vicinity of
 
 78 V. CVSTOPTERI3. 
 
 waterfalls. It is apparently more rare in Ireland, though 
 Mr. Newman found it in great profusion near Sligo, occur- 
 ring not only on the limestone rocks and walls, but also in 
 the hedge-rows, mingled with Scolopendrium vulgare. 
 The same species (or what is considered to be such) is 
 generally distributed throughout Europe, and in Asia, 
 Africa, and North America, as well as the Islands of the 
 Pacific. 
 
 From the delicate texture of this fern, and its adaptabi- 
 lity to various situations, it is well suited for cultivation ; 
 and grows vigorously planted either on rockwork or in pots, 
 and placed either within a frame or without one hi a shel- 
 tered and shady position ; it however becomes most beautiful 
 when developed in the damp close atmosphere of a frame 
 or glazed case. The small size of the plant renders it 
 more convenient for pot culture than many other kinds. 
 The other species of Cystopteris are similar hi habit, and 
 may be cultivated in the same manner. The dormant 
 crowns should not be kept too damp during the winter. 
 They all propagate readily by separating the crowns when- 
 ever more than one is formed, and most of them form new 
 crowns rapidly. 
 
 2. Cystopteris alpina, Desvaux. Alpine Blad- 
 der-fern. Fronds lanceolate sub-tripinnate ; pinnae ovate : 
 pinnules ovate-oblong confluent deeply pinnatitid, the lobes 
 broadly and shortly linear with two or three erect blunt 
 teeth ; rachis winged. 
 
 CTSTOPTEMS ALPIXA. Desvanx : Hook, and Arn. 572 : Hook. Sp. 
 Fil L 199: Bab. M;in. 412: Franc. 30. C. KEGIA, Presl. C. FRAGILIS, 
 $ Newm. 157. CTATHEA REOIA, Forster. CYATHEA ISCISA, Soi. 
 Eng. Bot 163. CYSTEA REOIA, Sm. Eng. Fl iv. 289, In part 
 
 1'OLTPODICM ALPINUM, Jacquin. POLTPODIUM KEGIUM, TJ|m 
 ASPIDICM BEGIITM, SwOTtZ. 
 
 The Alpine Bladder-fern is an extremely elegant little 
 plant, with fronds more deeply divided than hi C. fragilis,
 
 V. CYSTOPTERIS. 
 
 and having then- pinnules and segments much more closely 
 and compactly arranged than in that species. It has a 
 short tufted caudex, from which the fibrous roots are pro- 
 truded, and to which the fronds are 
 terminal and adherent. The fronds, 
 usually produced in May and dying 
 down early in autumn, are numerous, 
 bright green, erect, lanceolate, and 
 vary from four to eight or ten 
 inches in height. They are bipin- 
 nated, some of the pinnules being so 
 deeply pinnatifid as to appear almost 
 again pinnate; they are, however, 
 scarcely tripinnate, the lobes of the 
 pinnules being, I believe, in almost 
 all cases, decurrent. The stipes is 
 usually short, not so brittle as in 
 fragilit, and smooth except imme- 
 diately at the base, where it is sur- 
 rounded by a few pointed brown 
 scales. The pinna; are ovate, divided 
 into bluntly-ovate pinnules which 
 are distinctly stalked !md deeply 
 cleft, almost down to the midvein, 
 into short blunt linear lobes, which 
 are sometimes entire, and sometimes 
 have two or three erect blunt teeth ; 
 these lobes bein<j distinctly decur- 
 rent at the base, the pinnules are 
 pinnatifid, and not pinnate, although 
 sometimes very nearly so. The vena- 
 tion is very distinct. The mid-vein 
 
 dary rachis, is slightly winged. The mid-vein of the 
 pinnules is almost straight ; from this a venule branches 
 off to each lobe, and these venules are either simply forked 
 or, according to the size of the pinnule, have three or four 
 alternate branches, one branch extending to the point of
 
 80 V. CYSTOPTEBIS. 
 
 each marginal tooth. The son are borne towards the mar- 
 gin, and are often numerous but not crowded, and I believe 
 never confluent ; they are small and roundish, with a white 
 membranous concave indusium attached by its base towards 
 the base of the lobes, having a free more or less jagged 
 point. 
 
 This species has now but slight claims to be regarded aa 
 a British fern ; its only authenticated habitat is a wall at 
 Low Layton, in Essex, where it was originally found, near 
 the close of the last century, in great plenty, by Mr. Forster. 
 Repairs of the wall have, however, nearly eradicated the 
 plant, though it has within the last few years been found 
 there and in the neighbourhood spaiingly. Mr. Shepherd, 
 of Liverpool, has sent me specimens of C. alpina, said to 
 have been gathered in Derbyshire and Yorkshire, but with- 
 out assigning more particular habitats. Scotch and Welsh 
 alpine stations which have been assigned to this species 
 probably belong to some of the small much-divided forms 
 of C. fragilis. C. alpina is distributed over the Alps of 
 Europe, chiefly in the south. 
 
 It may be cultivated precisely in the same manner as 
 Cystopteris fragilis. 
 
 3. Cystopteris mon tana, Link. Mountain Blad- 
 der-fern. Fronds triangular tripinnate ; pinna- spreading 
 ultimate pinnules narrow oblong or obtusely sub-falcate 
 inciso-dentate or pinnatifid, the lobes toothed at the apex 
 rachis not winged. 
 
 CTSTOPTEBIS MONTANA, Link : Hook. Sp. FiL L 200 : Hook, aud 
 Arn. Fl. 572: Florig. Brit iv. 88: Newm. 159: Bab. Man. 413. 
 CYSTOPTEBIS ALLIOM, Newm. App. xxv. POLTPODIDM MONTANUM, 
 Allioni. CTATHEA MONTANA, Roth. ASPIDICM KONTAKUM, 
 Swartz. 
 
 The Mountain Bladder-fern is well distinguished by its 
 small triangular fronds, which in shape resemble those of 
 Polypodium Dryopteris. It has a long creeping filiform 
 8caly caudex, to which the fronds are either terminally or 
 laterally adherent The stipes is long, slender, erect, red-
 
 V. CYSTOPTERIS. 
 
 81 
 
 brown, slightly scaly near the base. The frond is tri- 
 angular, tripinnate in the pinnules of the lower pinna?-, 
 bipinnate in the rest of the froud ; both the pinnae and 
 
 [Cystopteris momaua.] 
 
 pinnules being spreading. The first pair of pinnae are nearly 
 opposite, and very much larger than any of the others 
 often in size nearly equalling all the rest ; the second 
 pair are also nearly opposite, but the remainder gra- 
 dually became alternate. The basal inferior pinnules of 
 the lower pinnaj are very much larger and more divided 
 than the superior pinnule of the same pair ; this dispropor- 
 tion gradually decreasing until, near the apex of the 
 pinnx, the opposite pinnules nearly correspond in size. 

 
 82 V. CY8TOPTEHI8. 
 
 The pinnae being pinnate, the pinnules also pinnate, the 
 lobes deeply pinnatuid, and then- divisions notched, it is, 
 though small, one of the most compound of our ferns. 
 The venation is consequently compound. The Literal veins 
 or venules of the larger ultimate divisions become secon- 
 dary mid-veins producing alternate veinlets, which ge- 
 nerally terminate in a sinus between two serratures. The 
 sori are numerous, and become very prominent when ma- 
 ture ; nevertheless although crowded, they do not seem to 
 become confluent. The indusium is sub-rotund and very 
 obtuse, attached behind the sorus, bending forward hi the 
 manner of a hood towards the point of the lobe, and 
 having its free margin jagged or uneven. 
 
 The head-quarters in Britain of this very rare and 
 local fern are the Highlands of Scotland, where it was 
 found, first on Ben Lawers one of the Breadalbane moun- 
 tains, by Mr. Wilson, in company with Professors Hooker 
 and Graham, in 1836 ; and subsequently by Messrs. 
 Gourlie, Adamson, Borrer, and Little, and Dr. Walker Ar- 
 nott in 1841, 1850, and 1851, hi a ravine called Corrach 
 Dh' Oufillach, or Corrach Uachdar, between Glen Dochart 
 and Glen Lochay, hi the Mhiel Oufillach mountains in 
 Perthshire. It is reported to have been found in North 
 Wales by Plukenet, and we are informed that the existence 
 of the species hi Wales has been recently confirmed, though 
 the information is incomplete; it is not, however, im- 
 probable, as the species is met with in the Alps of Europe, 
 occurring most frequently hi the north, and generally on 
 rough stony ground. It is also a native of the Rocky 
 Mountains of North America. 
 
 This is strictly an Alpine plant, and requires treatment 
 similar to that recommended for the other species, with 
 perfect rest in whiter.
 
 GENUS VI. 
 POLYSTICHUM, Schott. 
 
 SHIELD FEKX. 
 
 GKX. CHAR Sori round, medial. Indusium circular, 
 peltate or attached by its centre. Veins free ; midvein 
 distinct; venules forked or pinnately forked, the lowest 
 anterior one or more fertile. 
 
 This genus embraces a set of British Ferns, the ex- 
 tremes of which are of very dissimilar appearance, but 
 they are so closely connected by an intermediate series that 
 much difference of opinion prevails as to what should be 
 regarded as distinct. We have adopted a middle course, and 
 believe the arrangement here proposed to be a natural one. 
 This group being the most typical portion of the old genus 
 Aspidium, it is proposed to retain for it the English name 
 of Shield Fern given to that genua, adopting its equivalent 
 Buckler Fern for the group of Lastrea. 
 
 The name is derived from the Greek poly many, and 
 srtichos order ; in allusion to the numerous regular lines in 
 which the sori are disposed. 
 
 1. Polystichum Lonchitis, J?ofA. Rough Alpine 
 Shield Fern, or Holly Fern. Fronds linear-lanceolate 
 rigid pinnate, pinna; spinose-serrate, auricled at the base 
 above and oblique below, not lobed. 
 
 G 2
 
 84 
 
 VI. FOLYSriCHUM. 
 
 POLYSTICHDM IONCHITIS, Roth : Bab. Man. 411: Newm. 1C?: 
 Florlgr. Brit iv. 89. ASPIDIUM LONCBITIS, Swartz: Sm. Eng. Fl. 
 iv. 271 : Hook and Arn. FL 668 : Franc. 3 2. POLYPODIUM LON- 
 CHiTia, Liiiiutus : Eng. Bot t. 797. 
 
 The Rough Alpine Shield 
 Fern has a tufted scaly caudex, 
 from which the black wiry roots, 
 and the terminal adherent fronds 
 are produced. The persistent 
 fronds appear early in spring, 
 arrive at maturity in the au- 
 tumn, and remain in full vigour 
 through the winter onwards ; 
 they are from six to eighteen 
 laches in height, linear lau- 
 
 [PolysUehutn LoncliitU.]
 
 VI. POLYSTICHUM. 85 
 
 ceolate, rigid, and of leathery texture, deep green, and 
 prickly serrate on the margin. The stipes is very short, 
 clothed below the leafy part with large broad taper-pointed, 
 chaffy scales, and with smaller ones above. The fronds are 
 simply pinnate. The pinnse are short, alternate, extend- 
 ing nearly to the base of the stipes, somewhat crescent- 
 shaped, the base being auricled on the upper side, and 
 sloped or cut away on the lower side, crowded and sub- 
 imbricate, being twisted so that the upper margin pro- 
 jects behind the next superior pinna. The serratures of 
 the margin are acutely spined. The mid-vein is distinct, 
 and branches into free alternate veins, which are gene- 
 rally three-branched, the anterior venule bearing a soru?, 
 and terminating just bej'ond it ; the other venules some- 
 times bear son and reach to the margin. The vein of 
 the enlarged lobe at the base of the pinnae is pinnate, often 
 with several of its simple venules bearing a sorus. The 
 sori form a line on each side of and a little distance from 
 the mid-rib, often crowded, and sometimes confluent, and 
 thej- are usually confined to the upper part of the fronds. 
 Each sorus is covered by a circular indusium, which is 
 peltate or attached to the vein by a short central stalk. 
 
 This rare northern species, of a distinct and elegant cha- 
 racter, is found in the fissures of rocks towards the summits 
 of some of our loftiest and bleakest mountains, exposed to 
 storms and blasts, to meet which its constitution seems to 
 be specially adapted. It is found in England, in Wales, 
 and in Ireland, and more abundantly in Scotland, and is 
 also met with in other parts of Europe. 
 
 Polystichum Lonchitis is a plant of very tardy increase ; 
 the same crown may be cultivated for years without throw- 
 ing out any offsets for the purpose of propagation. It 
 may be kept in good health if potted^rm/y in well-drained 
 soil. The best situation for it, is a cool moist frame, in 
 which, when established, it will grow with tolerable vigour. 
 Exposed on out-door rockwork, it will rarely be found to 
 have a prolonged existence, unless the damp but well- 
 drained condition of its natural localities can be tolerably
 
 86 VI. rOLYSTICHUM. 
 
 imitated. In removing plants of this, as of the other less 
 easily managed ferns, from their natural habitats for the 
 purposes of cultivation, it is proper not only to take all 
 possible precaution not to injure the roots, but also to 
 select the smaller plants in preference to the larger, as it is 
 found that the former are much more easily established 
 under artificial conditions than are the latter. 
 
 2. Polystichum aculeatum, Roth. Common 
 Prickly Shield Fern. Fronds linear-lanceolate or lanceo- 
 late, rigid or leathery, bipinnate; pinnules obliquely de- 
 current or attached by the point of then* wedge-shaped 
 base, the anterior basal ones largest, all prickly serrate. 
 
 POLTSTICHUM ACULEATUM, Ilnth.: Bab. Man. 411: Florigraph. 
 Brit. iv. 91: Newm. 169 (in part.) ASPIDIUM ACULEATCM, 
 Swartz: Sm. Eng. Fl. iv. 277: Hook and Arn. FL 568. POLV- 
 
 PODIUM ACULEATUM, LilllUBUS. 
 
 ft. obtusum : fronds lanceolate, thick not rigid ; pin- 
 nules oblong-obtuse, aristate, aurlcled, crenate-serrate with 
 spinulose teeth. 
 
 POLTSTICHUM ACULEATUM, /3. OBTUSUM, Moore and Houlston 
 in Gard. Mag. Hot. iii. 319. 
 
 <y. lobatum : fronds narrow-lanceolate, very rigid; 
 pinnules not auricled, nearly all confluent, prickly serrate. 
 
 POLYSTICHUM LOBATUM, Presl. P. ACULEATUM, Ncwm. 169 (in 
 part). P. ACULBATUM <y. Florig.Brit iv. 91. ASPIDIUM LOBATUM, 
 Swartz: Sm. Eng. Fl. iv. 278: Hook and Arn. FL 568: Franc. 
 
 33. POLTPODIUM LOBATUM, Hudson. POLTSTICHUM LONCHITI- 
 
 DIOIDES of authors, the Fillx Ipnchitidi affinis of Ray, is a 
 starved form of this variety, having the fronds pinnate with the 
 pinnules more combined. (See lower figure in page 90.) 
 
 . a la turn : pinnules crowded, auricled, all connected 
 together by the wing of the rachis.
 
 VI. POLYSTICIIUM. 
 
 [Polystichum aculcatum.]
 
 88 vi. roLYsncnuM. 
 
 The Common Prickly Shield Fern has a large tufted 
 caudex, which is very enduring, and in age acquires a 
 woody character; from it are produced the numerous 
 strong coarse roots and the terminal adherent fronds. 
 The latter are persistent, retaining their verdure through 
 the winter, and their form for three or four years ; the 
 young ones grow up about April, and when about half 
 developed, their apex is curved backwards in a very 
 elegant manner. By mid-summer they have reached 
 their full growth. They vary from one to two or three 
 feet in height, and are of a lanceolate figure, and tough 
 rigid and leathery in texture, so that the fronds droop 
 but slightly. The species, however, is not inelegant, the 
 rachis often assuming a lateral curve, and the upper sur- 
 face of the frond being more or less shining. The stipes 
 is short, and densely scaly, the scales being rust-coloured, 
 large at the base of the stipes, and becoming smaller up- 
 wards. The fronds are bipinnately divided, the pinna; 
 being alternate, and pinnate as far as or beyond the 
 middle, the pinnules either attached to the midrib in a 
 markedly decurrent manner, or else less decurrent and 
 with a more stalk-like attachment, when this is not easily 
 distinguished from P. angulare. In the most distinctly 
 stalked examples I have seen of P. aculeatum, the base 
 of the pinnule was, however, decidedly wedge-shaped, 
 gradually narrowing from its widest diameter at the 
 auricled part, down to its attachment with the rachis, the 
 base of the pinnule thus forming an acute angle, the point 
 of which touches the rachis ; the attachment of the stalk- 
 like base of the pinnule with the rachis also describing an 
 acute angle. Both the form of the base of the pinnule, 
 and the manner in which it is attached to the rachis, in 
 P. angulare differ from this, and present, I think, the best 
 means of distinguishing the two plants in their nearly 
 allied states. There is no difficulty whatever in dis- 
 tinguishing them when the pinnules of P. aculeatum are 
 less apparently stalked, for the decurrent pinnules afford 
 a certain mark of distinction. The pinna) of P. aculeatum 
 are narrow-lanceolate; the pinnules somewhat crescent-
 
 89 
 
 shaped, acute and aristate at the apex, and fringed -with 
 spiny-serratures on the margin. On each pinna the an- 
 terior basal pinnule is larger and longer than the rest, the 
 side next the main 
 rachis being usually 
 straight, and forming 
 a line parallel with it, 
 and the apex pointing 
 directly towards the 
 apex of the frond ; a 
 row of these enlarged 
 pinnules is thus found 
 on each side the main 
 rachis. All the pin- 
 nules are more or less 
 convex, and, especially 
 the enlarged one, dis- 
 tinctly auricled at their 
 base on the exterior 
 side, the auricles being 
 sharply awned. The 
 midvein -of the pin- 
 nules branches alter- 
 nately into free alter- 
 nate veins, which are 
 generally three or four 
 branched, the lower 
 anterior branch or ve- 
 nule bearing a medial 
 sorus ; the vein proceed- 
 ing up the auricle is 
 pinnately branched with 
 simple venules,several of 
 which produce a sorns. 
 The sori thus form two 
 lines parallel with the 
 midvein of the pinnules 
 [Polystichum tobatum.] &n * ^ of their aurf -
 
 90 
 
 cles; they arc often crowded, and sometimes confluent Each 
 sorus is covered by a circular indusium, attached by its 
 centre, the vein extending beyond it nearly to the margin. 
 This species is common in hedge banks, and similar situa- 
 tions throughout the United Kingdom. It is moreover abun- 
 dant almost all over Europe ; and it, or a closely allied 
 fern, is found in Asia, Africa, and North America, 
 
 The variety obtusum differs chiefly in the broad blunt 
 form of the pinnules, and their thick but not at all rigid 
 texture. It is cultivated at Kew, and is, we are informed, 
 of British origin. 
 
 The variety lobatvm differs from the typical form of tliu 
 species in the narrow-lanceolate outline of its fronds, and 
 in having its pinnules all decurrent or more or less con- 
 fluent. The form of the pinnules is also different, for they 
 
 are never (or rarely 
 very slightly) au- 
 ricled, both the an- 
 terior and poste- 
 rior margins being 
 rounded ; so that 
 they are more 
 ovate than lunate. 
 In other respects 
 in its subevergreen 
 fronds adherent to 
 the tufted caudex ; 
 in its rigid texture, 
 and shining sur- 
 face; in the prickly 
 serratures of its 
 pinnules, and in the 
 enlarged anterior 
 basal pinnule on 
 
 each pinna, it quite agrees with P. aculeatum, from 
 which the numerous intermediate stages, and above 
 all the interchanges observed under cultivation of 
 lobatum to aculeatum, and vice versa, forbid its being 
 
 [Polystichum lobatum, vars.]
 
 VI. rOLYSTICHUM. 91 
 
 separated as a species. It is equally common or more so 
 than the typical form. 
 
 The variety a/alum is a remarkable one, agreeing with 
 P. aculeatum in the form and texture of its pinnules, 
 which are crowded, and all connected by a broad even 
 wing or margin extending along each side of the rachis of 
 the pinnse, very different from the confluence of the pin- 
 nules which occurs in the variety lobatum. The main 
 rachis is rather abundantly furnished with long very 
 narrow ferruginous scales, which may indicate a close 
 relationship with P. angulare. It was found in 1853 near 
 Selworthy in Somersetshire by Mrs. Archer Thompson, to 
 whom we are indebted for the specimens described. 
 
 P. aculeatum and its varieties are easily grown, and are 
 ornamental plants either for rock- work, or for pot-collections. 
 They should be planted in well-drained sandy loam, and 
 prefer a moderately shady situation. 
 
 3. Poly sticlium angulare, Presl. Angular or Soft 
 Prickly Shield Fern. Fronds lanceolate lax bipinnate ; 
 pinnules with an obtuse-angled distinctly-stalked base, 
 acute or obtuse, prickly-serrate. 
 
 POLTSTICHCM ANGULABE, Presl : Newm. 173 : Bab. Man. 412 : 
 Florigr. Brit iv. 95. ASFIDIUM ANGULABE, Willdenow : Sm. Eng. 
 Fl. iv. 278: Eng. Bot Supp. 2776: Hook and Arn. Fl. 568. A. 
 
 ACCLEATUM, Kunzo. 
 
 ft. subtripinnatum : lower pinnules deeply pinnatifid, 
 the lobes sometimes distinct. 
 
 ASPIDIUM ANGULAKE ft, 6CBTBIPINNATE, Hook and AfD. Fl. 5C8. 
 
 /. angustatum : pinnules all small, narrow, very acute ; 
 fronds proliferous near the base. 
 
 The Angular Prickly Shield Fern forms a large tufted 
 caudex, sometimes erect and trunk-like in age, and as it 
 usually throws out numerous lateral crowns, an old plant
 
 92 vi. 
 
 often consists of several crowns attached to the same base, 
 from which the numerous strong coarse roota are pro- 
 
 [PolyBticham angularc.]
 
 VI. POLYSTICHUM. 
 
 93 
 
 traded. The fronds are persistent, and adherent at the 
 base to the tufted caudex ; they are remarkably elegant, 
 retaining their verdure throughout the winter, and the old 
 undecayed fronds of preceding years, though dead and 
 entirely discoloured, are 
 usually found about the 
 base of the plants. The 
 whole plant is softer, 
 more lax and delicate in 
 texture, and more shaggy 
 than in the nearly allied 
 P. aculeatum. The stipes 
 is from one-fourth to one- 
 third the length of the 
 frond, and is densely 
 clothed with coarse red- 
 dish rust-coloured chaffy 
 scales, which also cover 
 both the main and the 
 secondary rachis, the 
 scales becoming smaller 
 upwards, and at length 
 hair-like. The fronds are 
 lanceolate and bipinnate, 
 usually from two to three 
 feet, but sometimes four 
 or five feet high, the out- 
 line generally broader 
 than in P. aculcatum, 
 and the habit pendent. 
 A vigorous old crown 
 frequently produces as 
 [Polystichum angulare many as thirty or more 
 
 ft and <y.] fronds, which, under any 
 
 circumstances, from the laxity of then- habit, assume a 
 beautiful and graceful attitude." The pinnae are numerous, 
 elongate linear-lanceolate, distinct, often distant, four to 
 five inches long. The pinnules are flat, somewhat crescent- 
 shaped, and either acute or bluntiah, distinctly and often
 
 94 
 
 VI. POLTSTICHOf. 
 
 deeply serrated on the margins, with spinulose-serratures ; 
 they are truncate at the 
 base, auricled on the up^- 
 per side, and somewhat 
 rounded on the lower, the 
 two sides forming an ob- 
 tuse angle, which is at- 
 tached to the rachis by a 
 distinct slender stalk. The 
 basal anterior pinnules are 
 usually scarcely larger 
 than the others, but are 
 iu most cases more deeply 
 serrated, and sometimes 
 along with others near the 
 lower end of the pinnae are 
 deeply pinnatifid, or even 
 partially pinnated (when 
 it forms the variety sub- 
 tripinnatum). Various de- 
 grees of this 
 subtri pinnate 
 condition are, 
 however, met 
 with. The base 
 of the pinnules 
 in P. angulare, 
 instead of for- 
 ming an acute 
 angle, as de- 
 scribed under 
 P. aculeatum, 
 forms a very 
 obtuse angle, 
 the point of 
 the angle being 
 not attached 
 directly to the 
 
 rachis as in 
 [Polystichum subtripinnatumj
 
 VI. POLYSTICHUM. 96 
 
 that, but connected therewith by a short and slender 
 but distinct stalk, which again is joined to the rachis 
 at a more obtuse angle than is the case with the pin- 
 nules of P. aculeat urn. In the outline of the pinnules, 
 as well as in the prominence of the spinulose marginal 
 serratures, there is much variation in different plants. 
 Scattered on the under surface of the pinnules are fine 
 hair-like scales. The midvein of each pinnule branches 
 alternately : the veins are again branched, and the an- 
 terior venule bears a sorus, and is scarcely continued be- 
 yond it ; the other venules extend to the margin, and are 
 sometimes simple, sometimes forked. The lobe or auricle 
 at the base of the pinnule has a vein through its centre, 
 throwing off simple venules, some of which are fertile. 
 The son are numerous, often crowded, sometimes con- 
 fluent ; and covered by nearly circular indusia, depressed 
 in the centre, at which part they are attached to the veins 
 thus being peltate. 
 
 The variety subtripi/inatum, is a more highly de- 
 veloped state of the species, in which all the lower pin- 
 nules (the basal ones in particular) are deeply pinnatifid, 
 the segments sometimes becoming almost distinct. Being 
 thus somewhat more deeply divided, and at the same time 
 usually of larger growth than the ordinary P. angulare ; 
 it is a more lax and more elegant plant. It is not un- 
 common. 
 
 The variety ungustatum, though sharing the elegant 
 character of the species, is perhaps less graceful than it or 
 the more divided variety. Its peculiarity resides in the 
 very narrow and acute pinnules, which are rather more 
 distinctly stalked than hi the common forms of P. angu- 
 lare. It is further remarkable in being viviparous hi the 
 axils of the lower pinnie. It has been found in the 
 neighbourhood of Wimbledon, and is preserved in the 
 Royal Botanic Garden at Kew. 
 
 Another proliferous form of this species has been sent 
 me from Ireland by Mr. Kinahan under the name of 
 viviparum. It is a curious depauperated monstrosity,
 
 96 VL 
 
 and quite dwarf ; the pinnae usually reduced to a mere 
 rib, or when at all approaching the normal form, they are 
 wedge-shaped at the base, and above cut into deep narrow 
 lobes ending in subulate teeth. 
 
 The species (not uncommonly known among British 
 botanists as Polystichum aculeatum), appears to be abun- 
 dantly distributed tliroughout England, as far north as 
 Yorkshire ; also in Wales, and in some parts of Ireland. 
 Of its occurrence in Scotland we have no authentic infor- 
 mation excepting in one locality in Berwickshire. It pre- 
 fers lowland sheltered woods and hedge banks, where the 
 soil is moist, and in such situations grows with much 
 luxuriance. The same species is met with in other parts 
 of Europe. 
 
 It is a very easDy cultivated plant, growing freely in 
 any light soil, especially such as is enriched by decayed 
 leaves. For rock-work, it is one of the most ornamental 
 of all our hardy species, and its persistent evergreen habit 
 is, in such a place, a great additional recommendation. It 
 should be planted in a well-drained and shady situation. 
 In wilderness scenery it would be quite at home, and no 
 plant could be more appropriate or effective in such situ- 
 ations. It is readily cultivated in pots, requiring, how- 
 ever, a considerable share of pot-room, and to be kept 
 in a cool and shady place.
 
 GENUS VII. 
 L ASTREA, Presl. 
 
 BUCKLER FERN. 
 
 GEN. CHAR. Son' nearly circular, indusiate, attached 
 at the back of the lateral veins. Indusium irregularly re- 
 niform, attached by the sinus. Veins free; midvein 
 distinct ; venules simple or branched. 
 
 The name Lastrea was originally applied by Bory de 
 St. Vincent to a group of Pulypodium, including Oreop- 
 teris, Thelypteris, Phegopteris, Dryopteris, and Rober- 
 tianum, and was intended to mark a sectional division. 
 The name was subsequently adopted by Presl, for one of 
 his new genera which included the majority of Bory's spe- 
 cies. Presl's genus embraces the greater part of the British 
 species which were referred to Aspidium as defined by 
 Swartz. The common male fern {Lastrea Filix-mai) may 
 be regarded as the type. I have here adopted as an 
 English name for the genus, that of Buckler Fern, being 
 an equivalent for Shield Fern, which was borne by the old 
 genus Aspidium of which Lastrea forms a considerable 
 part; that name being more properly restricted to the 
 group now called Polystichum. 
 
 The systematic name of the genus was applied in ho- 
 nour of M. Delastre, of Chatelleraut, a zealous botanist, 
 and an excellent microscopical observer.
 
 98 
 
 VII. LASTHEA. 
 
 1. Lastrea Thelypterls, Presl. Marsh Buckler 
 Fern Fronds lanceolate with a broad base, pinnate, 
 glandless ; pinna; linear- lanceolate, deeply pinnatifid ; lobes 
 oblong, the edges revolute in the fertile fronds, which thus 
 appear contracted. 
 
 LASTBEA THELTP- 
 IFIUS. Presl: Bab. 
 Man 409: Newm. 183: 
 Flongr. Brit. iv. 96 
 ASPIDIDM THELTPTE- 
 RI8, Swartz : Sm. Eng. 
 Fl. iT. 272: Hook and 
 Ani. Fl. 569: Franc. 35. 
 POLYPODIUM THE- 
 LTPTEBIS, Linnaeus 
 AcBosncmiM THE- 
 LTPTERI8, Linnaeus. 
 
 POLTSTICHCM THE- 
 LYPTEBIS, Both. 
 
 THELTPTEMS PALUS- 
 TBia, Schott HEMES- 
 THECM THELTPTEBU, 
 Newman, App. xxii. 
 
 The Marsh Buck- 
 ler Fern has a very 
 widely extended 
 creeping caudex, 
 which is slender, 
 dark-coloured, near- 
 ly smooth, and fur- 
 nished with mat- 
 ted fibrous roots. 
 The fronds which 
 perish annually, and 
 are renewed, the bar- 
 ren ones about May, 
 the fertile ones about 
 July, are slender 
 and fragile, erect, [Lwtrea ThelypterisJ
 
 VII. LASTREA. 99 
 
 six to eighteen inches 'or more in height, smooth, delicate, 
 almost membranous, pale green, lateral, and adherent to the 
 caudex. The stipes is slender and smooth. The fronds are 
 lanceolate scarcely narrowed at the base, pinnate. The 
 pinna3 are often opposite, but sometimes alternate, distant, 
 slightly drooping, the longest one and a half to three inches 
 long, all ] linn. -it it'n I. with crowded entire oblong rounded 
 lobes. The fertile fronds are similar to the barren ones, 
 but taller and more robust ; sometimes upwards of three 
 feet high, with distant alternate pinna; occupying the 
 upper third of the frond. These fertile fronds have the 
 margin of their lobes revolute, and this gives the latter the 
 appearance of being narrower and more pointed than those 
 of the barren fronds. The midvein of the lobes is distinct, 
 and somewhat sinuous, producing free alternate venules, 
 which are usually forked near the mid-vein, with the 
 branches continued to the margin. In weak specimens 
 some of the veins are simple, and in luxuriant ones they 
 sometimes have more than two branches. Each branch 
 usually bears at about hajf way between the margin and 
 mid-vein a small roundish sorus, which hi its earlier stages 
 is covered by a thin white reniform indusium, soon becom- 
 ing pushed aside and lost The sori thus form a submar- 
 ginal line, and finally become confluent, or nearly so, 
 and are partially covered by the reflected margin of the 
 lobe. 
 
 This species is rare and local, though widely dispersed. 
 It is only found in boggy and marshy places, and when 
 present is generally abundant, being a free grower, and 
 rapidly extending itself by its long creeping caudex. It 
 occurs all over England and Wales and in all the Irish 
 provinces, but in Scotland it is uncommon. It is found 
 throughout Europe, and both ha Asia, Africa, and America. 
 
 This fern grows freely under pot-cultivation if planted 
 in wide pots, and hi turfy peat soil mixed with decaying 
 tree leaves, and kept in a moist state; though it does not 
 very freely produce its fertile fronds whea thus grown.
 
 100 VII. LASTRF.A. 
 
 When vigorous it is nevertheless an elegant and delicate 
 looking species. Probably its want of fertility under such 
 circumstances may be in consequence of its extensively 
 creeping stems being too much restricted within a garden 
 pot, and a wide shallow pan would be more congenial to 
 its habits. When introduced about rock-work it should be 
 at the base where its natural boggy habitat may be imi- 
 tated. It propagates readily by division of the caudex. 
 
 2. Lastrea Oreopteris, Presl. Mountain Buckler 
 Fern. Fronds lanceolate narrowed below, pinnate, glan- 
 dular beneath ; pinnae linear-lanceolate, widest at the base, 
 deeply pinnatifid ; lobes oblong flat 
 
 LASTREA OREOPTEKIS, Presl: Bab. Man. 410: Newm. 188: 
 Florigr. Brit iv. 98. LASTREA MONTANA, T. M. 3/S. ASPIDFCM 
 OREOPTEKIS, Swartz: 8m. Eng. Fl. iv. 273: Eng. Bot. 1019: 
 Hook and Arn. Fl. 669: Franc. 36. POI.YPODIUM OREOPTERIS, 
 Ehrhart. - PoLYPODitJM MOSTAJJUM, Vogler. POI/ISTICHUM MON- 
 TANCM, Rotb. HEMESTHEUM MONTANCM, Newm. App. xxii. 
 
 The Mountain Buckler Fern has a large tufted scaly 
 caudex, from which spread in all directions strong en- 
 tangled fibres. The fronds appear in May, and are nu- 
 merous, semi-erect, terminal, adherent, rising up around 
 the caudex, to the height of two or three feet. They are 
 lanceolate, pinnate, leafy nearly to the base, and remark- 
 ably narrowed there, the pinnae gradually decreasing in 
 size from about the middle of the frond. The stipes is very 
 short, and covered with pale brown scales, and when in a 
 young state small hair-like scales are numerous on the 
 rachis among the lower pinnae. The pinnae are usually 
 opposite, the lower ones short deltoid obtuse, gradually 
 lengthening upwards to the middle of the frond, where 
 they are linear-lanceolate, three to nearly six inches long, 
 broadest at the base, and tapering to a long narrow point ; 
 the upper ones decrease in length and also in breadth ; all 
 are deeply pinnatifid, the lobes fat, obtuse, and entire,
 
 VII. LASTRKA. 
 
 101 
 
 [Lastrea Oreopteris.]
 
 102 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 rarely slightly crenate towards the apex. The raider sur- 
 face of the fronds is scattered over with numerous yel- 
 lowish glands, which, when bruised, emit a strong and 
 pleasant balsamic odour. The lobes have a distinct and 
 slightly sinuous mid-vein with free alternate vennles, 
 which are sometimes branched and sometimes simple, all 
 extending nearly, but not quite, to the margin, and bearing 
 the son near their extremity. The son form a crowded 
 submarginal series, and at length become nearly confluent ; 
 they are at first covered by a small thin jagged indu- 
 sium which is soon obliterated. 
 
 This species is an inhabitant of mountainous heaths and 
 of moist woods. It is common in England and Wales, 
 particularly abundant in Scotland, more local in Ireland, 
 but nevertheless occurs in all the provinces of Great Bri- 
 tain except the Channel Isles from whence it is not re- 
 corded. It is, moreover, met with throughout Europe, 
 but is said to be confined to this quarter of the globe. 
 
 This fern is not much given to variation. A form, how- 
 ever, in which the pinnules are much crisped or undulated, 
 has been found in the Clova mountains by Dr. Balfour. 
 
 The roots of this fern are rather difficult to get esta- 
 blished under cultivation, much more so than its common- 
 ness would seem to render probable. To obviate this, 
 smaller plants should be selected rather than larger ones. 
 If grown in pots it requires them to be well drained, and 
 of considerable size. The plant is very elegant, and may 
 be introduced with good effect in shady situations, among 
 rockwork. It is also suitable for the decoration of " wilder- 
 nes" walks, as it grows very luxuriantly in woods. When 
 once it becomes established, it grows more freely, thriving, 
 however, best in shady situations. It may be propagated, 
 sparingly, by detaching any lateral crowns that may be 
 formed around the old plants ; but grows very freely from 
 the spores.
 
 VII. LASTREA. 103 
 
 3. Lastrea Fillx-mas, Presl. Male Fern, or Com- 
 mon Buckler Fern. Fronds lanceolate sub-bipinnate, 
 pinnae linear-lanceolate ; pinnules oblong the basal ones 
 more or less distinct, the rest confluent, their serratnres 
 not spinulose; son uniserial near the midrib; indusiure 
 convex very persistent, without glands on the margin : 
 
 a. sub-bipinnate-; pinnules obtuse-oblong, distinct 
 
 with a broad attachment, or connected at the base, crenato- 
 serrate ; venules forked or three-branched ; sori confined 
 to the lower half of pinnules. 
 
 LASTREA FILM-MAS, Pres) : Bab. Man. 410 : Newm.197 : Florigr. 
 Brit. iv. 103. ASPIDIDM FILIX-MAS, Swartz : Sm. Eng. F). iv. 
 275: Eng. Bot. 1458 and 1949: Hook and Arn. Fl. 569: Franc 38. 
 POLYPODICM FILIX-MAS, LimiEeus. POLYSTICHOM FILIX-MA, 
 Hoth. DRTOPTERIS FILIX-MAS, Schott LOPHODIDM 1 ILIX-MAS, 
 Newm. App. xx. 
 
 /3. incisa : more robust ; bipinnate ; pinnules elongate- 
 oblong acutish, deeply incised, the lobes serrate ; venules 
 many-branched ; sori usually extending further up the 
 pinnules. 
 
 LASTREA FILIX-MAS, rnr. INCISA, Moore, Phytologist (1848) p. 
 137: Bab. Man. 410. LASTREA EROSA, Deakin, Florigr. Brit. iv. 
 101. ASFIDIUM FILIX-MAS, tar. EKOSUM, Hook and Arn. Br. Fl. 
 5G9. ASPIDIUM DEPASTCM, Schkuhr (monstrons). ASPIDIUM 
 EROSUM, Schkuhr, according to Deakin and Arnott, bat hardly so 
 Schkuhr's plant having a glandular indusium and a winged se- 
 condary rachis. ASPIDIUM AFFINE, Fischer and Meyer, according 
 to Arnott. LOPHODIOM EROBUM. Newna. POLYPODIUM HELEOP- 
 TEBIS, Borkhausen, according to Deakin. 
 
 7. abbreviata : dwarf, sub-bipinnate ; pinnules small 
 and confluent ; sori usually confined to the anterior venule 
 of each pinnule, thus arranged in a single line near the 
 rachis of the pinnae.
 
 104 
 
 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 LASTBEA FILIX-MAS, var. ABBREVIATA. Bab. Man. 410. POLYS 
 
 TICHCM ABBBEVIATUM, De Candollc. LOPHODICM ABBBEVIATUM, 
 
 Newman. ASPIDIDM FILIX-MAS, car. BECUBVUM, Francis. 
 
 [Lastrea FUlx-mas.]
 
 VII. LASTUKA. 
 
 105 
 
 [Lastrea Filix-mas, var. Incisa,]
 
 106 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 . cristata : fronds narrow elongate ; pinnules con- 
 tracted and confluent ; apex of frond and of pinnaa multifid- 
 crisped. 
 
 LASTREA FILIX-MAS, var. CEISTATA, Moore and Houlston, Gard. 
 Mag. Hot. lii. 317. 
 
 The Male Fern, or Common Buckler Fern, has a large 
 tufted caudex, gradually elongated, becoming in aged 
 plants often elevated above the surface and producing nu- 
 merous strong dark brown, deeply penetrating roots. Some- 
 times, however, it assumes a decumbent position, the crown 
 being curved at the extremity, from which the fronds 
 arise, nearly or quite erect. The fronds grow up in a 
 circle several from each crown, to which they are terminal 
 and adherent ; they grow to the average height of two to 
 three feet, and bear pinna? to within about a third of their 
 length from the base. The young fronds appear annually 
 in May ; their vernation is at first circinate, but in a few 
 days after development commences, the apex becomes 
 liberated, and bent downwards, acquiring a curve similar 
 to that of a shepherd's crook. The stipes is short, and 
 usually, together with the rachis, densely covered with 
 narrow membranous chaffy pale brown scales of various 
 size. The fronds are sub-bipinnate in the normal form of 
 the species, broadly lanceolate, or not unfrequently oblong- 
 lanceolate, with an abrupt acuminated apex. The pinna? 
 are linear lanceolate, acute, alternate, spreading, the lowest 
 shorter than those about the middle of the frond, which 
 are from four to six inches long ; they are pinnate at the 
 base, the pinnules having usually a broad attachment, and 
 in the upper part of the pinnse becoming more or less com- 
 bined. The pinnules and lobes are oblong-obtuse, crenato- 
 serrate on the margin, and more acutely and closely serrate 
 at the apex. The mid- vein of the pinnules is sinuous ; 
 the venules alternate, becoming branched near the mid- 
 vein, either simply forked, or when vigorous having the
 
 VII. LASTKKA. 
 
 107 
 
 [Lastrea FUix-ir.as, var. incisa-j 
 
 posterior branch again 
 forked, or sometimes be- 
 coming still more di- 
 vided. The anterior 
 branch on a greater or 
 less number of these ve- 
 nules towards the base 
 of the pinnule, bears a 
 sorus just above its ori- 
 gin, the son forming a 
 short line on each side 
 near to the mid-vein, and 
 extending r'<out half the 
 length of the pinnule. 
 The son are covered by 
 very persistent reniform 
 convex indusia, which 
 are smooth, that is, with- 
 out projecting glands on 
 their margin, and are 
 connected to the back of 
 the veins by their sinus, 
 which is turned towards 
 the rachis. The fructi- 
 fication, which is con- 
 fined to the upper part 
 of the fronds, becomes 
 mature about August, 
 and in favourable loca- 
 lities the fronds remain 
 for a considerable period 
 in a perfect state. 
 
 The variety incisa 
 may be considered as a 
 more highly developed 
 condition of the plant. 
 It is of more robust
 
 108 VII. LASTKEA. 
 
 habit, and grows three to four feet high. The fronds, 
 which are distinctly bipinnate, are lance-shaped in out- 
 line, and do not, as is frequent in the normal plant, 
 abruptly contract into an acuminate apex. The pinnules 
 are also less crowded ; those near the base of the pinnae 
 being narrowed where they are connected with the rachis, 
 frequently but not always considerably so ; in form they 
 are more elongate, and narrowed into a somewhat acute 
 apex, the margins more or less deeply inciso -lobate, with 
 the lobes cut into from two to five serratures. The ve- 
 nules are more numerous, several being developed from each 
 vein, one of these extending up the centre of each lobe, 
 those near the base of the pinnule producing the most nu- 
 merous venoles. The sori however, are, notwithstanding 
 the more compound venation, produced only by the lower 
 anterior branch, so that they here also form a single line 
 on each side the midrib, only they are commonly extended 
 further up the pinnule and often reach almost to its apex. 
 The indusium is convex, without any marginal glands, and 
 is often met with smaller and less persistent, than in the 
 form we have considered the normal plant Irregular and 
 monstrous developments of this variety seem to constitute 
 the Aspidium depaatum of Schkuhr, of which the fronds are 
 broader, with large deeply lobed oblong pinnules occurring 
 along with smaller deformed ones. The variety incisa 
 is probably equally common with the type form. We 
 have seen specimens from the counties of Devon, Somerset, 
 Wilts, Dorset, Kent, Surrey, Hertford, Northampton, 
 Hereford, Derby, and Cumberland, in England ; and from 
 those of Lanark, Perth, and Kincardine hi Scotland. 
 
 The variety abbreviata is a dwarf plant not exceeding 
 a foot in height, and it is remarkable in having the pinna-. 
 curved backwards so that the upper surface of the frond 
 is concave. The stipes is very short. The outline is 
 narrow lanceolate ; the pinnae one and a half to two 
 inches long and bluntish at the apex. The pinnules, 
 which are all connected at the base, one or two of the
 
 Vn. LASTREA. 109 
 
 lowest only being cut down nearly to the rachis, are small, 
 obtuse, with very blunt serratures. The venation is much 
 simpler than in the forms already noticed, and more re- 
 rembling that of the lobes of the var. incisa. The mid-vein 
 produces a series of alternate vennles, which are simple or 
 sometimes forked, and usually the lowest anterior venule 
 only bears a sorus, so that they form scarcely more than a 
 simple line on each side the rachis about even with the 
 sinus of the pinnules. One or two of the basal pinnules 
 sometimes produce two or three sori. The indusium is 
 convex and persistent. This variety has been found in 
 Durham at Teesdale by Mr. J. Backhouse ; in Yorkshire 
 at Ingleborough, and in Cumberland by the Rev. G. 
 Finder; at Coniston in Lancashire by Miss Beever; and, 
 in 1851 near Llvn Ogwen in Carnarvonshire by Mr. 
 S. O. Gray. 
 
 The variety cristata is perhaps one of the handsomest 
 ferns in existence, and though a monstrosity, is, like 
 many other of the monstrosities that occur among the 
 ferns, reproduced without variation from the spores. The 
 fronds are about two feet high, narrow lanceolate, with 
 rather distant pinnae, which, at the widest part of the 
 frond, are about two inches in length ; they are narrow, 
 tapering from the base upwards. The apex of the frond, 
 and of even,' pinna, is multifidly-forked, and symmetrically 
 developed into a tasselled tuft of crisped segments, exactly 
 as occurs in Athyrium Filix-foemina, var. multifidvm. 
 The fructification is copious on the upper part of the 
 fronds, and quite agrees with that of the normal form of 
 the species. It was found at Charleston, near St. Austell 
 in Cornwall, and is cultivated in the Royal Garden at Kew. 
 
 Another form, perhaps entitled to rank as a variety, 
 mentioned in Hooker and Arnott's British Flora as oc- 
 curring abundantly in Devonshire, is found by Mr. Back- 
 house in Yorkshire, Durham, and the Clova district. Its 
 chief peculiarities are a yellowish green colour, a great 
 abundance of long hair-like ferruginous scales on the pri-
 
 110 VI L 1 . A ST l; I A . 
 
 mary and secondary rachises, and minute though copious 
 sori. It might be distiuguibhed as a variety by the name 
 of paleacea. 
 
 The typal form of Lastrea Filix-mcu is one of our 
 commonest ferns, abounding everywhere, in wooded and 
 in shady situations, and occurring commonly in hedge 
 banks. It is met with over the whole continent of Europe, 
 and is widely dispersed elsewhere. 
 
 The Male Fern, in conjunction with the Common 
 Bracken (Pteris aquitina), is applied to various eco- 
 nomic uses, such as the dressing of leather, the manu- 
 facture of glass, the bleaching of linen, &c. uses which 
 which will hereafter be noticed in treating on that species. 
 The inhabitants of Siberia are said to boil the Male Fern 
 in their ale to improve its flavour. la Norway the dried 
 fronds are infused in hot water, and thus form a palatable 
 food for cattle, sheep, and goats, which eagerly eat and 
 even fatten upon it. In the dried state it forms a warm 
 litter for cattle, or a good light protective covering for 
 plants ; and either in the fresh or decayed state is useful 
 as manure. Medicinally it has obtained some celebrity as 
 an anthelmintic, in which character it was known to the 
 ancients. Formerly it was employed much more frequently 
 than now, not, however, it appears so much on account of 
 its inefficiency, as from the greater facility with which 
 other and perhaps better understood agents are procured. 
 Thus Gerarde writes: "The roots of the male fern, 
 being taken to the weight of half an ounce, driveth forth 
 long flat worms, as Dioscorides writeth, being drunk in 
 mede or honied water, and more effectually if it be given 
 with two scruples, or two third parts of a dram of scamo- 
 nie, or of black hellebore; they that will use it, must first 
 eat garlicke." The famous remedy of Madame Noufler, 
 of Switzerland, for expelling tape worms had this plant 
 for its basis. In the form of etherial extract, from 12 to 
 24 grains form a dose (at night and again in the morning) 
 or from 1 to 3 drachms of the powder. The inner parts of
 
 VII. LASTREA. 'Ill 
 
 the fresh caudex, and of the portions of leaf-stalk attached 
 to it, which are fleshy and of a light greenish colour, 
 should only be employed, and this should be renewed 
 annually, and kept close from the air. This species is 
 supposed to have been the pteris of Dioscorides, according 
 to Dr. Royle, who states that several ferns were no doubt 
 employed medicinally by the ancients. 
 
 This very common Fern is ornamental when in vigorous 
 health ; it may be planted about shady walks, in woods 
 and wilderness scenery, and on the shady sides of rockwork. 
 As a pot plant it requires abundance of space for its roots, 
 a sandy loamy soil, and, beyond these, nothing more than 
 ordinary attention in affording it a supply of water in 
 summer, and plunging the pots in any loose dryish mate- 
 rial in a sheltered situation out- doors for the winter. 
 
 4. Lastrea rigid a, Presl Rigid Buckler Fern. 
 Fronds lanceolate, broad at the base, bipinnate, glandular ; 
 pinnules oblong, blunt, slightly pinnatifid, the segments 
 broad rounded two to five toothed, the teeth not spinu- 
 lose ; indusium persistent, fringed with glands. 
 
 LASTREA BIGIDA, Presl : Bab. Man. 411 : Newm. 191. ASPIDIUM 
 RIQIDUM, Swartz: Eng. Bot Supp. 2724: Hook, and Arn. Fl. 569: 
 Franc. 40. ASPEDHJM FRAGRANS, Gray. POLTPODIUM FRAGBANS. 
 Liniui'iis in part. POLYPOPIUM RIGIDOM, Hoffman. POLTSTICHUM 
 
 8TKIGOSCH, Roth. 
 
 The Rigid Buckler Fern has a decumbent caudex, pro- 
 ducing long wiry roots, and numerous fronds, which 
 are nearly or quite erect, from one to two feet high, their 
 surface sprinkled with numerous minute spherical nearly 
 sessile glands, which are much more conspicuous in the fresh 
 than in the dried plant, and give it a slight but peculiar 
 fragrance. The stipes is short, usually about a third of 
 the height of the frond, but sometimes longer, densely 
 clothed especially at the base where it is much thickened,
 
 112 
 
 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 i.ustrea rigula.]
 
 VII. LASTREA. 113 
 
 with long narrow sharp-pointed reddish-brown membranous 
 scales, which become smaller and less abundant upwards, 
 but are continued in a hair-like form up the rachis. The 
 fronds are bipinnate, more or less lanceolate; in some 
 cases where the lower pinnae are slightly shorter than 
 those above them, they are truly lanceolate ; in other in- 
 stances the lowest pinnae are somewhat the longest, the 
 upper ones gradually decreasing in size, and when this is 
 so, they are of a narrow and elongated triangular outline, 
 which appears to be the normal form in the mature plants. 
 The longest pinnae in vigorous fronds measure from two to 
 three and a half inches in length. The short lower pinnae 
 of the lanceolate form are broader and more distant than 
 the upper ones, and have a triangular outline ; whilst the 
 lower pinnae of the triangular form are of about the same 
 width as those of the lanceolate form, but twice their 
 length, and therefore much narrower hi proportion. The 
 pinnae are all pinnate, alternate, tapering from the base 
 upwards, broadest in the lower part of the frond, the upper 
 ones gradually becoming narrower. The pinnules are 
 oblong, truncate below, usually with a narrow stalk-like 
 attachment, but sometimes slightly decurrent, more or 
 less deeply pinnatifid, the lobes serrated, with from two to 
 five acute, but not spinulose teeth. They have a sinuous 
 mid-vein, with alternate veins, each of these producing 
 three or more venules, the lowest anterior one of which 
 bears a sorus a short distance from its origin. One vein 
 is projected into each of the lobes, and the number of 
 venules is accordant with the number of marginal teeth, 
 one being directed to each serrature. From this disposition 
 of the veins the sori become ranged in a line on each side 
 and near to the mid-vein, and are usually so near together 
 as soon to become confluent, and occupy the central part 
 of the pinnule. They are each covered by a persistent 
 renifonn indusium, the sinus of which is turned towards 
 the base of the pinnule, and the margin is fringed with 
 stalked glands.
 
 114 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 TliLs is a rare and local species, entirely confined, as far 
 as regards Great Britain, to limestone hills in the mountain- 
 ous districts in the counties of Westmoreland, Lancashire, 
 and Yorkshire. The Rev. W. Bree first found it at Ingle- 
 borough in Yorkshire. The Rev. G. Finder met with it 
 in great profusion along the limestone district, between 
 Arn.side Knot (near Silverdale, Westmoreland), where it 
 is comparatively scarce, and Ingleborough, being most 
 abundant on Hutton Roof Crags and Farlton Knot, where 
 it grows in the deep fissures of the natural platform, and 
 occasionally high in the clefts of the rocks. It is gene- 
 rally much shattered by the wind, or cropped by the 
 sheep, which seem to be fond of it. It grows abundantly 
 in the fissures of limestone rocks, near Settle, in Yorkshire, 
 at an elevation of 1,550 feet. It is also recorded as a 
 native of various European countries. 
 
 This is an easily managed and elegant plant under 
 cultivation, and flourishes well in a shady peat border or 
 planted in turfy peat soil, intermixed with small lumps of 
 broken limestone. It should not be kept too moist, and 
 the crown should be raised above the surface. 
 
 5. Lastrea crlstata, Presl. Crested or Narrow 
 prickly-toothed Buckler Fern. Fronds erect, narrow 
 linear-oblong or lanceolate pinnate or bipinnate ; serra- 
 tures spinose-mucronate ; scales of the stipes ovate scat- 
 tered ; indusium without marginal glands : 
 
 [I unite the following forms under one species, because although 
 the two extremes are apparently distinct, they are so closely 
 connected by the intermediate form (uliginosa) as to be (indistin- 
 guishable from one or other of the conditions which the latter 
 assumes. In doing this I believe I am recurring to the views 
 held by Linnaus. The group thus associated, though readily 
 distinguished from the allied group which I regard as varieties 
 of the following species, and with which this is associated by some, 
 does not appear to me to offer sufficient marks for the specific 
 separation of the plants I have assigned to it.]
 
 VII. LASTREA. 115 
 
 . : fronds narrow linear-oblong, pinnate ; pinnte 
 
 short triangular-oblong, with oblong pinnules or segments 
 which are nearly always connected at the base, crenato- 
 serrate or obscurely lobed, with aristate teeth; inferior 
 and superior basal pinnules nearly equal in size. 
 
 LASTREA CRISTATA, Prcsl: Bab. Man. 410: Newm.203: Florigr. 
 Brit. iv. 107. LASTREA CALLIPTERIS, Newm. ASPIDICM CRISTA- 
 TUM, Swnrtz : Sm. Eng. Fl. iv. 276 : Eng. Hot. 2125 : Hook, and 
 Arn. Fl. 569 : Franc. 30. POLYPODIUM CRISTATCM, Linnseus (in 
 part). POLYPODICM CALLIPTERIS, Ehrhart POLYSTICHDM CEIS- 
 
 TATDM, IlOth. LOPHODIUM CALLIPTiBIS, NeWHl. App. XiX. 
 
 y3. itliginosa : fronds (earlier fertile ones) narrow, linear- 
 lanceolate, bipinnate below ; pinnules oblong-acute, mostly 
 adnate, inciso-serrate or lobed, with aristate teeth : inferior 
 and superior basal pinnules nearly equal in size. 
 
 LASTREA CRISTATA, rar. TJWGINOSA, Moore, Trans. Bot Soc, 
 Edin. iv., 109 ; and Phytol. iv., 149 : Bab. Man. 410. LASTBEA 
 DLIGINOSA, Newman. ASPIDIDM SPINUI.OSDM, Hook, and Arn. Fl. 
 571 (iu part). ASPIDIUM SKNULOSCM, vur. CLIGINOSUM, A. Braun. 
 
 y. spinulosa : fronds narrow oblong-lanceolate, bipin- 
 nate; pinnules oblong-acute, incised or pinnatifid, with 
 aristatety toothed lobes; inferior basal pinnules much 
 larger than the superior ones. 
 
 LASTREA SPISUI.OSA, Presl: Bab. Man. 410. LASTREA SPINOSA, 
 Newman : Florigr. Brit. iv. 108. LABTREA DILATATA, var. LINEAIIIS, 
 Bab. Man. 1 ed. POLTPODIUM CRISTATDM, Liunoeus (iu part). 
 POLYPODIUM SPINDLOSUM, Muller (1770): Withering (1796). 
 POLYPODIUM FILIX-F<EMINA, var. spisosA, Weiss (1770j. POLYS- 
 
 TICHDM 8PINO8DM, Roth. LOPHODICM SPINOSUM, NeWHl. App. 
 
 xviii. 
 
 The Crested Buckler Fern has a stout short decumbent 
 or slowly creeping caudex, which occasionally emits a 
 lateral branch, and produces numerous dark brown matted
 
 116 VII.LASTEEA. 
 
 roots. The fronds grow up in May quite erect, in a small 
 tuft from each crown ; they are terminal, and adherent, 
 
 [Laitrca crUtaUu]
 
 VII. LASTKEA. 
 
 117 
 
 from one to three feet high, narrow-linear-oblong in out- 
 line, not narrowed towards the base. In vernation they 
 are circulate, with the pinnae flat, and rolled inwards from 
 the point. The stipes is one-third or more the height of 
 the fronds, and is very stout and shining, and furnished 
 sparingly with broad obtuse uniformly pale brown chaffy 
 scales, most abundant at the base. 
 The base of the stipes of the older 
 fronds bears rude semi-lunar mark- 
 ings, indicating the former attach- 
 ment of these scales. The fronds 
 are pinnate ; the pinnae which are 
 produced in pairs, but seldom exactly 
 opposite, those towards the apex of 
 the fronds becoming decidedly al- 
 ternate, and rather distant, the dis- 
 tance decreasing from the base 
 towards the apex are attached to 
 the rachis by a little stalk, and 
 though elongate triangular are short 
 as compared with the kindred spe- 
 cies, and are deeply pinnatifid, so 
 that the fronds become almost bipin 
 nate. The pinnules are ovate- oblong, 
 blunt, almost invariably decurrent 
 at the base ; sometimes one or two 
 > -of the basal ones are very slightly 
 stalked, and they are usually more 
 or less crenately lobed, all the lobes 
 being fringed with fine sharp bristly 
 teeth. In luxuriant fronds the 
 pinnas are somewhat more elongated 
 than ordinary, and the basal pin- 
 nules more distinct. The inferior 
 pinnules are generally somewhat 
 longer than the superior ones, but 
 [Lastrea cristata.] the enlargement is here but slight.
 
 118 
 
 VII LASTHEA. 
 
 The mid-vein of the pinnules is sinuous, producing alter- 
 nate venules, which have several branches, the anterior of 
 which only bears a sorus, and this is generally situated 
 about halfway between the midrib and the margin, so as 
 to form a more or less distinct line, though in luxuriant 
 specimens the sori become crowded and confluent The 
 fructification is usually either confined 
 to or most abundant on the upper part 
 of the frond ; sometimes, however, 
 extending down to the second pair 
 of pinnae from the base. The sori are 
 covered by reniform indnsia, which 
 are somewhat irregular on the margin, 
 but without glands, and are attached 
 by a deep sinus, the anterior margin 
 being free. The larger of the two an- 
 nexed figures of this fern represents 
 a barren cultivated frond, and the 
 smaller a wild fertile frond drawn to 
 a more reduced scale. 
 
 The variety uliginosa is exactly 
 intermediate between what we take as 
 the normal forms of L. cristata and 
 Li. spinulosa, differing from each in 
 certain particulars in which it agrees 
 with the other. It has a stout de- 
 cumbent caudex, and erect linear- 
 lanceolate fronds, two to three feet 
 high, and bipinnate at the base of 
 the pinnae. It bears three kinds of 
 fronds. When the young fronds of a 
 
 mature plant are produced, which 
 [Lastrea nliginosa!] usuaHv takes place ^^ days ^5^ 
 
 than in the case of L. crista (a and later than that of L. 
 gpinulosa, some of them are fertile and others barren. 
 The latter are somewhat spreading, smaller, pinnate, 
 with decurrent oblong-obtnse pinnules, and exactly re-
 
 VII LASTREA. 
 
 119 
 
 sembling the infertile fronds of L. cristata. The former 
 are erect, larger, pinnate, the pinnules being distinct below, 
 adnate above, oblong-acute, inciso-serrate or lobed, with 
 aristate teeth, the whole of the 
 frond being fertile, and the in- 
 ferior pinnules larger in a small 
 degree than the superior ones. 
 Later in the summer another 
 kind of frond is produced, large, 
 stout and fertile, but with the 
 pinnules of the same form as those 
 of the earlier barren fronds. The 
 pinnae, especially in the earlier 
 fertile fronds, are twisted so that 
 their upper face instead of lying 
 in the plane of the frond is di- 
 rected towards the zenith, the 
 fronds being nearly or quite erect. 
 The vernation is circinate, with 
 the pinnae flat and rolled inwards 
 from the point as in L. cristafa. 
 One of the accompanying figures 
 (marked !) represents the earlier 
 form of fertile frond, and the other 
 (*) the anomalous form which is 
 produced later in the season, but 
 the differences between them are 
 not very obvious in drawings on 
 so reduced a scale. In this va- 
 riety, the stipes is about a third 
 the length of the frond, sparingly 
 furnished with blunt ovate pale- 
 coloured scales, similar to those 
 on the other two forms. 
 
 The variety spinulosa has a stout decumbent somewhat 
 tufted caudex, and nearly erect fronds, which grow from 
 one to two or three feet high. In vernation the pinnae are 
 
 [Lastrea uligmosa.*]
 
 120 
 
 VII LASTREA. 
 
 [Lastrea splnulosa ]
 
 VH. LASTF.E.\. 121 
 
 convolute at the margin. The stipes is about as long as 
 the leafy part of the frond, and clothed, sparingly except 
 at the base, with obtusely ovate scales, which terminate in 
 a little point, and are uniformly pale brown, and almost 
 diaphanous. The fronds are bipinnate, oblong-lanceolate, 
 several of the lower pairs of pinnae being usually of about 
 the same length, and placed at an acute angle with respect 
 to the main rachis. The pinnules are detached, often 
 distant, oblong, more or less deeply pinnatifid, some of the 
 basal ones on the lower pinnae being almost pinnate, and 
 attached by their narrow stalk-like base, which is slightly 
 decurrent ; they become more and more decurrent towards 
 the points of the pinnae. One or two of the inferior basal 
 pinnules on the lower pinnae are considerably larger than 
 the corresponding superior ones, giving these pinnae an 
 obliquely elongate triangular figure; the second pan- of 
 pinnae exhibits a similar discrepancy, in a less degree ; 
 but the difference in the size of the pinnules is not equally 
 marked in all cases. The lobes of the pinnules are sharply 
 toothed or serrated, the teeth ending in short spinous 
 mucronate points. The sinuous mid-vein sends off a branch 
 to each lobe of the pinnule ; these lateral veins are more 
 or less forked, a venule leading to each serrature, termi- 
 nating within the margin, the anterior one bearing a sorus 
 which is situated just within the sinus of the lobe. The 
 sori thus form a line on each side the mid- vein and slightly 
 distant from it. In the larger pinnules, which are divided 
 almost down to the mid-vein, each vein runs up the centre 
 of a lobe, sending out another series of simple alternate 
 venules, several of which bear a sorus. The sori are 
 nearly circular, usually small and distinct, though often 
 crowded, covered by a flat reniform persistent indusium, 
 the margin of which is waved, quite entire, and without 
 glands ; sometimes they become confluent on plants grow- 
 ing in exposed situations. The fructification is usually 
 but not always confined to the upper portion of the fronds. 
 The normal form of the species is a very local plant,
 
 122 VIL UL3TREA. 
 
 found only on boggy heaths. It has been found at Wes- 
 tleton and Bexley near Ipswich, in Suffolk: Baw#ey 
 heath near Lynn. Dersingham. Edgeneld near Holt, Frit- 
 too near Yarmouth, and Surlingham Broad near Norwich 
 in Norfolk ; in Huntingdonshire ; near Madely in Stafford- 
 shire ; at Oxton bogs and Bolwell marshes, Nottingham- 
 shire; and on Wybunbory bog, Cheshire. L. uliginosa 
 has as yet been recorded only from Epping, Bawsey, Holt, 
 Surlimjham. Oxton. Wybunbury. and Woolston moss 
 near Warringtoo, in all bat the first in company with 
 cristata. It has also been reported from Mucruss, Kfllar- 
 ney. L. tpmrnlflsa is doubtless a widely distributed and 
 not uncommon plant, but it has been so long confounded 
 with L. dilatata, that its exact range is unknown. It 
 seems to be uncommon in Wales, and is very rare in 
 Scotland, the only Scotch specimens I have seen having 
 been obligingly communicated from the neighbourhood of 
 Brahan Castle^ Dingwall, by Sir W. C. Trevelyan. This 
 plant occurs both in marshes and in moist woods. AH the 
 forms occur in other parts of Europe. 
 
 This is a free growing and easily cultivated species, and 
 being of a distinct erect habit, and bearing exposure well, 
 it is very suitable for damp rock-work, the two former 
 varieties being especially adapted for planting in an arti- 
 ficial bog at the foot of a piece of rockwork. They, how- 
 ever, grow well in any other situation suitable for ferns. 
 
 6. Lastrea dilatata, Prttl Broad prickly-toothed 
 Buckler Fern. Fronds arched ovate or oblong-lanceolate 
 or subtriangular, bipinnate with pinnate or pinnatifid ser- 
 rated pinnules, the serratures spinose-mucronate ; scales 
 of the stipes lanceolate entire ; indnsium fringed on the 
 margin with stalked glands : 
 
 [I do not think that sufficient evidence has vet been obtained to 
 bring the inrolred questions which arise w to the proper rank of
 
 VII. LASTREA. 123 
 
 those ferns which have been separated from time to time from 
 this variable species, to a satisfactory conclusion. I have there- 
 fore not attempted it, but have placed as varieties the various 
 forms proposed as species by otiier writers on the subject, adopt- 
 ing for the most part, in substance at least, the definitions they 
 have given, and leaving the whole subject open for further in- 
 vestigation.] 
 
 a : fronds lanceolate-ovate or subtriangular ovate, 
 
 somewhat drooping, bi-tri-pinnate ; scales of the stipes 
 dark-coloured and opaque in the centre, with pale trans- 
 parent margins. 
 
 LASTREA DILATATA, Presl : Bab. Man. 411. LASTREA MDLTI- 
 FLORA, Newm. 216: Florigr. Brit, iv., 113 (incl. ft.) ASPIDIUM 
 DILATATUM, Smith FL Brit. 1125: Swartz: Willdenow: Eng. Fl. 
 iv. 280: Eng. Bot., 1461: Franc. 42. ASPIDIUM SPINULOSUM, 
 Swartz: Willdenow: Hook, and Arn. Fl. 571 (in part). POLYFO- 
 DIUM DILATATUM. Hoffmann. P. ARISTATUM, Villars. P. CRISTA- 
 
 1UM, Hudson POLTSTICHUM MCLTIFLOBUM, Roth. LOPHODIUM 
 
 MULTIFLORUM, Newm. App. jolii. 
 
 ft. collina : fronds narrow ovate, elongate at the apex, 
 bipinnate ; pinme distant ; pinnules oblong rounded at the 
 end, lobed in the lower pinnae, the lobes serrated at their 
 extremity, scales of the stipes few except at the base, 
 broader upwards, with a darker central mark. 
 
 LASTBF.A DILATATA ear. COLLINA, Moore, ed. 1, 59. LASTREA 
 MULTIKLORA, uar. COLLINA, Newm , 222: Florigr. Brit. iv. 114. 
 LASTREA COLLINA, Newm., 224. LOPHODIUM COLLINUM, Newm. 
 App. xviii. 
 
 7. Smithii : fronds narrowly subtriangular-elongate- 
 ovate, bipinnate ; pinnte opposite horizontal distant ; pin- 
 nules narrowly decurrent with the slender wing of rachis, 
 oblong obtuse serrated, the serratures incurved ; scales of 
 the stipes dark two-coloured, and except at the base small 
 narrow and scattered.
 
 124 Vll LASTREA. 
 
 ASPIDIUM BPINCLOSCM, Smith Eng. FL iv. 279, according to a 
 epeciuieu communicated as authentic by Mr. H. Shepherd. 
 
 & dumelorum : fronds broadly subtriangular ovate, 
 bipinnate dwarf; lobes of the pinnules strongly serrated 
 ftt the ends ; scales of the stipes two-coloured but pallid. 
 
 ASPIDIUX DUMETOKUM, Smith Eng., FL iv. 281. 
 
 e. angusta: fronds linear- lanceolate bipinnate; pinnae 
 short deltoid, the inferior and superior pinnules of the low- 
 est pinnae very unequal ; scales of the stipes two-coloured 
 but pallid. 
 
 . maculata : fronds oblong-ovate, with stalked glands 
 beneath, most numerous along the ribs ; bipinnate ; scales 
 of the stipes broad-lanceolate, whole-coloured, pallid. 
 
 LASTKEA MACCLATA, Deakin Florigr. Brit iv. 110. 
 
 17. glandulow. fronds lanceolate-ovate, or elongate- 
 lanceolate, densely covered with stalked glands beneath, 
 as well as on the stipes and rachis ; scales of the stipes 
 whole-coloured, pallid, broadly lanceolate-ovate. 
 
 LASTREA OLANDUIAWA, Newman Phytol. iv. 258. LOPHODIUM 
 <n.AM>i i.u.sr.M, Ncwm. App., xviii LopHODiBM GI.ANDI LIFKHOI, 
 Newm Phyt. iv. 371. 
 
 The Broad prickly-toothed Buckler Fern has a large 
 tufted caudex, surmounted by a dense scaly crown, to 
 which the fronds are terminal and adherent. The fronds 
 vary from one foot or a foot and a half, to four or five feet 
 in height, and assume when full grown a more or less 
 curved or semi-drooping habit. The young fronds, which 
 at the first are circulate in their vernation, are seen as 
 they unfold, to be arranged differently in the upper part,
 
 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 125 
 
 [Lrstreadilatata.]
 
 126 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 the rachis being in fact folded laterally into two or three 
 short lengths, while the extreme point is cireinate. When 
 quite young they are often but not always glandular, 
 especially on the under side. The stipes in the full-grown 
 plant, is very stout at the base, and there thickly clothed 
 with lanceolate alternate sharp-pointed scales, which, in 
 most of the varieties, are very dark coloured and opaque 
 down the centre, paler and nearly transparent at the mar- 
 gins. The fronds are usually ovate-lanceolate in outline, 
 but vary from almost triangular to almost lanceolate. The 
 approach to the deltoid form, is perhaps confined to the 
 fronds of young or starved plants, in which it certainly 
 most frequently occurs. The fronds are twice or thrice- 
 pinnate, the pinn standing in nearly opposite pairs, which 
 are most distant from each other in the lower part of the 
 frond. The pinnae vary in form as well as in size, the 
 longest measuring from three to six or in very large 
 plants nine inches in length ; and the lowest being often 
 nearly triangular, broader as well as shorter than the three 
 or four next above, the upper ones then becoming gradu- 
 ally narrower, and shorter ; they are bipinnate below, and 
 pinnate near the apex of the frond. The larger pinnules 
 on the lower part of the frond are attached by a short 
 slightly winged stalk, whilst those towards the point of 
 the pinnae, and in the upper part of the frond gradually 
 become less distinctly stalked, and are finally decurrent. 
 The inferior basal pinnules, especially those of the lower 
 pinna;, are much larger than the superior pinnules of the 
 same pinnae, and hence all the lower pinnae acquire an 
 oblique figure which is gradually lost in the upper part of 
 the fronds. The pinnules are variously divided, more or 
 less convex ; those at the base of the pinnae are almost or 
 quite pinnate, further up they are more or less deeply pin- 
 natifid, and towards the apex toothed ; all the lobes are 
 sharply serrate, the teeth ending in a short spine-like 
 point. The venation selecting a central pinnule from a 
 central pinna is arranged in this manner : Each lateral
 
 vii i.Asrr.EA. 127 
 
 vein -which branches from the mid- vein extends along 
 one of the ulterior lobes, within which it ramifies, becom- 
 ing more or less divided, as the lobe is large or small ; 
 the ramifications of this vein (venules) are alternate ard 
 simple, one of them running up the centre of each marginal 
 tooth, the lowest anterior ones, and sometimes several 
 others, bearing each a sorus a short distance from its 
 extremity. The sori which are numerous, and appear 
 scattered, are ranged on the more divided pinnules in two 
 lines on each of its lobes crosswise the pinnule, just within 
 the toothed margins of the lobes ; but in the upper part of 
 the frond, and also towards the apex of the pinna? where 
 the pinnules are less divided, they are ranged in two lines 
 lengthways the pinnule near to the midvein. They are 
 nearly circular, and are covered by an irregular reniform 
 indusium, which is more or less fringed with stalked glands. 
 The fructification is scattered over the whole under-surface 
 of the fronds. 
 
 Under some conditions of growth this fern becomes 
 remarkably convex, the fronds being arched, and every 
 part more or less curved downwards. Starved plants 
 assume a different aspect ; they are smaller, more rigid, 
 and of a dark brownish green colour, with the sori large 
 and distinct, and having small, imperfectly developed, 
 shapeless indusia, on which the glands usual to the species 
 are but imperfectly developed. Mr. Newmau has called 
 this form L. multiflora var. nana. 
 
 The variety collina grows from a foot to a foot and a 
 half high, with a pale-coloured stipes varying from one- 
 third to one-half the entire height of the fronds. The 
 stipes is furnished with narrow scales numerous below, but 
 broader and more sparingly distributed above, and of a 
 palish brown, darker in the centre. The outline of the 
 fronds is stated by Mr. Newman to vary between deltoid 
 and lanceolate, the latter being regarded as its perfect, and 
 the former its immature condition. In specimens for 
 which I am indebted to the IJev. G. Finder, its discoverer,
 
 128 
 
 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 the fronds are almost exactly ovate with the point elon- 
 gated. They are bipinnate ; and the pinnae are distant, 
 especially below, spreading, the first pah- shortly deltoid, 
 the next pair elongate deltoid, and the rest linear-lanceo- 
 late, all having 
 acute but not at 
 all acuminate 
 apices. The in- 
 ferior pinnules of 
 the lowest pinna; 
 are much larger 
 than the superior 
 ones, but in the 
 rest of the frond 
 the inferior and 
 superior pinnules 
 are nearly equal ; 
 they are obtusely 
 ovate-oblong, a 
 few of the basal 
 ones narrowed to 
 a broadLsh stalk- 
 like attachment, 
 the rest more or 
 less confluent. 
 The basal pin- 
 nules are all deep- 
 ly pinnatifid, the 
 lobes linear so 
 blunt as to be 
 almost truncate, 
 
 [Lastrea collina.] 
 
 and having se- 
 veral bristly- 
 pointed teeth mostly collected near their apices. The sori 
 are borne over the whole frond, and except on the inferior 
 pinnules of the lower pinnae where they form two lines 
 along the lobes, they are ranged in two lines along the
 
 VII I.ASTREA 129 
 
 pinnules and near the midrib. The indusium is small and 
 fringed with stalked glands. This fern has hitherto been 
 certainly found only on the hills of Westmoreland, Lanca- 
 shire, and Yorkshire ; though it is suspected to occur in 
 Ireland, about Powerscourt Waterfall in Wicklow, as I 
 learn from C. C. Babington, Esq., and on the Dublin 
 mountains, as has been hinted to me by Mr. J. R. Kina- 
 han. It is probably a distinct species. I have been 
 favoured with other specimens collected at Coniston bv 
 Miss Beever, who considers them identical with Mr. 
 Finder's plant ; these have a much more leafy character 
 than the specimens described above, as well as an irregu- 
 larly jagged and crisped appearance, and they are abun- 
 dantly glandular, and have very small distinct son 
 covered by convex indusia. 
 
 The variety Smithii I have described from a specimen 
 sent to me by Mr. H. Shepherd of Liverpool, as being 
 taken from part of the identical plant sent by Dr. Mackay 
 to Sir J. E. Smith and described by him as Aspidium 
 gpinulosum in the English Flora. As it quite agrees 
 with that description, it would appear to be the Spike 
 Island plant, there mentioned. The frond is bipinnate, 
 about a foot high, including a stipes of three inches, which 
 is at the base clothed with long dark-coloured scales, and 
 is furnished above with a few which are small and narrow. 
 The pinnae are opposite distant nearly horizontal, and but 
 slightly unequal in the size of their superior and inferior 
 pinnules. The pinnules are ovate-oblong obtuse, the basal 
 ones pinnatifid with blunt lobes mucronately-serrated at 
 the end ; these basal ones have a narrow stalk-like attach- 
 ment, but the rest are more or less decurrent. The son 
 form a line on each side of the midrib of the pinnules. 
 This plant has some resemblance to the var. collina, and 
 may possibly prove identical with it, which is the more 
 probable since collina is supposed to occur in Ireland, as 
 has been already mentioned.
 
 130 VII. LASTREA. 
 
 The variety dumelorum is a dwarf plant, growing from 
 fix inches to a foot high, and having a sub-triangular- 
 ovate outline. The suggestion that it is an immature 
 though fertile condition of the ordinary form, is possibly 
 correct. The fronds are bipirinate ; the stipes short with 
 two-coloured scales; the lower pinnae unequal-sided; the 
 pinnules ovate-oblong obtuse pinnatitid, having aristate- 
 serrate lobes with the teeth mostly at the apex ; the sori 
 small distinct, ranged in a line on each side the midrib of 
 the pinnae, and covered by a thin flat involucre. This 
 form or state of L. dilatata is probably of frequent occur- 
 rence though there are no exact or trustworthy records of 
 its distribution. 
 
 The variety angnsta I have seen but from one locality. 
 In the narrow-elongate outline of the frond it quite cor- 
 responds with L. spinu/o<a, but the scales of the stipes are 
 totally unlike those of that species. The fronds are about 
 two feet long including the stipes which is nearly half of 
 the entire length. The scales are moderately abundant 
 on the stipes, and are large attenuately lance-shaped, 
 palish brown but distinctly marked with a darker central 
 bar. The frond is narrowly-linear-lanceolate, bipinnate. 
 The pinnae about three inches long, shortly deltoid, with 
 a somewhat attenuated apex, distant especially below, the 
 inequality of the superior and inferior pinnules very marked 
 in the first second and third pairs of pinnae but becoming 
 less obvious above. The pinnules have mostly a short 
 stalk-like attachment, and are linear-oblong, obtuse, very 
 deeply pinnatifid with ovate or oblong incased or serrated 
 lobes margined with spiny teeth. The sori are small but 
 very abundant, and are covered by convex indusia which 
 are very indistinctly glandular. It was found by the late 
 Miss Bower, near Tunbridge Wells. 
 
 The variety maculata grows about a foot and a half in 
 height, including the stipes, which is about as long as the 
 frond, and is thickly clothed with lanceolate pointed scales, 
 of a uniform brown colour. The colour of the frond is
 
 TtL LASTKKA. 131 
 
 i*rk green becoming spotted with irregular purplish 
 blotches, and it b sprinkled on the lower surface with 
 sessile or stalked glands, which are roost numerous along 
 the veins near the base. The frond is bipinnate; the three or 
 four lowest pairs of pinnae are elongate-deltoid and of 
 nearly equal hngth Ihu rest an hnoanhrti The pin- 
 nules are stalked, lanceolate, the lobe* oblong ovate, deeply 
 serrated with acute spinous teeth. The sort are borne, 
 immediately below the angle of the deft which sepaialm 
 the lobes, on the anterior venule of each &scide, and are 
 covered by an unevenly margined indasran, which is 
 mostly Cringed with stalked glmfc. It was found by Dr. 
 Deakin on the top of GoatMl mamt*^ in the Isle of 
 Arran. 
 
 The variety jindUbw is a stout growing plant, two to 
 three feet high, lanceolate-ovate, bipinnate; the stipes, 
 which is about one-third of the entire length, being fnr- 
 nishevt with few very broad fight brown scales without 
 any darker caloBBed central bar. The pinnae are efenga&e- 
 dttecid, fac iachiB loft 4anB^y uMBiul on tbeundarsnr- 
 faee whh gbnds, which an ail* a* MMMW A* ttipu 
 and rachi$ as to tender it rooghish to the toaeh. The pin- 
 nules are ovate acute, very deeply pinmatifid and iiMiVijf 
 serrated, the teeth ending in a spinou* point. The son 
 are boroe over the entire fiwnd. in two series either lunglh- 
 wmtiwpinnolM or lengthwise the larger lobes of the pin- 
 nsJes, and they are covered by |.lmi IHagiJ indvaa 
 This variety, which was found in the forest of Dean in 
 Gloucestershire by Mr. W. Bennett, and fbrwhkh lam 
 indebted to Mr. W. H. Purchas, is quite mtaimediate be- 
 tween the or finnry X. JOatmtu and L. ijnimiiiii. andfe 
 perhaps ^ nearly related to the latter as to the former. 
 
 It k prnluMn Ihrt Miinal uTthn ahmi JMM nf f fii 
 dHbtete are abnndwtry di*rib*ted over Great Britain, 
 Uaonghont which the specks itself is 
 
 earth, under whkh. latter aKaastanra* k attai 
 
 Kl
 
 132 VII LASTREA. 
 
 greatest degree of luxuriance. It appears to be also com- 
 mon on the Continent of Europe and in North America. 
 
 This species is of free growth, and easy culture, suitable 
 either for rock work, shady borders, or wilderness scenery. 
 It is one of the most compound and elegant of our native 
 species, and though it may be grown fully exposed, yet it 
 succeeds better in the shade. 
 
 7. Lastrea fccnlsccll, Watson Hay-scented, or 
 Triangular prickly-toothed Buckler Fern. Fronds curved 
 triangular tripinnate ; pinnules pinnatifid, with serrated 
 spinose-mucronate lobes ; scales of the stipes concolorous, 
 lanceolate, deeply laciniate ; indusium margined with mi- 
 nute sessile glands. 
 
 LVSTRK.V FCKNISECII, Watson Phytol. ii. 568: Bab. Man. 411 : 
 Florigr. Brit. iv. 117. LASTBEA RECURVA, Newra. 225. NEPIIXO- 
 
 DIUM FCKNISECII, Lowe. AsPIDIUM DILATATUM, Vtir. RECCRVCM, 
 
 Bree. A. BECURVUM, Bree. A. DILATATCM, car. CONCAVCM, Ba- 
 bington. 
 
 The Hay-scented Buckler Fern has a large tufted cau- 
 dex, with a broad crown and numerous roots. The fronds, 
 which are terminal and adherent to this caudex, are per- 
 sistent, the old ones remaining fresh until after the young 
 ones are produced in the following year, which occurs 
 about May; they are at tirst regularly convolute, and 
 in the partially developed condition the larger size of the 
 lower pair of pinnae is remarkably manifest. They vary 
 from one to two feet seldom if ever more, in height, are 
 of a pale-green colour, and have when fully developed a 
 graceful drooping habit, and a remarkably crisped appear- 
 ance, caused by each of the lobes of the pinnules being 
 concave, its edges and spiny teeth being curled upwards. 
 They are covered with minute nearly globular sessile 
 glands, and have, when dried, a fragrance like that of new 
 hay. The stipes varies from a third to one half of the 
 entire height, and is dark coloured ajnd rigid, and clothed 
 with long narrow laciniated pale-brown concolorous scales
 
 VII LASTREA. 133 
 
 of small size, most numerous at the base. The frond la 
 bipinnate, and deltoid, or rather elongate-triangular, the 
 lowest pair of pinnae being much larger and longer than 
 
 [Lastrea foenisecii.]
 
 134 VII. LASTKEA. 
 
 the rest, which gradually become smaller towards the 
 apex ; all the lower ones being distinctly stalked. The 
 pinna? are -bipinnate, the basal pinnules 
 I being stalked, those towards the apex l>e- 
 coining decurrent. The first inferior pin- 
 nules nn two or three of the lowest pinnae 
 is considerably enlarged, those of the lowest 
 pinnae most so, the other pinnules becom- 
 ing shorter towards the apex ; so that all 
 the lower pinnae have a triangular outline, 
 the lowest being broadest. The lowest 
 basal pinnules are divided first into ovate- 
 oblong secondary pinnules, of which the 
 lower are stalked and the upper decurront, 
 and the largest of these are again divided 
 almost down to their midrib into oblong 
 serrated lobes. The pinnules towards the 
 apex of the pinnae are cut into oblong 
 serrated lobes, and those quite at the apex 
 are decurrent, and deeply toothed. All 
 [Lastreafoeuisecii] thelobeg ^ sharp i y serrated, the teeth 
 
 everywhere ending in a short spinous mucronate point. 
 The venation selecting for examination a central 
 pinnule from one ot the central pinnae is thus arranged : 
 There is a medial dark-coloured midvein ; from this the 
 veins proceed alternately one to each lobe, and branch 
 off into about two or three venules, one of which extends 
 towards each tooth, but terminates before reaching it, the 
 basal anterior venule bearing a sorus some distance from 
 its extremity, and just beneath the sinus of the lobe. 
 These pinnules therefore bear two lines of sori, one on each 
 side their midvein, and at some distance from it. On all 
 the larger pinnules the sori are biserial on the secondary 
 pinnules and lobes, so that the sori are abundantly and 
 nearly equally distributed over the whole under surface of 
 the frond. They are covered by small reniform indusia,
 
 VII LASX11EA. 135 
 
 which are jagged and uneven on the margin, and fringed 
 with minute globular sessile glands. 
 
 This fern is very abundant in Ireland, where two forms 
 of it would appear to be met with, and it occurs abun- 
 dantly in Cornwall and Devon, and more sparingly in the 
 counties of Sussex, Merioneth, Cumberland, and North 
 Lancashire. It is also found both in the East and West 
 Highlands, and in the Northern and Western Isles. The 
 same species is plentiful in Madeira and the Azores. 
 It occurs both in warm sheltered woody places, and on 
 exposed as well as sheltered hedge banks, preferring 
 moisture, but also sometimes found in dryish situations. 
 
 As a cultivated plant Lastrea fcenisecii is one of the 
 most beautiful of all the British species, as its moderate 
 size, delicate colour, crisped appearance, and gracefully 
 pendulous habit amply testify ; added to which its per- 
 fectly evergreen character greatly enhances its value. 
 When protected from severe frost its fronds remain quite 
 fresh through the winter, and do not decay until after 
 young ones are produced the following year. This feature 
 renders it a charming fern for the greenhouse or Wardian 
 case. It will grow freely in the soil already recommended 
 for ferns generally, and should have a liberal share of 
 well-drained i>ot room, a moderate degree of shade, and a 
 calm moist atmosphere. If not otherwise protected against 
 frost, it would be the better sheltered in winter by having 
 the pots plunged in ashes, sawdust, or old tan, in any con- 
 venient situation.
 
 GENUS VIII. 
 
 ATHYRIUM, Roth. 
 
 GEN. CHAR. Sori medial, short, oblong or sublimate, 
 attached along the inner side of the venule ; often arcuate 
 or horseshoe-shaped and then continued across them. In- 
 dusium of the same form as the sorus, opening along the 
 side next the mid-vein, its free margin fringed with ca- 
 pillary segments, at length reflexed. Veins free mid- 
 vein distinct ; venules branched. 
 
 This genus, of which the beautiful Lady Fern is the 
 type, is sometimes made to include all the Aspleniums 
 having short oblong sori ; others merge it in Asplenium, 
 from which, however, those species, with fragile annual 
 fronds, and fringed indusia, appear distinct. 
 
 The name is derived from the Greek athyrox, opened; 
 in allusion to the turning back of the indusium. 
 
 1. Athyrium rhaetlcum, Roth. Erect Lady Fern. 
 Fronds narrow-lanceolate, somewhat rigidly erect, bi- 
 pinnate; pinnae distant, convex; pinnules distinct, 
 linear acute, deeply pinnatifid, the lobes incurved; 
 sori very short and numerous, near the midrib, becoming 
 confluent. 
 
 ATHYRIUM RH^TICHM, Roth: Newm. Nat. Aim. (1844), 26. 
 ATHYBHJM FILIX-PCEMINA, var. CONVEXUM, Newm. 245: liab. 
 Man. 413. ATHYBUM FILIX-F<EMINA, far. BHTICUM, Deakin
 
 VIII. ATHYUIUM. 137 
 
 Florigr. Brit. iv. 60. POLTPODKTM HH.OTICUM, Linnaeus (fltla 
 Linn. Herb.). ATHYBIUM TONVEXDM, Newm. App. xiii. 
 
 ASPIDIUM IRBIOUUM, Smith Eng. FL iv. 283 : Eng. Bot. t. 
 
 2190, is the young state of this plant. 
 
 The Erect Lady Fern produces 
 its delicate green fronds from a 
 thick short tufted caudex, to 
 which they are terminal and ad- 
 herent. They grow erect to the 
 height of from one to two or three 
 feet, and have a somewhat rigid 
 appearance owing to the curled up 
 condition of the pinnules, though 
 in reality of a soft herbaceous tex- 
 ture. The stipes is short, one- 
 fourth of the height or less, black 
 and much thickened just above 
 the base, and there clothed with 
 numerous dark-coloured lanceo- 
 late scales ; the scales higher up 
 the stipes become much narrower 
 and fewer, and they 
 are continued spar- 
 ingly along the 
 stoutish rachls. 
 Both stipes and 
 rachis are not un- 
 frequently strongly 
 tinged with dull 
 purplish red. The 
 outline of the frond 
 is narrow lanceo- 
 late, the lower pin- 
 nse being more dis- 
 tant, as well as 
 shorter and de- 
 flexed. The pinnae 
 
 are three or four 
 [Athynum rliseticum.]
 
 138 vin. - ATJIYKIUM. 
 
 inches long, broadest at the base, gradually narrowing to- 
 wards the acuminated apex. The pinnules are set quite 
 distinct along the narrow secondary rachis, which is 
 not winged, and they are usually set on nearly at a 
 right angle with it- Their apparent form, in consequence 
 of the rolling in of the points of the lobes, is linear, but 
 in reality they narrow upwards from a broad base to 
 the acute apex, and have a considerable enlargement of 
 the anterior basal lobe, the anterior basal pinnule being 
 moreover enlarged to a degree equally marked. They are 
 cut in a pinnatifid manner into numerous linear lobes, the 
 lower of which are notched with from five to seven teeth, 
 the lobes becoming gradually smaller with fewer teeth 
 towards their apex ; the teeth being in almost all ca.ses 
 rolled under, and thus giving to the pinnules their re- 
 markably narrowed and convex appearance. The veins 
 proceed one into each lobe, and there branch into a num- 
 ber of simple alternate venules equalling the teeth on the 
 margin. The lower anterior venule of each lobe bears a 
 sorus, which is placed near the midrib, more than one 
 sonis however being borne by the enlarged lobe. The 
 sori, which thus form a line on each side the midrib, are 
 very short and broad, and at length become confluent 
 covering the under surface of the pinnules. 
 
 This does not appear to be an uncommon fem, though 
 from its not having been generally discriminated from the 
 other Lady ferns, there are no complete statistics of its 
 range. It appears, however, to be recorded from the fol- 
 lowing provinces: Peninsula, Channel, Thames, Severn, 
 North Wales, Humber, East Lowlands, East and West 
 Highlands, and some parts of Ireland ; and is probably 
 general in its distribution. It is found also in some other 
 parts of Europe. 
 
 2. Athyrium Flllx-fcemina, lioth. Drooping Lady 
 Fern Fronds lanceolate or broad lanceolate bipinnate ; 
 pinnules flat, oblong-lanceolate, deeply pinnatifid ; sori
 
 VIII. ATHYKIUM. 139 
 
 irregular crowded. A most variable plant, of which the 
 lollowing forms occur: 
 
 . Fronds broadly lanceolate semi-drooping ; pinnae 
 distinct ; pinnules linear-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate 
 with flat diverging toothed lobes, 
 
 ATHVRIUM FILIX-FCEMINA, Both: Newm. 420: Bab. Mnn. 413. 
 ATHTEIUM FILIX FCEMISA var. INCISUM, Newm. 243. ATHYRIUM 
 INCISUM, Newm. App. xiii ASPLENIUM FILIX-FCEMINA. Bernhardi : 
 Hook and Arn. Fl. 574 : Florigr. Brit. iv. 67 : Franc. 50. As- 
 PIDIUM FILIX-FCEMINA, Swattz : 8m. Eng. Fl. iv., 282 : Eng. Hot. 
 t. 1459 (bad). POLYPODIUM FILIX-FCEMINA, Linnasus. POLTPO- 
 
 DIUM INCISUM, Holllliail. 
 
 ft. latifolium. Fronds lanceolate flaccid; pinnae ap- 
 proximate ; pinnules stalked flat imbricate ovate, lobed 
 at the base, toothed above ; son uniserial on each side of 
 and distant from the midrib. 
 
 ATHYRIUM FILIX-FCEMINA var. LATIFOLIUM, Bab. Man. 413. 
 ASPLEXIUM FILIX-FCEMINA, vnr. LATIFOLIUM, Moore and Houlston 
 in Gard. Mag Hot. iii., 2Gi': Hook and Arn. FL 574 ATHTI.IUM 
 LATIFULIUM, Bab. MS., not Presl. ATHYKIUM OVATUM, Newm. 
 App. xii., not Kctli. 
 
 y. molle. Fronds broadly lanceolate, lax ; pinnae ap- 
 proximate, the lower pair, short distant deflexed; pin- 
 nules oblong, connected at the base bj- the wing of the 
 midrib, flat toothed; sori uniserial on each side of and 
 near to the midrib. 
 
 ATIIYRIUM FILIX-FCEMINA ear. MOLLE, Newm. 242: Bab. Man. 
 413. AiHYBtuM MOLLE, Roth: Ni'wm. Nat. Aim. (1844). 26. and 
 App. xii. ATHYRIUM TRIFIDUM, Koth. ASPLENIUM FILIX-FCEMIXA 
 rr. MOLLE, LK-akin Florigr. Brit. iv. 59. POLYPODIUM MOLLK, 
 Schreber. POLYPODIUM TRIFIDUM, Hoffman. 
 
 2. marinum. Fronds lanceolate spreading, equally at- 
 tenuate towards the base and apex ; pinnae approximate ;
 
 VIII. ATHYRIUM. 
 
 [Athyriuni Filix-foenuna.]
 
 VIII. ATHYRIVM. 141 
 
 pinnules crWded oblong, connected at the base, with 
 shallow lobes and teeth; sori short broad distinct, chiefly 
 borne near the base of the pinnules. 
 
 ATHTRICM FILIX-FCEMINA var. MARINUM, Moore in Pop. Hist. 
 Brit. Ferns 91. 
 
 e. multifiduin Monstrous : fronds suberect lanceolate ; 
 their apex as well as the apices of the pinnae symmetri- 
 cally multifid-crisped in a corymbose manner ; sori 
 crowded, confluent 
 
 ATHTRICM FILIX-FCEMINA, var. MUITIFIDCM, Moore in ed. 1. 
 ATHYHICM FILIX FCEMINA var. VIVIPARA, Steele Handbk. Field 
 Bot. 215. ATHTRIUM FILIX FCEMINA var. FUKCATCM, of gardens. 
 
 f. ramosum. Monstrous: fronds suberect divided at 
 the apex into numerous narrow rachiform segments; 
 pinna; small unequal and unsymetrically lacerated at 
 their apices ; sori small, chiefly confined to the pinnae. 
 
 ATBTKICM FILIX-FCEMINA var. BAMOSUM, Moore and Houlston in 
 Card. Mag. Bot. iii. 262. 
 
 rj. crispum. Monstrous, dwarf; fronds with an irre- 
 gularly branched rachis, the apices of the divisions dilated 
 and multifid-crisped ; sori small, scattered over the whole 
 under surface, often wanting. 
 
 ATHYHICM FILIX-FCEMINA var. CBISPUM. Moore in ed. 1. 
 
 The Drooping Lady Fern grows with a stout tufted 
 caudex, which in old plants sometimes becomes consider- 
 ably elongated and trunk-like, but is usually decumbent. 
 The fronds which are of delicate texture, with more or 
 less of a light feathery appearance, and are terminal and 
 adherent to the rhizome, grow up about May, reach their 
 mature condition towards the end of the summer, and die 
 down naturally in the autumn if not previously destroyed
 
 142 
 
 VIII. ATIIYIUUM. 
 
 by early frosts. In vernation they are circinate, but as 
 they unfold, the apex by degrees becomes liberated, and 
 hangs down, giving the half 
 developed fronds the ap- 
 pearance of a shepherd's 
 crook. The fronds grow 
 arouod the crown, in vigo- 
 rous plants often to the 
 number of twenty or thirty, 
 such examples being noble, 
 as well as lovely. The out- 
 line is lanceolate. The 
 stipes, which varies from a 
 fourth to a third of the 
 height, is clothed with nu- 
 merous elongated scales 
 around the base, where it 
 is much swollen, a few 
 smaller scales occurring 
 higher up. The pimue vary 
 considerably in disposition, 
 being either closer or more 
 distinct, according to the 
 situation in which the plant 
 has been growing ; thy are 
 three to six inches long, 
 lanceolate, more or less at- 
 tenuated from a broad base, 
 distinctly pinnate, the pin- 
 nules becoming more or less 
 decurrent in some of the 
 
 varieties. The pinnules are 
 
 [A. F f. crispnm ] 
 
 oblong, sometimes approaching to lanceolate, acute, 
 flat, deeply pinnatifid ; the anterior basal lobe larger 
 than the rest ; the lobes variously toothed, usually 
 bi or tridentate towards the base, merging into simply 
 toothed towards the apex. The venation is very distinct,
 
 VIII. ATHYKIUM. 143 
 
 from the delicate texture of the frond. In average 
 specimens the mid-vein is waved, the veins being forked 
 shortly after leaving it ; the anterior vemile bearing on its 
 anterior side the oblong sorus, which is ranged somewhat 
 nearer the mid-vein than the margin ; the other venule 
 becomes forked or not, according to the exposition of 
 the frond, one branch extending to each serrature. In 
 the larger and more divided pinnules, where the veins 
 branch alternately, and bear more than one sorus, the 
 latter appear very irregularly disposed. The sori are 
 oblong, sublunate, or elongate-reniform, and they are 
 covered by an iudusium of the same form, opening to- 
 wards the mid-vein, its free margin split into narrow 
 capillary segments. Sir J. E. Smith remarks that the 
 sori finally become nearly round, and the indusium orbi- 
 cular, with a notch at the base, thus assuming the 
 character of an Aspiditim, which view led him to refer 
 this plant to that genus ; but these are only instances, of 
 frequent occurrence indeed, in which the sorus is con- 
 tinued across the vein and returned on the other sido, so 
 as to acquire the form of a horseshoe, various degrees of 
 which, along with the linear form of sorus, may be found 
 in almost every plant of this and the allied species. 
 
 The variety latifolium is a very distinct-looking plant, 
 differing at first sight in its narrower and more elongated 
 outline, and in the inequality and densely crowded condi- 
 tion of the pinnules. The more special differences occur 
 in the form and uneven toothing or laciniation of the pin- 
 nules, and in the situation of the sori. The fronds are 
 three feet or upwards in height, elongate-lanceolate, bi- 
 pinnate, flaccid, dark green. The stipes is short, and, iis 
 well as the rachis, stout, the lower part of the rachis be- 
 ing furnished with a few scattered narrow scales. The 
 pinnae are alternate, approximate on the upper part of the 
 frond, distant below, about four inches long at the broadest 
 part of the frond, linear-lanceolate, tapering to a sharp 
 point. The pinnules are ovate, blunt or sometimes acute,
 
 144 VIII. ATIIYKH'M. 
 
 unequal that is, the anterior side largest, flat, stalked, 
 and so closely placed that they overlap in every part of 
 the frond ; they are laciniate at the base, the lobes being 
 oblong and irregularly toothed, and towards their apex 
 become simply toothed, the teeth usually but unequally 
 taper-pointed. The veins (as well as secondary rachis) 
 are coloured red ; in the lobed portion of the pinnule they 
 branch into as many simple venules as there are teeth to 
 the lobe ; the lowest anterior venule which issues at some 
 distance from the base of the vein, bearing a sorus, which 
 is usually placed very near the point of forking ; the veins 
 are nearly or quite simple, in the upper or toothed portion 
 of the pinnules. The son are oblong, very frequently curved 
 or arcuate, and ranged in a row on each side the midrib, 
 at the distance from it of about their own length. This 
 form has been found near Keswick by Miss Wright, and, 
 according to Mr. Newman it was gathered by Miss 
 Beever also ; but I learn from this lady that the habitat 
 whence she supposes it must have been obtained is de- 
 stroyed. I am indebted to C. C. Babington, Esq., for 
 an authentic specimen, to which the preceding description 
 applies. 
 
 The variety molle is the smallest and least divided nor- 
 mal form of Lady Fern. The fronds are generally from 
 foot to a foot and a half in height, evenly lance-shaped, 
 bipinnate or sub-bipinnate, flaccid, and of a bright green. 
 Sometimes the pinnae are only pinnatifid, and the plant 
 is moreover variable in size. In its larger and some- 
 what more divided state it is the Athyrium trifidum. The 
 pinnae are taper-pointed, broadest at the base, about three 
 inches long, approximate above, the lower ones being dis- 
 tant, blunter, and the lowest scarcely exceeding an inch 
 in length. The pinnules are oblong obtuse, the lowest 
 anterior ones being longest, flat, rather closely placed, 
 and more or less connected by their decurrent bases. They 
 are cut into oblong lobes, toothed principally at the extre- 
 mity. The sori are short, subrotund, and placed so near
 
 VIII. ATHYRIUM. 
 
 145 
 
 " - - 
 
 the midrib that they soon coalesce so as to cover it. This 
 
 variety is frequent in shady places. 
 
 The variety marinum pos- 
 sesses many of the characteristics 
 of molle, but it differs in its 
 spreading sub- decumbent habit of 
 growth, its very much narrowed 
 base, and its crowded scarcely 
 lobed pinnules. The fronds are 
 from twelve to fifteen inches long, 
 exactly oval-lance-shaped, the 
 base being narrowed equally with 
 the apex, hardly bipinnate. The 
 pinnae in the widest part measure 
 an inch and a half, or two inches, 
 and are linear-oblong, narrowing 
 into a short scarcely acuminate 
 point. The pinnules are largest 
 next the rachis, oblong, very 
 obtuse, and very closely placed, 
 or slightly over-lapping; the 
 margin is rather toothed than 
 lobed, the lobes being seldom 
 more than blunt simple or some- 
 what retuse notches. The son 
 are very short lunate, or arcuate, 
 two to four pairs on a pinnule, 
 scarcely becoming confluent. 
 This variety has a distinct aspect, 
 which it retains under cultiva- 
 tion. It was found in 1846 by 
 Dr. Dickie in a sea-cave near 
 Aberdeen, in company with Cys- 
 topteris Dichieana, and I am 
 indebted for specimens and 
 plants obtained from this source, 
 [A. F.-f marinum.1 to Mr. J. B. Mackay.
 
 146 
 
 Till. ATHYRIL'M. 
 
 The variety mnltifidiim prows from one to two feet 
 high, and is chiefly remarkable for the elegant and sym- 
 metrical way in which the apices of all the pinme and of 
 the frond itself become developed in a corymbose manner 
 
 [A. Filix-foemina "/ and 6.] 
 
 into a tassel-like tuft. The frond, pinnae, and pinnules 
 are otherwise quite normal, the latter being narrow and 
 elongate, distinct, and deeply cut into narrow lobes, as oc- 
 curs in Athyrium rh&ticum. Indeed, were it not for the 
 width of the frond, this might perhaps be more correctly 
 considered as a form of that species. The son are sub- 
 rotund, placed very near the midrib, and finally confluent. 
 It is of Irish origin, and was first found by Mr. D. Moore, 
 and subsequently by others. Its peculiarities are perpe- 
 tuated in plants raised from the spores. 
 
 The variety ramotum grows about a foot high, and is 
 somewhat like the last ; but in this the apex of the frond 
 is much more compoundly divided, and the pinn* are 
 greatly and unequally reduced in size, the consequence 
 of which is a total loss of symmetry in the frond. It is 
 divided at the apex into numerous narrow branching
 
 VIII. ATHYRIUM. 147 
 
 rachiform segments. The pinnae are small, unequal, and 
 irregularly lacerated, with a bluntly-toothed margin. The 
 sori are small, and are chiefly con fined to the pinnae, 
 not occupying the rachiform segments of the apex. It 
 was found in Ireland by Dr. J. T. Mackay. 
 
 The variety crispum is a dwarf and very distinct-look- 
 ing plant, having the appearance of a dense tuft of curled 
 parsley. The fronds are slender, from six inches to a foot 
 long, and have no definite form, the rachis being irregu- 
 larly and unequally branched with the apex of the divi- 
 sions densely tasselled or tufted. It does not usually bear 
 fructification, but when it does so, small and imperfect 
 sori are scattered throughout the entire under surface. 
 This form was first met with by Mr. A. Smith on the hill 
 Orah, Antrim, Ireland, and has since been found in Brae- 
 mar in Scotland, by Sir W. C. Trevelyan. 
 
 Another monstrous fern, usually referred as a variety 
 to Athynum Filix-faemina, and known in gardens under 
 the name of pramorsum, I have not ventured to include 
 in the foregoing enumeration, in consequence of its not 
 having, as far as I am aware, been known to produce 
 fructification. It was found by Dr. Dickie on Ben-na- 
 Muich-dhu, at an altitude of 2,700 feet, in 1846, and has 
 since that time proved constant under cultivation. It 
 grows about six inches high, with unequal pinnse, the 
 pinnules decurrent, irregular in size and outline, and very 
 irregularly lacerate-toothed. 
 
 The species is abundant in most parts of Britain, and 
 particularly so in Ireland. Warm moist woods and 
 hedge-row banks, are its favourite localities ; but it is not 
 confined to such situations, although hi them it attains its 
 greatest luxuriance. 
 
 " Supreme in her beauty, beside the full um, 
 
 In the shade of the rock, stands the tall Lady Fern." 
 
 The Lady Fern is recorded to grow also throughout 
 Europe, and very closely related, if not identical, species 
 are met with in Asia and North America. 
 
 L2
 
 148 VIII. ATHYUIUM. 
 
 This fern does not appear to be applied to any special 
 use, except that, in Ireland, where it abounds on all the 
 bogs, it is employed as a packing material, as the common 
 bracken is in this country. 
 
 This very beautiful plant is of all wild ferns one of 
 the easiest to cultivate. When placed about rock work, 
 it should occupy a low boggy situation at the base of the 
 rock, being planted amongst turfy soil, kept thoroughly 
 moistened, either naturally or artificially. Jt is far less 
 beautiful if planted in dry exjxjsed situations. Few hardy 
 plants which can be introduced among rock work are so 
 thoroughly lovely as a vigorous Lady Fern, placed just 
 within the mouth of a cavernous recess, large enough to 
 admit of its development, and just open enough that the 
 light of day may gleam across the dark back-ground suf- 
 ficient to reveal the drooping feathery fronds ; and, what 
 is more, it will delight to grow in such a situation, if 
 freely supplied with moisture to its roots. In woodland 
 walks, or on the shady margin of ornamental water, no 
 fern can be more appropriately introduced. When grown 
 in a pot, it requires one of rather a large size, and should 
 be planted in turfy soil, intermixed with fragments of 
 charcoal, sandstone, or potsherds. To attain anything 
 like a fair degree of its lady-like gracefulness, this fern 
 must under all circumstances be well supplied with water.
 
 GENUS IX. 
 
 ASPLENIUM, Linnaeus. 
 
 SPLEENWORT. 
 
 GEN. CHAR Sort linear oblong or elongate, straight, 
 attached along the inner side of the venules. Indusium 
 entire or somewhat jagged, opening along its inner side, 
 or that nearest the mid-vein. Veins free ; mid-vein some- 
 times wanting; venules simple or forked. 
 
 This genus contains two groups, in one of which the 
 pinnules or ultimate divisions have a distinct mid-vein, 
 branching into simple or forked venules, along the inner 
 side of which the sori are produced. In the other group 
 there is no mid-vein, but the veins entering at the base of 
 the divisions become more or less repeatedly furcate ; the 
 soriferous venules being fertile along their anterior or inner 
 side. These differences have led to the separation of the 
 latter group, for which Mr. Newman proposes the name 
 of Amesium. Asplenium septentrionale, the typical 
 species of this Amesian section, had, however, been long 
 previously separated by Link, under the name of 
 Acropteris. The distinctions of these groups, so obvious 
 in the few species natives of Britain, are altogether lost 
 among exotic species. 
 
 The name has been latinized from the Greek asplenon 
 that derived from a, priv., and splen, the spleen a
 
 150 IX. ASPLENIUM. 
 
 term applied to some species of fern anciently employed 
 as a supposed remedy in diseases of the spleen. 
 
 1. Asplenlum fontanum, Bernhardi. Smooth 
 Rock Spleenwort. Fronds linear-lanceolate, rigid, bipin- 
 nate, glabrous ; pinnae oblong-ovate ; pinnules small ob- 
 ovate-cuneate with a few large angular mucronate teeth; 
 rachis winged throughout ; sori short oblong. 
 
 ASPLENIUM FONTANCM, Bernhardi : Sm. Eng. Fl. iv. 299: Hook, 
 and Arn. Fl. 574 : Florigr. Brit iv. 62: Franc. 48. ASPLENIUM 
 JlAi.i.Kiu, Brown. ATHTBIUM FONTANUM, Koehl: 1'resl: Bab. Man. 
 413. ATHTRIUM HALLERI. Roth. ASPIDIUM FONTANUM, Swartz: 
 Willclenow : Eng. Bot. t. 2024. ASPIDIUM 1 1 AI.I.KUI. WillcK-now. 
 
 POLTPODIBM FONTANUM, I.ililUl'US. PoLlPODIUM FEDICULAKI- 
 
 FO UUM, Hoffman. 
 
 The Smooth Rock Spleenwort is an elegant little ever- 
 green plant, with a short, thick, scaly tufted caudex, and 
 wiry fibrous roots. The fronds, which are terminal and 
 adherent to the caudex, are from three to six or eight 
 inches high, erect, narrow lanceolate in outline, firm or 
 rigid in texture, deep green and glabrous. The stipes is 
 very short, with a few narrow pointed scales quite at the 
 base ; and the principal as well as the partial rachis has 
 a uniform narrow winged margin. The fronds are bipin- 
 nate. The pinnae are oblong ovate, short and more dis- 
 tant towards the base of the fronds, and short but more 
 crowded near the apex. The pinnules are obovate, taper- 
 ing to the base, with from two to four or five rarely 
 more deep notches, and as many sharp angular spinous 
 teeth. The venation is rather indistinct, except when 
 the fronds are young, owing to their rigid texture. The 
 principal vein of each pinnule produces as many lateral 
 veins as there are lobes or serratures, one being directed 
 towards each marginal tooth. The sori, which are borne 
 two or three on a pinnule, on some of the lower of the la- 
 teral veins or venules near their junction with the mid- 
 vein, are short, oblong, sometimes distinct, but often be-
 
 IX ASPLENIUM. 
 
 151 
 
 coming confluent, and occasionally occupying nearly the 
 whole under surface of every pinnule," from the "base 
 to the apex of the frond ; 
 they are covered by an 
 opaque white oblong indu- 
 sium, more rounded on the 
 free margin, which is turned 
 towards the mid-vein, than 
 on that by which it is at- 
 tached, the free margin being 
 also waved and somewhat 
 indented. 
 
 This species agrees in 
 structure with Asplenium 
 lanceolatum, notwithstand- 
 ing the discrepancy of size 
 in perfect specimens. Its 
 claims to be regarded as a 
 native plant have been 
 much questioned, and its 
 recorded habitats, one of 
 which is Amersham Church, 
 Bucks, have been searched 
 in vain. There are speci- 
 mens in the Herbarium of 
 the Botanical Society of 
 London, from Cavehill, Bel- 
 fast, communicated by Mr. Newnham ; and others from 
 rocks in Wharncliffe Wood, Yorkshire, said to have been 
 collected in 1838, by Mr Redhead. It is now and then 
 reported from such suspicious localities as old garden 
 walls, and was certainly found, in 1845, growing 
 in company with Asplenium Trichomanes, on such 
 an old high wall, connected with the mansion of the 
 late D. Heigh, Esq., on Tooting Common, Surrey, 
 where it could not have been introduced within half 
 a century ; but from this station it has since been era- 
 
 [Asplenium fontanum.]
 
 152 IX. ASPLENICM. 
 
 dicated by repairs of the wall. More recently, it has 
 been found by the Rev. W. Hawker, on a wall at 
 " Ashford," near Petersfield, Hampshire, where it is said 
 to be growing in several large patches. Mr. Shepherd 
 of Liverpool, who has been for many years a cultivator of 
 ferns, has sent me specimens, which he states to have been 
 gathered at Matlock in Derbyshire. The probability is 
 that the plant has been often overlooked in its native 
 haunts; and in confirmation of this view it may be 
 mentioned that Mr. Hutcheson, formerly gardener at 
 Boxley Abbey, Kent, and a fern cultivator, states that 
 he gathered it in 1842 on rocks near Stonehaven, Kin- 
 cardineshire, in a spot since destroyed by the construc- 
 tion of a railway. Undoubtedly many localities where 
 it may exist have never been examined by a scrutinizing 
 eye ; and, as it is not unfrequent in other parts of Europe, 
 especially the alpine districts, I do not feel justified in re- 
 jecting the testimony of our older botanists, and excluding, 
 as others have done, this interesting plant from our flora. 
 Asplenium fontanum is a very pretty and easily grown 
 plant. To ensure success, it should be carefully potted, 
 so that superfluous moisture may drain away from its roots, 
 and it is best elevated slightly above the level of the 
 soil between two or three pieces of soft sandstone. It 
 never attains a great size, and therefore does not require 
 a large pot, and should be kept in a close shady frame. 
 It may be propagated by division of the plant. This 
 species grows admirably in a damp shady hothouse. 
 
 2. Asplenium lanceolatum, Hudson. Lanceolate 
 Spleenwort Fronds lanceolate, rigid, bipinnate glabrous ; 
 pinnae ovate-lanceolate; pinnules obovate, deeply and 
 sharply toothed ; rachis scarcely winged, minutely scaly ; 
 sori short oblong, near the margin. 
 
 ASPLENIUM LANOEOLATCM, Hudson : Sm. Ens. Fl. iv. 208 
 Eng. Dot. t. 240 : Hook and Arn. Fl. 573 : Bab. Man. 414 : NewnV
 
 IX ASPLENIUM. 
 
 153 
 
 249: Florlcr. Brit. iv. 67: Franc. 49. ASPLEXICM BULOTH, 
 
 F. SchllltZ. ASPLENIDM BOTUNDATUM, KaultuSS. TAKACHIA 
 LANCE.OLATA, Presl. 
 
 The Lanceolate Spleen- 
 wort has a tufted caudex, 
 densely covered with bris- 
 tle-like scales, which scales, 
 though of smaller size, are 
 continued through the 
 whole length of the stipes 
 and rachis. The fronds 
 are from four to eighteen 
 inches long, and of propor- 
 tionate width, growing 
 sometimes nearly erect, in 
 other cases drooping, varia- 
 tions which are, no doubt, 
 dependent on the situa- 
 tions in which they are de- 
 veloped. Their texture is 
 usually rigid, but, when 
 developed in dark moist 
 situations, it becomes more 
 membranous. They remain 
 persistent through the win- 
 ter, and are terminal and 
 adherent to the caudex. 
 The stipes is from a third 
 to one half the length of 
 the frond. The outline of 
 the frond is lanceolate. The pinnae, which are pin- 
 nate except in a young almost linear form of the 
 plant in which they are only slightly lobed and one 
 to two inches long stand nearly at a right angle with 
 the rachis, often, but by no means always, opposite, the 
 lower ones being usually shorter than those about the 
 middle of the frond, which are lanceolate. Occasionally, 
 
 [Asplenium lancooJatum.]
 
 154 IX. ASPLESIUM. 
 
 however, the fronds are very nearly triangular in outline, 
 when this species is not so readily distinguished from . I . 
 Adiantuiit-nigrum, from which, nevertheless, it may be 
 known by the form and submarginal position of its sori. 
 The pinnules are usually obovate, but vary considerably in 
 form, being sometimes much attenuated at the base, with 
 the apex rounded ; sometimes blunt, both at the base and 
 apex, becoming irregularly quadrate. In all cases they 
 are indented on the margin with deep sharp teeth, the 
 smaller pinnules being simply toothed and the larger ones 
 near the principal rachis deeply cut and again toothed. 
 The venation of each pinnule consists of a somewhat tor- 
 tuous mid-vein, from which forked veins are produced, 
 one venule extending to the point of each serrature. The 
 sori are produced from the side of these veins and venules 
 towards their extremity, without any regular order ; they 
 are at first oblong, but become more or less circular in 
 age, the thin white indusium by which they are covered 
 in their earlier stages being soon obliterated, the sori be- 
 ing often large, and frequently confluent when old. The 
 indusium, which opens along its inner edge, is on that 
 side usually slightly lacerated. The fructification is ma- 
 ture in August 
 
 This species is not very abundant, and is chiefly found 
 near the sea-coast. The counties from which it is re- 
 ported are Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset ; Gloucester, 
 Kent, or Sussex ; Pembroke, Glamorgan, Merioneth, Car- 
 narvon, and Denbigh. It is also found in the Channel 
 Islands, in the middle and south of Europe, in Madeira 
 and the Azores ; and, according to Link, in the west of 
 Scotland near Gilphead, and^in Ireland; but we do not 
 find these latter statements confirmed. 
 
 It requires a mild sheltered climate, and is therefore 
 not suited for rock-work, or exposed situations. Placed 
 where it may have a moist and calm atmosphere, free 
 drainage at the root, and a moderately elevated tempera- 
 ture, it will grow freely, and under such circumstances
 
 IX. ASPLENIUM. 155 
 
 is rather a handsome fern. The soil should be well in- 
 termixed with porous material to secure perfect drainage. 
 It may be propagated by division, when more than one 
 crown is formed. 
 
 3. Asplenlum Adiantum-nigrum, Linnaeus. 
 Black Spleenwort. Fronds deltoid or ovate, bi-tri-piunate ; 
 piniue triangular ; pinnules ovate or ovate-lanceolate in- 
 ciso-pinnatiiid, sharply toothed ; sori linear-elongate, dis- 
 tant from the margin. 
 
 ASPLEMUM ADIANTUM-MGRUM, Linnaeus : Sm. Eng. Fl.iv., 297: 
 En;,'. Hot. IWSO: Hook and Arn, Fl. 673: Bab. Man. 414: Florigr. 
 lirit. iv., 64: Franc. 49, Ncwui. 255. ASPLEMUM MGRUM, Bern- 
 Imrdi. TARACHIA ADIANTUM-NIGBUM, Presl. PUILLITU LANCI- 
 FOLIA, Moench. 
 
 ft. obtuxum ; fronds smaller, less divided, the divisions 
 more ovate obtuse ; rachis winged. 
 
 AspLmiuM ADIANTUM-NIGBUM var. OBTUSUM, Newra. 258. 
 ASPLEMUM OBTUSUM, Willdeuow. 
 
 f[. acutum ; fronds tripinnate throughout ; ultimate 
 pinnules cut into linear sharply-toothed segments. 
 
 ASPLENIUM ADIANTUM-NIGRUM var. ACUTUM, Newm. 259. As- 
 PLENIUM ACUTUM, Hory. AsPLEKiLM ViKGiLii, Bory. TARACUIA 
 ACUTAi Pres). 
 
 D. variegatum ; fronds distinctly variegated with 
 yellowish white. 
 
 ASPLENIUM ADI ANTCM-NIGBUM var. VARIEGATUM. Moore in! ed. 
 
 The Black Spleenwort has a tufted caudex, furnished 
 with wiry roots, and bristly scales, a few of which latter 
 are scattered on the base of the stipes. The fronds, which 
 are adherent to the caudex, and terminal, vary much in 
 size ; being sometimes not more than three or four inches
 
 156 
 
 IX ASPLEXICM 
 
 [Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum.]
 
 IX. ASPLEMUM. 157 
 
 in length, and sometimes as much as two feet. They 
 appear towards the latter end of May, and reach maturity 
 about September, remaining persistent through the winter. 
 The stipes is smooth, shining, dark purple, almost black, 
 about as long as, or, especially when vigorous, longer than 
 the leafy portion of the frond. The fronds have a triangular, 
 more or less elongated outline, the lower pair of pininc 
 being always larger than the rest, and the apex of the 
 frond often much attenuated. The pinnae are pinnate, 
 elongate- triangular, standing obliquely and more or less 
 alternately on the rachis ; the lower pair are from one to 
 three inches long. The ovate or ovate-lanceolate pinnules 
 also, especially those on the lower pinna, are pinnate, and 
 stand obliquely and alternately. The smaller pinnules, 
 and the lobes of the larger ones, are strongly, unequally, 
 and more or less acutely toothed. The texture of the 
 fronds, when mature, is for the most part rigid, and they 
 assume an erect or pendent position, according to the 
 conditions of the locality where they grow, which con- 
 ditions also affect their size. The mid-vein of the pinnules 
 is distinct. In luxuriant fronds the veins become secondary 
 midveins, and in the most compound fronds, the lateral 
 veins, or venules, sometimes become as tertiary mid-veins, 
 the ultimate diA-isions of the frond, and all the principal 
 lobes having mid-veins, from which proceed free alternate 
 veinlets, either simple or branched, and on these, near the 
 junction with the midvein, and on. the inner side, the 
 fructification is borne. The sori are distinct, linear, of 
 considerable length, covered by a narrow white indusiurn, 
 which bursts with an entire margin on the side towards 
 its midvein, becomes at length forced asiut.-, and is ulti- 
 mately altogether pushed ofl'. Being numerous, the sori 
 frequently becomes confluent and cover the entke back 
 of the frond. 
 
 The varieties obtusum and acutum differ from the ordi- 
 nary condition of the species, on the one hand in the more 
 blunt and rounded, and on the other in the more acute
 
 158 
 
 IX. ASn.KXU-M. 
 
 A 
 
 tmd narrowed form of the frond, the pinnne, and the pin- 
 nules. They are, however, closely connected by inter- 
 mediate states. The most distinct is acutum, which is a 
 remarkably ele- 
 gant plant. The v 
 former is not un- .> V 
 common in dry ex- 
 posed places. The 
 latter is chiefly 
 found in Ireland, 
 and in the western 
 counties of Eng- 
 land, and seems 
 rare. The variety 
 named varieya- 
 tum, differs only 
 in its being, as its 
 name implies, dis- 
 tinctly variegated, 
 with yellowish 
 white. It was 
 found in 1847, 
 on Shottisbrook 
 church, Berkshire, 
 by Mr. Silver. 
 
 This species is 
 very common 
 throughout Eng- 
 land and Europe, 
 flourishing under 
 hedge-rows, in the crevices of rocks, and on the decay- 
 ing walls of ruined buildings. 
 
 The Black Spleenwort once had a reputed efficacy in 
 the treatment of coughs, asthmas, and similar affections 
 of the chest ; but it has not maintained its reputation. 
 
 It is a very accommodating and ornamental species for 
 the cultivator, growing well under pot-culture, or planted 
 
 [Asplenium Adiantmn nigrum vars.]
 
 IX. ASPLEXIfM. 159 
 
 on artificial rock-work. In the latter situation, its neat 
 habit and glossy evergreen fronds render it very desirable. 
 It may, too, be grown either in exposed or shaded situa- 
 tions ; the chief difference being that, in the latter, it at- 
 tains a greater degree of luxuriance. It is readily 
 propagated by separating the crowns. 
 
 4. Asplenium marinum, Lhincfus.Sea. Spleen- 
 wort Fronds linear, or strap-shaped, pinnate; pinnae 
 ovate or oblong serrated, stalked, unequally wedge shaped 
 at the base ; rachis winged. 
 
 ASPLEXICM MARINUM. Linnseus: Sm. Eng. Fl. iv., 294: Eng. 
 Bot. 392: Hook and Am, FI. 573: Bab. Man. 414: Newm. 275: 
 Florigr. Brit, iv., 69 : Franc. 49. 
 
 /3. acutum ; fronds elongate ; pinnae narrow linear 
 lanceolate elongate acute. 
 
 The Sea Spleenwort has a tufted scaly caudex, pro- 
 ducing wiry roots, by which it is so firmly fixed in its native 
 rocks as to be with difficulty removed. The fronds, 
 which are terminal and adherent to the caudex, are pin- 
 nate, and of leathery texture, linear or linear-lanceolate, 
 often much elongated, from two to twenty inches in 
 length, the usual size being from six to twelve inches. 
 The pinnae grow hi length after they become unfolded. 
 The young fronds appear about the end of June, and re- 
 main fresh and green until long after new fronds are 
 produced the following year ; it is, therefore, truly ever- 
 green. The stipes is smooth, varying from about one- 
 sixth to one-half the length of the frond, and dark 
 purplish-brown, almost black at the base, where a few 
 narrow pointed scales are attached. The rachis is 
 winged throughout, The puma; are stalked, serrated, and 
 connected by the narrow wing of the rachis ; they vary 
 in form, usually between obtuse-ovate and oblong, the 
 base being always very unequal, the anterior side being 
 rounded and sub-auricled, the posterior side truncate. In
 
 160 
 
 IX ASP1.KXIUM. 
 
 the variety acutmii, the pinnae take a much narrower 
 and more acute and elongated form. The margin i.s 
 creuately serrate, sometimes doubly crenato-berrate, occa- 
 
 [Asplenium inarinum.j 
 
 sionally lobed. The venation is tolerably distinct, not- 
 withstanding the leathery texture of the frond s ; the mid- 
 vein is prominent, and the venules become forked soon 
 after leaving it, and bear on the anterior branch scarcely 
 midway to the margin, a linear sorus which is covered by 
 a pale-coloured persistent indusium, opening on the side 
 towards the apex of the pinnse. In some cases the sorus 
 extends almost the whole length between the mid-vein
 
 IX. ASPLENIUM. 161 
 
 and the margin. The veins are somewhat thickened 
 at the end, and terminate just within the margin. 
 The fructification is mature in September and Oc- 
 tober. 
 
 This plant, though chiefly an inhabitant near the 
 coast, has been found in two or three inland situations. 
 It must, however, be regarded as a marine species, the fis- 
 sures of sea-cliffs and the roofs of sea-caves being its 
 favourite haunts. It is not uncommon on the rocky coasts 
 of Great Britain and Ireland, and on those of the neigh- 
 bouring islands ; and occurs also on the coast of France 
 and Spain, in North Africa, and in the Madeira and 
 Canary Isles. 
 
 It appears to have been once used medicinally, for Ray 
 recommends it in cases of obstruction, and states that its 
 mucilage, applied externally to burns, is efficacious 
 when other remedies have failed. 
 
 No one, as far as we are aware, has been successful in 
 cultivating the Sea Spleenwort in the open air in the 
 climate of London, exposed unsheltered to which it pe- 
 rishes. Whether or not, this be in consequence of its 
 tenderness requiring warmth, as indicated by its foreign 
 habitats, or whether the peculiar saline influences of the 
 sea are essential to it, as its almost universal position in 
 a wild state might suggest, the probability seems to be 
 that it is constitutionally tender, since it attains great 
 luxuriance, when cultivated in the warm moist atmo- 
 sphere of a shady stove. It, however, grows readily in a 
 common frame kept closed. The plants are rather difficult 
 to establish when newly removed from the rocks, their 
 roots being of necessity much injured in the process of re- 
 moval ; but when once established, and placed in a shel- 
 tered position, they grow freely, and may be increased 
 without difficulty by the ordinary process of division. Its 
 evergreen habit renders it at all times ornamental. When 
 cultivated in a common frame, it should have some pro- 
 tection against cold in winter; in fact, it is best placed 
 
 M
 
 162 IX. A8PLENIUM. 
 
 with other tender kinds, beneath a hand-glass kept closed 
 in the greenhouse. 
 
 5. Aspleiiium Tricliomancs, Linnaeus. Common 
 Spleenwort __ Fronds linear pinnate ; pumas roundish-ob- 
 long, crenated,' stalked ; rachis not winged, ebeneous 
 throughout. 
 
 ASPLKNIUM TRICHOMANES, Linnams: Sm. Ens. Fl. iv., 292 : 
 Eng. Bot576: Bab. Man. 414: Hook and Arn. Fl. 573 : Newra. 
 285: Florigr. Brit, iv., 73: Franc. 46. ASPLENICM TRICHOMA- 
 Schkuhr. PHYLLITIS ROTCNDIFOLIA, Moench. 
 
 /3 incisum : pinnae deeply pinnatifid, with narrow in- 
 ciso-serrate segments ; barren. 
 
 The Common Spleenwort forms a dense tufted caudex, 
 whose numerous wiry roots insinuate themselves in the 
 crevices of the rocks and old buildings on which it esta- 
 blishes itself. The fronds are terminal, adherent, ever- 
 green, the young ones appearing about May, numerous, 
 narrow linear, simply pinnate, and from three inches to a 
 foot in length. The stipes is very short, smooth, shining, 
 purplish black, which colour is continued along the 
 shining rachis. The pinnae are numerous, about three 
 lines long, opposite or alternate, stalked, roundish oblong, 
 unequally wedge-shaped at the base, dark green, nearly 
 entire on the margin, or usually more or less deeply cre- 
 nated. In the variety incisum they are deeply but irre- 
 gularly pinnatifid with linear-serrated segments. When 
 the fronds become aged the pinnae are readily detached, 
 and they eventually fall off like the leaves of a deciduous 
 plant, leaving the persistent rachis quite denuded. The 
 pinnae are usually quite distinct, but occasionally crowded ; 
 each has a distinct mid-vein, from which proceed alter- 
 nate venules, which are forked near the base, the anterior 
 branch bearing the sorus just beyond the fork, and both 
 terminating within the margin. The linear sori are each 
 covered by a thin pale-coloured membranous indusium of
 
 IX. ASPLEN I CM, 
 
 163 
 
 the same form, which opens along the side towards the 
 apex of the pinnae, and has its margin usually very 
 slightly crenated 5 they are numerous, and sometimes be- 
 
 
 
 [Asplenium Trichomanes.] 
 
 come confluent, and cover the entire under-surface of the 
 frond. The fructification is mature in August. 
 
 M2
 
 164 IX. ASPLKXIUM. 
 
 Besides the variety incisum, there is another accidental 
 form of this species sometimes met with, in which the apex 
 of the frond is two or three times dichotomously divided, 
 with a tendency in the ultimate divisions to become mul- 
 tifid crisped. This occurs in some collections under the 
 name of monstrosum. We have been favoured with spe- 
 cimens from St. Mary's Isle, Kircudbright, by Mr. D. 
 Dick ; and of a similar form from Quin Abbey, Clare, by 
 Mr. J. R. Kinahan. 
 
 A commonly distributed species throughout the United 
 Kingdom and Ireland, growing on rocks and old walls, 
 and more rarely in hedge-row banks, where however it is 
 more luxuriant. There is scarcely anything in the vege- 
 table world more beautiful than a surface of wall covered 
 with luxuriant specimens of this simple-looking fern. It 
 is found throughout Europe, in Asia, and in Africa. 
 
 From the statements of the old writers, it would appear 
 that this fern once had a medicinal reputation which it 
 does not now possess. Ray speaks of it as useful in affec- 
 tions of the chest and lungs ; and Lightfoot records that 
 the Scotch country people, in his day, made from it a tea 
 and a syrup, which were taken as remedies for coughs 
 and colds. Some old medical books refer to this plant as 
 the source from which the syrup called Capillaire is pre- 
 pared. 
 
 This plant grows readily either on rock-work or in pots, 
 but its roots, being wiry, and insinuated into the crevices 
 of walls and rocks, it is often found difficult to transplant 
 successfully. The smaller and younger plants should be 
 chosen, and carefully taken up with as little injury to the 
 roots as possible, and they should be kept in a close at- 
 mosphere for a few weeks after transplantation. It forms 
 a very elegant little evergreen plant on rock-work, and 
 grows freely when established if care be taken not to al- 
 low stagnant water to remain about its roots. From it* 
 small size, it should, of course, be placed in the more pro- 
 minent situations in the rockery, where its elegant ap-
 
 IX. ASPLENIUM. 105 
 
 l>carance may not be lost sight of. It is propagated by 
 dividing the tufts when there is more than one crown. 
 The young fronds spring up about April or May. 
 
 6. Asplenium viride, Hudson. Green Spleenwort. 
 Fronds linear pinnate ; pinnae rhomboidal or roundish- 
 ovate crenated stalked; rachis not winged green in the 
 upper part 
 
 ASPLENIUM VIEIDB, Hudson : Sm. Eng. Fl. iv.. 293 : Eng. Hot. 
 t. 2-257 : Bab. Man 414: Hook and Arn. Fl. 573: Florigr. Brit.iv. 
 71: Newm. 281: Franc. 47. ASPLENIUM TKICHOUANES KAMOSDM, 
 Linnaeus. 
 
 /3. acutum : pinnae ' long and pointed ' (Newm.). , 
 
 The Green Spleenwort produces its fronds in a dense 
 tuft from the caudex, which is dark coloured, somewhat 
 creeping, and furnished with a few narrow pointed scales, 
 producing also numerous slender wiry roots, by which it 
 tixes itself to its native rocks. The fronds grow up in May, 
 remaining green through the winter, and are narrow 
 linear, pinnate, light green, and from two to eight or ten 
 inches in length, according to the circumstances of ex- 
 posure or shelter under which they have grown. They are 
 terminal and adherent to the caudex, and, in a young 
 state, are covered with fine, very deciduous scales. The 
 stipes is smooth, usually about a third of the length of the 
 frond, more or less purplish brown at the base, but other- 
 wise green, the green colour being continued along the 
 rachis to the apex. The pinnae, attached by slender stalks, 
 are commonly, but not invariably alternate, and more 
 distant in the lower than in the upper part of the frond ; 
 they vary considerably in form, between rhomboidal and 
 roundish-ovate, usually tapering to the base, but some- 
 times broadest at the base, and much shortened and 
 rounded at the apex ; the margin is deeply crenated. 
 Sometimes the apex of the frond is dichotomously or tri- 
 chotoinously forked. The mid-vein of the pinnae is dis-
 
 166 
 
 IX. ASl'LEXI I' 31. 
 
 tinct, sending off simple or forked vennles, which seldom 
 reach the margin : when forked, the forking is either be- 
 yond or opposite to the fructifications. Each sorus is linear, 
 and at first covered by a narrow lanceolate membranous 
 indusimn, which has a jagged or crenate margin ; this is 
 soon pushed aside by the spore-cases, which not unfre- 
 quently become confluent over the under surface. The fruc- 
 tification is mature about August. 
 
 This species occurs, not very 
 commonly, in the mountainous 
 rocky districts of England, Wales, 
 and Scotland, and less commonly 
 in Ireland, delighting in the vi- 
 cinity of waterfalls- It is found 
 throughout the alpine and sub- 
 alpine districts of Europe. 
 
 This is usually a free growing 
 plant under cultivation, not, how- 
 ever, often attaining the size 
 which it acquires in sheltered 
 places amongst the moistened 
 rocks, in the interstices of which 
 its roots delight to insinuate 
 themselves, often so firmly as to 
 render it next to impossible to 
 extricate the plants uninjured. 
 It requires well drained pots, and 
 soil intermixed plentifully with 
 small lamps of broken freestone, 
 and delights in a damp shsdy [Aspk-nimn 
 situation, provided the moisture is not too nearly stagnant. In 
 the rockery it needs shade and the shelter of a befl-giaas, 
 to protect it from the hot arid summer air, and the 
 excessive wet of winter, which seldom drains away suffi- 
 ciently from artificial rock work- The proper liTI ftlirr~ 
 for these half-hardy ferns, are those having a small 
 penag in the crown, which may be closed or not at
 
 . 
 
 plMMre, btt is * geml Wot 
 ** Tk* FtaitB m*j be ] 
 *lj K ffc t t 
 
 B^. ML t Mi BMkaMl Ara, FL SJJ: : 
 Brit. IT.. 75 : Franc. 45. J 
 
 TL IT, 2M: 
 414: 
 
 TIM Wall Rae is a dwrf tafted 
 ducing toogh wiry roots from ks 
 which is clothed with bristly 
 
 - .... i.-
 
 168 IX. ASPLENIUM. 
 
 numerous, terminal, and adherent to the caudex, deep 
 green, from one to six inches in length, growing up in 
 May and June, and continuing green through the winter. 
 The stipes is smooth and slender, more than half the 
 length of the frond, green except at the base, where it is 
 blackish-purple. The frond is more or less triangular in 
 outline, usually bipinnate, but sometimes in young or 
 imperfect specimens, only pinnate. Very young seedling 
 plants have the fronds simple and kidney-shaped, and in the 
 next stage pinnate, with a single pair of roundish reniforrn 
 pinnae. The pinnae of ordinary mature plants as well as 
 the pinnules are alternate. The pinnules are rhomboidal, 
 roundish ovate, or obovate with the base wedge-shaped, 
 sometimes cuueate with the apex truncate; the upper 
 margin is always irregularly toothed or notched, the 
 wedge-shaped base entire. The ultimate divisions of the 
 fronds, whether pinnae or pinnules, are without a dis- 
 tinct mid-vein, but a series of veins arise from the base, 
 becoming in their progress branched, and spreading out- 
 wards, the number of branches or venules usually corres- 
 ponding with that of the marginal teeth. On the inner 
 side of these venules the sori are produced, several on a 
 pinnule ; they are linear-elongate, covered by long nar- 
 row membranous indusia, which have their margin ir- 
 regularly jagged or sinuated, and are soon obliterated by 
 the spore-cases, which become confluent, and usually at 
 length cover the entire under surface. The fructification 
 is mature in August. 
 
 A very common species, found in the fissures of rocks, 
 and more abundantly on old walls, exhibiting a predi- 
 lection for brick walls. It is generally distributed over 
 Europe, and is said to be not uncommon in some parts 
 of North America. This fern was formerly reputed to 
 possess pectoral qualities. The cuneate-truncate form 
 above mentioned, somewhat resembles A. Germanicum, 
 and is sometimes mistaken for it. 
 
 Th Wall Rue grows better in fragments of old brick
 
 IX ASP1JENIUK. 
 
 169 
 
 and mortar than in soil, and requires less moisture and con- 
 finement than is generally congenial to this race of plants. 
 
 8. Asplenium germanicum, H V/\.v Alternate- 
 leaved Spleemvort. Fronds lanceolate linear, broadest at 
 the base, pinnate ; pinnae alternate, narrow wedge-shaped, 
 the lowermost three-cleft ; margin of the indusium entire. 
 
 ASPLENIUM GEBMANICCM, Weiss : Newm. 265: Hab. Man. 414: 
 Florigr. Brit. iv.. 77. ASPLENICM ALTERNIFOLICM, Wulfcn: Sin, 
 Kng. Fl. iv., 296 : Eng. Hot. t. 2258 : Hook and Am. Fl. 573 : 
 Franc. 44. ASPLENIOM UBETSII, Rctzius. AMESIUM GERMANICUM, 
 Newman Brit. F. 10; App. vii. SCOLOPENDRIUM ALTtuNiFouuM. 
 Roth. TABACUIA GEBMANICA, Presl. 1'uiLLrris HETEIIOPHYLLA, 
 Mcench. 
 
 The Alternate-leaved Spleen- 
 wort is a small delicate plant, 
 having a tufted caudex, to 
 which the fronds are terminal 
 and adherent. The numerous 
 fronds grow up in the spring, 
 and flourish during the sum- 
 mer, but usually perish in the 
 winter, so that the species is 
 but sub-evergreen ; they are 
 from three to six inches high, 
 narrow linear, somewhat widen- 
 ed at the base, pinnate, with 
 distant, alternate, narrow, 
 wedge-shaped pinnae, which 
 taper gradually at the base 
 inco a short slender stalk, by 
 which they are attached to the 
 rachis. The stipes is slender, 
 about half the length of the 
 frond, smooth, purplish at the 
 base, the rachis being, for the 
 most part, green. The pin- 
 nx are ascending, toothed or [Asplenium germanicum.]
 
 170 IX. ASPLENIUM. 
 
 notched at the apex, two or three of the lowermost 
 having a pair of alternate lateral lobes. There is no 
 mid-vein ; the veins which arise from the base of the pinnae 
 becoming branched, and a branch extending towards 
 each of the teeth into which the apex is divided. 
 There are thus two to four or more subparallel longi- 
 tudinal venules, two or three of which bear a linear- 
 elongate sorus along their inner margin. The sori are 
 covered by linear membranous indusia, having the free 
 margin entire or sinuous " but not jagged ; and they at 
 length become confluent, obliterating the indusia. The 
 fructification is mature in August. 
 
 One of the rarest of our native ferns, having been dis- 
 covered only near Llanrwst in Carnarvon or Denbigh- 
 shire, at Borrowdale in Cumberland, near Kelso in Rox- 
 burghshire, and at Dunfennline in Fifeshire, and Dunkeld 
 in Perthshire. In the herbarium of Mr. S. F. Gray, 
 there is a specimen of this fern, labelled as A. septentrio- 
 nale from Arthur's Seat. It is found in other European 
 countries, but is nowhere a common plant. 
 
 This rare fern is one which does not thrive under culti- 
 vation, except with careful management. If potted in 
 porous soD, with the crown well elevated, and covered by 
 a bell-glass in a shaded frame, or put in a warm close 
 house or pit without a bell-glass, it will generally grow 
 with vigour ; but the plants are very liable to perish in 
 winter. The safeguard is, not to allow water to reach 
 their crowns, to keep their roots just moderately moist, 
 and not to suffer the bell-glasses employed to protect them 
 from the risk of being wetted, to injure them by retain- 
 ing a constantly damp atmosphere, which they will do if 
 they are kept permanently closed. 
 
 9. Asplenium septentrionale, Hull Forked 
 Spleenwort Fronds linear, simple or two- three- cleft, the 
 segments alternate elongate; margin of the indusium 
 entire.
 
 IX ASPLFNIUM. 
 
 171 
 
 ASPLENIUM SEPTENTRIONAI.E, Hull : Swartz : Sm. En?. Fl iv 
 295 . Eiifr. Bot. t 1017 : Hook and Arn, Fl. 573 : Bab Man. 414 
 Florigr. Brit, iv., 74: Newm. 269: Franc. 44. AMESIUM SEPTEN- 
 TKIONALE, Newman Brit. F. 10; App. vii. ACROPTERIS SEPTEN- 
 TRIONALIS, Link. ACKOSTICHUM sEPTENTBiONAtE, Linnajus. 
 
 SCOLOPENDRIUM SEPTENTBIONAI.E, Kotll. PTERIS 8EPTENTRIO- 
 
 NAUS, Smith. 
 
 The Forked Spleen- 
 wort has a tufted cau- 
 dex, often forming a 
 comparatively large 
 mass, and producing 
 slender branched fibres 
 which serve to fix it to 
 the rocks on which it 
 grows. The fronds 
 which are terminal and 
 adherent to the caudex 
 are small and slender, 
 often very numerous, 
 from two to four inches 
 long, dull green, except 
 quite at the base of the 
 stipes, which is dark 
 brown-purple. Their 
 [Asplemuin septentrionale.] usua i outline is narrow 
 
 elongate-lanceolate from the partial spreading of the 
 lateral segments, gradually diminishing downwards into 
 the smooth stipes, which is about equal to the frond 
 in length. The frond itself, in vigorous specimens, is 
 cleft into two or three narrow segments : sometimes 
 deeply cleft to the very rachis, the lobes narrowing 
 downwards, and often having a bifid apex, and one 
 or two short lateral sharp-pointed or bifid teeth ; some- 
 times less divided, the lateral divisions merely forming 
 enlarged bifid teeth ; and sometimes still more re- 
 duced into mere teeth, the apex of the frond length- 
 ened, but slender and curved The lateral lobes,
 
 172 IX. ASPLKSICM 
 
 therefore, appear either simply slit away from the main 
 division, or they are so deeply divided and narrowed 
 downwards as to assume the appearance of distinct pinna-. 
 The veins are nearly simple, that which extends into 
 each division of the frond proceeding directly from the 
 base, and becoming forked upwards when the lobes are 
 furnished with bifid teeth, one branch then extending to 
 each tooth ; most of these venules bear a sorus on the 
 inner side. The central lobe of the frond has usually one 
 venule paralled with, and near to each margin, and each 
 of these venules bears a long narrow sorus attached to the 
 inner side, the indusium opening by its inner edge. The 
 opposite position of these veins, and proximity of the sori, 
 which open face to face, produce some resemblance to the 
 twin fructification of Scolopendrium ; but the true nature 
 of the son is sufficiently evident in the earlier stages of 
 development, when they are seen to be perfectly distinct, 
 each having its own indusium. Each sorus is covered by 
 a linear membranous indusium, the free margin of which 
 is entire ; this is pushed back by the spore-cases and finally 
 lost, the sori becoming confluent and the entire surface 
 covered by the spore-cases. The fronds are persistent 
 through the winter, the young ones appearing about 
 April. The fructification is mature in August 
 
 This is a rare species, confined to the counties of 
 Somerset, Carnarvon, Denbigh, York, Northumberland, 
 Cumberland, Westmoreland, Roxburgh, Edinburgh, and 
 Perth, and apparently not found at all in Ireland. It is 
 however, not unfrequent throughout Europe, most com- 
 mon in the south, and is found in the mountains of Asia. 
 
 This and the preceding minute species require shelter, 
 and constant but moderate and not stagnant moisture. In 
 the climate of London they grow well in pots, in cold 
 close frames, but do not bear exposure. The present spe- 
 cies is somewhat tender, the young growth being liable to 
 suffer from spring frosts.
 
 GENUS X. 
 
 SCOLOPENDIUUM, Smith. 
 HART'S TONGUE FERN. 
 
 GEN. CHAR. Sort linear elongate straight, growing 
 in proximate parallel pairs on the anterior and posterior 
 veuules of adjacent fascicles of veins. Indusium linear- 
 elongate attached to the venules on opposite sides of the 
 proximate sori, the free margins being face to face, con- 
 niving when young, at length separating down the centre 
 of the twin sorus, which becomes confluent into one 
 linear mass of spore-cases. Veins two or three times 
 forked ; mid- vein prominent ; venules parallel, free, their 
 apices club-shaped. 
 
 This beautiful feni is one of the most prolific of 
 varieties some being very remarkable of all our native 
 species. On the ground that Scolopendrium was origi- 
 nally given as a specific appellation, and ought not there- 
 tore to be used as a generic title, Mr. Newman proposes to 
 substitute the name of Phyllitis for this genus, a change 
 which is quite unnecessary, and based on arguments 
 which, if followed out, must tend to bring the so-called 
 law of priority in botanical nomenclature, into merited 
 contempt. 
 
 The name is derived from acolopendra, the name of a 
 genus of myriapods, to the feet of which the lines of 
 fructification are supposed to bear some resemblance.
 
 174 
 
 X. SCOLOPENDKIUM. 
 
 1. Bcolopendrium vulgar e, Symons. Common 
 Hart's Tongue Fern. Fronds smooth, linear-lanceolate, 
 or oblong-strap-shaped, cordate at the base ; stipes shaggy 
 with narrow membranous scales. 
 
 SCOLOPENDRICM VUL- 
 
 GARE, Symons: Sm. 
 Eng. Fl. iv., 301: 
 Enfr.Bot. 1160: Hock 
 and Arn.F1.574: Bab. 
 Man. 415 : Newm. 289: 
 Florigr Brit, iv., 78: 
 Franc. 52. SCOLO- 
 
 PENDRIUM OFFICINA- 
 
 BUM, Swartz. Sco- 
 
 LOPEKDBIUM PHY1.LI- 
 
 TJS, Kotb. PHTLLITIS 
 
 SCOLOPENDRIUM, NeW- 
 
 inan, Brit F. 10; App. 
 
 vi.AsPLKSIVM SCO- 
 LOPENDBIUM,Linn*U8. 
 
 /3. polyschides: 
 fertile ; fronds li- 
 near deeply and 
 irregularly crenato- 
 lobate on the mar- 
 gin (fig- ft P 178 > 
 [PHTLLITIS POLTS- 
 CBIDES, Ray.] 
 
 7. marginatum ; 
 fertile ; fronds strap- 
 shaped, the margin 
 double, that is, with 
 an excurrent mem- 
 brane developed 
 from behind near 
 the margin, both 
 it and the margin 
 being^lacerate-lobed 
 and fertile. 
 
 [Scolopendriuin vulgare.]
 
 X. SCOLOPENDRIUM. 175 
 
 S. hastatum; fronds strap-shaped, having a pair of 
 angular spreading lobes at the base : i. e hastate. 
 
 . crispum; fronds strap-shaped, the margin much un- 
 dulated, the base auriculate cordate; usually barren 
 (fig. 7, p. 178). 
 
 if. lobatum; fronds oblong dilated at the apex and 
 there cut into acute lobes (fig. ft, p. 178). 
 
 0. multifidum; fronds forked, often repeatedly towards 
 
 the extremity, fertile: sometimes undulated and then barren. 
 [PHVLLITIS MDLTIFIDA, Ray.] 
 
 1. laceratum ; fronds short, broad oblong-ovate, or 
 obtusely sub-deltoid, the margin deeply inciso-lobate, the 
 lobes large crowded and multifid-crisped at their apex ; 
 or sometimes strap-shaped, the margin inciso-lobate, with 
 the lobes narrow elongate and taparing to a point ; the 
 apex submultifid, the base sometimes hastate. 
 
 K. ramosum; stipes branched, the branches of frond 
 dilated at their apices and divided into numerous un- 
 equal crisped lobes (fig e, p. 178). 
 
 The Common Hart's Tongue Fern has a compact tufted 
 caudex, to which the fronds are terminal and adherent. 
 The fronds are produced in the spring about April, and 
 remain green through the winter ; they are at first erect, 
 but by degrees assume, more or less, a gracefully drooping 
 habit. The stipes occupies about a third of the length of 
 the fronds, and is of a brown purple colour, somewhat 
 shaggy with narrow membranous pale-brown scales, which 
 are also continued along the back of the mid-rib. The 
 fronds are narrow elongate lanceolate, or oblong-strap- 
 shaped, entire and plane on the margin, acute at the apex, 
 cordate at the base, and varying from about six inches to
 
 176 
 
 X. SCOLOl'KSDKIUM. 
 
 their If 
 
 e, and // 
 two U 
 
 two feet in length. The texture is very succulent when 
 
 young, becoming thickish and somewhat leathery when 
 
 mature, full green above, somewhat paler beneath. A 
 
 series of bi- 
 
 or tri-fur- 
 
 cate veins 
 
 branch out 
 
 from the 
 
 mid-rib, the :' 
 
 first fork- B 
 
 ing occur- \ 
 
 ring close 
 
 to 
 
 base, 
 
 the 
 
 branches 
 
 becoming again forked at about 
 
 one-third the distance to the edge, 
 
 and then extending in nearly 
 
 parallel lines almost to the edge, 
 where they terminate in club- 
 shaped apices ; here and there they 
 become a third time forked ; and 
 the cordate base of the frond is 
 always filled by a radiating series 
 of more compound furcations. 
 The sori grow in parallel conti- 
 guous pairs, face to face, each 
 covered by a separate indusium, 
 but eventually becoming con- 
 fluent, and superficially losing all 
 trace of their twin origin ; so that, 
 when considerably developed, 
 they have all the appearance of 
 simple linear masses, lying ob- 
 liquely across each half of the 
 frond. The two lines of spore- 
 
 w 
 
 [Scolopcudrium vulgare.]
 
 X. SCOLOPENDRIUM. 177 
 
 cases arise from separate but adjacent fascicles of veins, 
 one being attached to the upper side of the anterior brancli 
 of one, and the other line to the lowest side of the posterior 
 branch of the next fascicle, and so on over the fertile 
 portion which generally occupies three-fourths of the frond. 
 They are each covered with a pale-coloured membranous 
 indusium, which is so attached, that the free margin is 
 exterior as regards the fascicle of veins to which it is at- 
 tached; and, though at first touching each other, and 
 opening therefore in opposite directions like a pair of fold- 
 ing doors, they are soon pushed back by the growing 
 masses and lost, the double series of spore-cases becoming 
 so united as to form one crowded line. The son are of 
 very unequal length. 
 
 There are numerous varieties of this fern, nearly all of 
 which are more or less monstrous in their development. 
 They are, however, for the most part very constant, and 
 hence as they are really very different in their aspect, 
 this species is one of the most valuable to the cultivator. 
 
 The variety polyschides, has the fronds six inches to a 
 foot long, narrower than the common form, somewhat 
 pinnatifid, and deeply and irregularly crenately-lobed on 
 the margin; they are erect, and when very luxuriant 
 have a little tendency to undulation, and are more. or less 
 fertile. The sori are short, oblong, or linear, very irregular. 
 
 The variety marginatum, is the most remarkable and 
 the most beautiful of all the forms as yet known. The 
 fronds grow erect, a foot or more in height, and stand in a 
 circle around the crown ; they are simple strap-shaped, the 
 margin irregularly lobed, the under surface producing 
 within the margin an excurrent membrane which is also 
 lobed. Both surfaces of this membrane and the under 
 surlace of the frond itself exterior to it are soriferous. 
 The fronds have therefore as it were a double margin. In 
 the less perfectly developed condition, the membrane is 
 reduced to the form of a longitudinal vein-like ridge. This 
 variety was first found near Nettlecombe, in Somerset-
 
 178 
 
 :;. SCOI.OI'ENDHIUM. 
 
 [Scolopendrium vulgarc, v.irs.]
 
 X. SCOT.OPEXDRIUM. 179 
 
 shire, by Sir W. C. Trevelyan, and subsequently near 
 Selworthy, in the same county, by Mrs. Archer Thomp- 
 son, to both of whom I am indebted for specimens. A 
 curious form allied to this, having, however, the excurrent 
 membranous line on the upper surface, has been met with 
 by Mr. S. F. Gray ; and this form if constant, it is pro- 
 posed to name supralineum. 
 
 The variety hastatum, differs in having the base hastate, 
 instead of cordate. 
 
 The variety crispum, is one of the handsomer forms, 
 and quite constant. It is of the usual shape, but the 
 margin is very much curled or undulated, from which 
 peculiarity it has also obtained the name of undulatum ; 
 the base is auriculately cordate. It is usually barren, but 
 sometimes fertile. 
 
 The varieties lolatum, multifidum, and ramosum, are 
 more decided monstrosities. The first has the point of 
 the fronds dilated, and more or less cut into acute lobes, 
 and is not very constant. The second has the fronds 
 forked more or less, often repeatedly near the extremity, 
 all the divisions divided in a multifid manner at the apex ; 
 it is usually fertile, but sometimes comes undulated, and 
 is then barren. The third has the stipes forked, and the 
 branches dilated and multifidly crisped at their apices. 
 
 The variety laceratum is a curious and less constant 
 form, grown in the Koyal Gardens at Kew. Sometimes 
 the fronds are short, almost as broad as long, very blunt 
 at the apex, deeply and irregularly lobed in a pinnatifid 
 way almost down the midrib, the lobes being crowded, 
 imbricating and much undulated, each of them more or less 
 dilated at the apex, and multifidly forked. The lower 
 pan- of lobes are sometimes almost distinct, and much en- 
 larged, and sometimes the lobes are so developed as to pro- 
 duce an approach to the palmate form. In other cases the 
 fronds are strap-shaped, the margins inciso-lobate, most of 
 the lobes extended into a narrow taper-point. In some 
 fronds the apex has a tendency to become multifid ; some 
 
 N 2
 
 180 X. SCOU5PKNDR1UM. 
 
 of the fronds, not all, have the base hastate. This, 
 which has been called scrratum, is, probably, the usual 
 form, as the broader and more lobate form was raised from 
 its spores, and the plants have reverted to it. Both were 
 cultivated at Kew, the plants having been received from 
 Mr. Young, of Taunton. 
 
 The Hart's Tongue is one of our commonest native 
 species, being almost universally distributed, occurring 
 very abundant in Ireland, less abundantly in Scotland. It 
 occurs on walls and ruins, on hedge-banks, among thick 
 bushes, and in the interior of wells, in the latter situation 
 acquiring extraordinary vigour. It is found all over 
 Europe and in Asia. The varieties, though mostly originally 
 found in a wild state, are not now often met with, and are 
 chiefly known as cultivated plants. 
 
 The medicinal virtues for which the species was formerly 
 in repute, are now disregarded. It was said to be used, 
 boiled in red wine, as an astringent in cases of diarrhoaa 
 and haemorrhage, and to form an ointment for the healing 
 of wounds and ulcers. According to Lightfoot, it was in 
 lu's day used by the Scotch rustics in the form of an oint- 
 ment as a vulnerary, for burns and scalds. 
 
 It is a very distinct looking fern, and highly ornamental 
 on rock work, from which neither the species nor its va- 
 rieties should be absent Indeed, the great variety it 
 affords, and its evergreen habit, render it one of the most 
 valuable of all ferns for the hardy fernery. It is, more- 
 over, a very free growing plant, thriving in any situation, 
 though acquiring its greatest perfection in shady humid 
 places. As a pot plant it requires considerable scope for 
 its roots. It is increased by dividing its crowns.
 
 GENUS XL 
 
 CETERACH, Willdenow. 
 
 SCALE FEBN. 
 
 GEN. CHAK Sori elongate oblong or linear, all but 
 the lowest on each pinna attached to the anterior side of 
 the anterior venules, hidden amongst densely imbricated 
 chaffy scales. Indusium obsolete. Veins forked or pin 
 nate ; venules anastomosing near the margin, the lowest 
 posterior one soriferous on the side next the rachis. 
 
 This genus being without an tndusium might seem to 
 belong to the Polypodies, but the position of the recep- 
 tacle on the side of the venules determines its affinity to 
 be with the Atpleniea. 
 
 The generic name is a modification of Chetherak, ap- 
 plied to this plant by the Arabian and Persian phy- 
 sicians. 
 
 1. Ceterach officinarum, Willdenow. Common 
 Scale Fern Fronds sinuate- pinnatifid ; segments oblong- 
 obtuse, entire or lobed on the margin. 
 
 CETEBACH OFFiciNARtJM, Willdenow ; Bab. Man., 415: Florlgr. 
 Brit, iv., 81. : Newm. 293: Hook and Am. Fl. 566. GKAMMITIS 
 CETEBACH, Swartz: Franc 20. SCOLOPENDKIUM CETERACH, 
 Symons: Sin. En<*. Fl. iv., 315: Eng. Bot. t. 1244. ASPLENIUM 
 CETEBACH, Linnasus. XOTOLEPEUM CETEKACH, Newman, Brit. 
 F. 9: App. v. GYMJJOGRAMMA CETEBACH, Sprengel.
 
 182 
 
 XI CETERACH. 
 
 The Common Scale Fern has a tufted caudex producing 
 branched penetrating roots. The fronds are terminal to 
 the caudex, adherent, remaining green through the winter, 
 
 the young ones ap- 
 pearing about May; 
 they form a pretty 
 tuft, the green of 
 the upper surface 
 well contrasting 
 with the pale 
 rust-coloured scales 
 seen on the back of 
 the half-unrolled 
 fronds. The stipes 
 is short, stout, dark- 
 coloured at the 
 base, and clothed 
 with small brown 
 narrow pointed 
 scales. The fronds 
 are from four to 
 eight inches long, 
 deeply pinnatifid ; 
 the divisions alter- 
 nate,and sometimes 
 divided quite down 
 to the midrib, the 
 pinna; being sepa- 
 rate and sessile. 
 The entire under 
 surface is clothed 
 with a densely im- 
 bricated covering 
 
 [Ceterach officinarmn.] 
 
 of small narrow 
 pointed rlmbriate 
 
 scales, at first whitish, changing to light brown; the points of 
 some of these scales projecting beyond the margin of the
 
 XI. CETERACH. 183 
 
 pinnae, give them a ciliated appearance. The venation is to- 
 lerably distinct in young fronds ; but becomes more obscure 
 as they get older or when dried. It is arranged thus : at 
 the posterior basal corner of each segment, a vein branches 
 obliquely from the rachis, and extends in a sinuous course 
 towards the apex, and nearer the lower than the upper 
 margin ; this produces alternate venules, the first of which, 
 directed upwards, alone bears two sori, one on each of the 
 two branches into which it separates, the lowest facing the 
 rachis, the other turned from it ; the other veins become 
 branched near the base, the anterior venule bearing a sorus 
 on the anterior side ; consequently all the sori, except the 
 lowest, are attached to the anterior side of the anterior 
 venules. These branches, however, become again branched 
 near the margin, and there anastomose in an irregular 
 manner, the points being free, and extending almost to 
 the margin. The sori are oblong, at first concealed by 
 the scales, and at no time very apparent from the resem- 
 blance in colour between them and the scales on the mature 
 fronds. The spore-cases are attached to the side of the 
 veins, and immediately behind them, seated on the back 
 of the vein, is a slightly elevated membranous ridge, which 
 probably represents the indusium, and is no doubt the 
 " erect white membranous involucre" which is mentioned 
 by some writers. 
 
 This plant is found growing on old walls, ruins, churches, 
 rocks, and similar situations, and is pretty generally dis- 
 tributed over England and Wales, abundant in Ireland, 
 rather rare in Scotland, and apparently absent from the 
 Northern and Western Isles. It occurs in the middle and 
 south of Europe ; in Madeira and the Azores, and in Brazil, 
 according to Kunze. 
 
 It is a reputed diuretic, and was formerly used in medi- 
 cine, but is now disregarded. 
 
 This is a free growing species under cultivation when 
 once established. It dislikes close confinement, and re-
 
 184 
 
 xi. <;KTKI:ACH. 
 
 quires a very 
 porous soil ; in 
 fact, it should 
 have a good pro- 
 portion of old 
 mortar, and 
 liroken freestone, 
 in the compost in 
 which it is plant- 
 ed. It may be 
 grown either in 
 pots, or planted 
 out on rockwork ; 
 and is not very 
 particular as to 
 the situation, but 
 J.TOWS finest in 
 the shade. It is 
 propagated by di- 
 vision of plants. 
 
 [Ccterach offieinnnrn.]
 
 GENUS XII. 
 BLECHNUM, Linnaus. 
 
 HARD FKRX. 
 
 GEN. CHAR. Sori forming: a continuous narrow line 
 on the inner side of a series of transverse anastomosing 
 venules near the mid-vein. Ind'/sium continuous, bursting 
 on the side towards the mid-vein. Veins forked free ; 
 mid-vein distinct ; venules of fertile fronds united by a 
 longitudinal or transverse anastomosing receptacle pa- 
 rallel to the midrib. 
 
 The name is latinised from Wechnon, a Greek name for 
 a fern. 
 
 1. Blechnum Spicant, lioth. Common Hard 
 Fern. Fronds dissimilar, linear-lanceolate; the fertile 
 contracted erect, pinnate, with linear acute pinnae of 
 which the margins reflex ; the barren ones prostrate pin- 
 natifid with broadly linear blunt flat lobes. 
 
 BLECHNUM SPICANT, Roth; Withering. BLECHNUM BORFALE, 
 Swartz: Sm. Eng. Fl. iv., 303: Eng. Bot 1159: Hook and Arn. 
 Fl. 575: Bab. Man. 415: Franc. 53. LOMABIA SPICANT, Desvaux : 
 Newm. 89 ; Florigr. Brit, iv., 51. OSMUNDA SPICANT, Lintifeus. 
 ASPLENIUM SPICANT, Bernhardi ACROSTICHCM SPICANT, Sib- 
 thorp. ONOCLEA SPICANT, Hoffman. OSMUNDA BUREAUS, Sa- 
 lisbury. SPICANTA BOREALIS, Presl.
 
 186 Xll. BLECHNUM. 
 
 ft. ramosum : apex of fronds constantly subdivided 
 in a dichotomous way, and curled, i.e. multifid-crisped. 
 
 BLECHNUM SPICANT, car. RAMOSUM, J. R. Kinahan in litt. 
 and Phytol.iv., 892. 
 
 The Hard Fern has a thick tufted scaly caudex, to 
 which the fronds are terminal and adherent. The fronds 
 perish in the winter, young ones springing up about May, 
 and attaining maturity by the end of the summer. The 
 barren ones are shorter than the fertile, narrow elongate- 
 lanceolate tapering to both extremities, pectinate-pin- 
 natifid, with close flat oblong obtuse segments somewhat 
 curved in the direction of the apex of the frond, and 
 having a prominent mid-vein with slender forked venules, 
 the branches of which terminate just within the margin in 
 a small, transparent, club-shaped head. These fronds 
 usually lie in a nearly horizontal position, and are at- 
 tached by a short, dark-coloured, slightly scaly stipes. The 
 fertile fronds grow up from the centre of the tufts, and 
 are usually quite erect ; they vary from one to two feet in 
 height, and are narrow elongate-lanceolate, pinnate. In 
 ordinary cases the barren and fertile fronds are quite dis- 
 tinct, but sometimes both conditions occur on the same 
 frond. I am indebted for specimens in illustration of this 
 fact from Mr. G. F. Playne, collected at Nailsworth, in 
 Gloucestershire, in one of which the base is barren, and 
 the apex fertile, in another the apex is barren, and the 
 basal parts fertile. The position of these fronds on the 
 plants, was, I am informed, intermediate between the or- 
 dinary decumbent barren and the erect fertile fronds. The 
 stipes is from a third to half the length of the frond, dark 
 purple, smooth, with a few small scattered scales near the 
 base, and the rachis is of the same colour. The pinna; 
 are narrow linear acute, curved towards the apex of the 
 frond, convolute at the margins, and covered on the under 
 side with the confluent lines of spore-cases. Their venation 
 is rather peculiar : each pinna has a distinct mid-vein
 
 XII, BLECIIXUM. 
 
 187 
 
 [Blechnum Spicant.]
 
 188 XII. BLECIIXl'M. 
 
 from which proceeds alternate veins ; these extend about 
 half-way to the margin, and then each turns at a right 
 angle, proceeding along the pinna until it reaches the next 
 vein, with which it unites, thus producing a longitudinal 
 vein on each side the mid-vein and about equidistant 
 between it and the margin. To the inner side of these 
 longitudinal veins, which form the receptacles, the spore- 
 cases are attached in a continuous series. They are covered 
 by an indusium of the same linear continuous form which 
 bursts on the inner margin, splitting up at intervals where 
 the lateral veins have arisen. The fructification is mature 
 in August and September. 
 
 There is a disposition in the fronds of this plant to be- 
 come dichotomous, and in one variety for which I am in- 
 debted to Mr. J. R. Kinahan, and which I learn is con- 
 stant, the apices of the fronds are subdivided in a di-or tri- 
 chotomous way, the segments being blunt and curled, so 
 that the frond assumes the multifid-crisped character found 
 in some forms of Scolopendrium ; this variety is called 
 ramosum. It was found near Upper Lough Breagli, 
 Wicklow, Ireland. Mr. Wilcke has sent me specimens 
 from Blaydonburn and Tanfield Dean, Durham, in the 
 former of which the segments are mostly bifid, and in the 
 latter coarsely toothed, variations which occur also in the 
 common Polypody, but I believe in this as in that case 
 inconstant. 
 
 A common species occurring commonly in stony and 
 heathy places, and showing itself to be fond of moisture. 
 It is generally distributed throughout Europe, and occurs 
 in the Canary Islands and at the Cape of Good Hope. 
 
 This plant is of easy culture, and extremely hardy, 
 forming a splendid rock plant, and also luxuriating in 
 swampy boggy places. It is, moreover, easily obtained, 
 and propagates readily by division of its crowns.
 
 GENUS XIII. 
 PTERIS, Linnaeus. 
 
 BRACKEX. 
 
 GEN. CHAR Sori linear continuous marginal, covered 
 
 bv the attenuated reflexed margin of the pinnules. Vein-: 
 two or three times forked ; mid-vein distinct ; venules 
 direct, their apices combined by a sporangiferous receptacle. 
 
 This plant is the Filix famina, or female fern of the 
 old authors. It is unquestionably the most common and 
 widely dispersed of our indigenous ferns, often entirely 
 over-running extensive tracts of country, but apparently 
 not occurring on the chalk. 
 
 The name is the Greek pteris signifying a fern, and 
 that comes from pteron a wing or feather, and is applied 
 in allusion to the form assumed by the fronds. 
 
 1. Pteris aquilina, Linnceus. Common Brakes or 
 Bracken. Fronds bi-tri-pinnate ; primary pinnae in pairs ; 
 ultimate divisions sessile, the terminal one elongate. There 
 appear to be two very distinct forms of this plant : 
 
 a. vera ; pinnules for the most part piunatifid, or 
 sinuate, the segments oblong-obtuse. 
 
 PTERIS AQUILINA, Linnaeus: Sm. Eng. Fl. iv., 305: Eng. Bot. 
 1679: Bab. Man. 415: Newm. 93: Florigr. Brit, iv., 54: Hook 
 and Arn, Fl. 575: Franc. 55. EUPTEBIS AQUILWA, Newman, 
 Phytol. ii. 278 ; App. iii.
 
 190 
 
 XIII. PTEIJIS. 
 
 8. integerrima ; pinnules almost all entire, one or two 
 basal ones sometimes very slightly lobed. 
 
 1'TERIS AQC1LINA, Vtlf. INTEGEBEIMA, MoOrC iQ ed. 1. 
 Q. 
 
 [Pteris aquilina.] 
 
 The Common Bracken has an extensively creeping sub- 
 terraneous, thick, succulent, dark brown caudex, some-
 
 XIII ITEHIS. 
 
 191 
 
 what velvety externally, often forming thickly interwoven 
 usually horizontal masses just beneath the surface of the 
 soil. The fronds, which are lateral and adherent, and 
 produced singly at intervals along the caudex, are of 
 annual duration ; the young ones grow up in May, and 
 being extremely succulent and tender, are often killed 
 by late frosts ; they become mature by the latter end of 
 July, and are invariably killed early by the autumnal 
 frosts, then becoming of a reddish brown colour, but from 
 their rigid texture, maintaining for some time their form 
 and position. When they first grow 
 up the tops are bent down against the 
 stipes, from which position they rise and 
 expand gradually. They are very 
 variable in size, from six to eighteen 
 inches on poor soil, and parched situa- 
 tions, to three or even eight and ten 
 feet in rich soil and sheltered localities. 
 Their form also varies the smaller 
 states being usually somewhat trian- 
 gular, and the larger much more elon- ' 
 gated. The stipes is rather over half 
 the length of the frond, and is green, 
 somewhat pubescent when young, and 
 when mature angular with sharp edges 
 which inflict severe wounds if the plants 
 are incautiously pulled ; the part under 
 ground is black, velvety, and spindle- 
 shaped. A transverse section of the 
 stipes presents the ends of the vascular bundles arranged 
 in a figure which is by some thought to resemble the im- 
 perial eagle, whence the specific name. 
 
 The composition of vigorous fronds is thrice pinnate. 
 Sometimes, when grown in exposed situations, the first 
 pair of pinna? are unusually enlarged, giving to the frond 
 a kind of tripartite-appearance; but under other con- 
 ditions, the primary rachis becomes extended, throwing
 
 192 
 
 XIII. PTEKIS. 
 
 out at intervals the almost opposite bipinnate pinna, 
 several pairs being in many cases produced. The form of 
 the primary pinnae is usually ovate, that of the secondary 
 pinnae narrow-lanceolate, the former being nearly opposite 
 in distant pairs, and the latter near together, either oppo- 
 site or alternate along the secondary rachis. The pinnules 
 are attached by their base without a footstalk either al- 
 ternately or opposite along the tertiary rachis, becoming 
 confluent towards the apex, the terminal often consider- 
 ably larger and more elongate than the rest. Their form 
 is oblong-lanceolate, deeply pinnatifid, or sometimes only 
 sinuate, the lobes being oblong-obtuse. The venation is 
 arranged thus : the mid-vein produces a series of veins, 
 which become mid-veins to 
 the lobes, and these branch 
 into a further series of 
 venules, which are either 
 once or twice forked, and 
 extend to the margin ; the 
 lowest branch right and 
 left of the mid-veins of the 
 lobes usually meet and 
 unite, forming a rather 
 irregular longitudinal vein 
 parallel with the mid -vein 
 of the pinnule ; and along 
 the edge of the pinnules, 
 
 and also of the lobes and interstices, extends a marginal 
 vein, to which the ends of the other veins are united. 
 This marginal vein bears the fructification, the spore-cases 
 being arranged on it in a continuous line, and covered by 
 a bleached membranous reflexed extension of the epidermis 
 of the upper surface of the frond, which serves as an in- 
 dusium ; the epidermis of the under surface being also 
 developed in a similar way, and forming a membrane on 
 which the spore-cases lie; both membranes being frined 
 at the margin with jointed hairs. The fructification is
 
 XIII. PTERIS. 
 
 193 
 
 mature in July 
 when young, a 
 only bipinnate.' 
 
 The variety inteyerrima differs only 
 
 and August. The plant has, especially 
 strong peculiar odour. Weak plants are 
 
 in the form of 
 its pinnules, 
 which are not 
 pinnatifid or 
 sinuated, but 
 quite entire or 
 with only one 
 or two of the 
 basal ones 
 very slightlv 
 lobed. The 
 pinnules are 
 hence obtusely 
 oblong ; and 
 each pinnule 
 developes a 
 distinct mid- 
 vein, which 
 on either side 
 produces a se- 
 ries of veins 
 that are once 
 'or twice 
 
 ~*^fl*filW"P forked - Thta 
 
 >aSK^ ft * - 
 
 very different 
 aspect from 
 the pinnatifid 
 form, and ap- 
 pears to be 
 
 
 [Pteris aquilina a 
 
 constant. It 
 is, at least, 
 not caused by difference of situation, as both occur indis- 
 
 criminately intermixed. 
 
 o
 
 194 XIII PTEUIS. 
 
 Tliis, as already remarked, is the most common of our 
 indigenous ferns, and is found abundantly on every de- 
 scription of soil, except chalk, which it appears to shun, 
 as it does the habitation of man, taking refuge (as New- 
 man observes) in wastes and wildernesses. It is exten- 
 sively distributed throughout Europe, and is found in Asia, 
 Africa, and North America. When growing in exposed 
 situations, it assumes a rigid and uncouth aspect ; but when 
 in its most luxuriant state, it is a plant of surpassing 
 beauty. Certainly I have nowhere seen, among our native 
 species, such a scenic effect as was produced by this species, 
 growing eight or ten feet in height, in a hedge-row bank, 
 skirting a damp shady lane, its expansive fronds grace- 
 fully arching out from among the brushwood which con- 
 cealed and supported their base. For any such damp 
 half-shady positions in artificial wilderness scenery, this 
 species, common though it be, deserves to be recom- 
 mended. 
 
 The Bracken is applied to various uses. The under- 
 ground succulent stems abound in starch, and, as stated 
 by Lightfoot, have been used in different countries as an 
 ingredient in making a miserable kind of bread They 
 have also been employed in brewing ale, being used in 
 the proportion of one-third to two-thirds malt. Mr. 
 Forsyth obtained a substance like coarse brown flour, by 
 grating the clean-washed stems, washing the pulp, and 
 straining it through a fine wire sieve ; and by first scraping 
 off the brown outer coating, white fecula was obtained, 
 which, when boiled, was without any disagreeable taste. 
 The fecula, he says, may be easily converted into malt, 
 and, mixed with a very small quantity of real malt, will 
 produce good beer. Both the under-ground stems in win- 
 ter, and the tender shoots in spring, are, when boiled, a 
 nutritious food for pigs, but not proper for young ones. 
 The young succulent fronds also make an excellent green 
 manure, if cut and dug or ploughed in immediately. The 
 dried fronds make a very durable thatch, for which pur-
 
 XIII. PTERI8. 195 
 
 pose they should be pulled up in October, when perfectly 
 pliant ; they are, besides, valuable as litter, and even 
 sometimes mixed with hay as fodder for cattle ; and they 
 form one of the best of all protecting materials in gar- 
 dens, and are much used for packing purposes. The plant 
 abounds in alkali, which is turned to account in the ma- 
 nufacture of soap and glass. The ashes of the full-grown 
 plant may be used in the wash-house, to economise soap ; 
 they are mixed with enough water to allow of their being 
 made up into balls, then dried, and, when required for 
 use, are put into a fire until they acquire a red heat, 
 when they are taken out and thrown into water, which, 
 in an hour or so, becomes a strong ley. The plant is so 
 astringent that it has been employed for the purpose of 
 tanning kid and chamois leather. Medicinally, the 
 Bracken is said to have had, among the ancients, a repu- 
 tation in chronic disorders, especially those arising from 
 obstructions of the viscera and spleen, but it is not now 
 esteemed, though sometimes used, in the form of powder, 
 to destroy worms, especially the tape worm ; the caudex 
 is the part used, in doses of from one to three drachms, 
 repeated for several mornings, and followed by a brisk 
 purgative. 
 
 No plant can require a less amount of cultivation when 
 it is established, but there is a real or imaginary diffi- 
 culty about transplanting it; and it is even said, on 
 high authority, to be killed by transplantation. There 
 is, however, no difficulty in transplanting it, if the caudex 
 is removed during winter, while dormant ; on the contrary, 
 it is sometimes found troublesome in soils collected at that 
 season for potting purposes. It will grow freely in any 
 temperature ; and though occurring in exposed situations, 
 it is very much finer in damp shady places. 
 
 o 2
 
 GENUS XIV. 
 ADIANTTJM, Linnenu. 
 
 MAIDENHAIR FERN. 
 
 GBN. CIIAR 5ori transverse marginal, oblong or sub- 
 globose. Indutium venose, formed of the membranous re- 
 flexed apices of the lobes of the frond, and bearing the 
 spore-cases on its under surface. Veins forked radiating ; 
 venulet direct terminating in the axis of the indusium. 
 
 The name is derived from the Greek adiantos, dry, uri - 
 moistened ; the plant possessing the property of repelling 
 water. 
 
 1. Adi an turn Capillus Venerls, Linnaus. Com- 
 mon Maidenhair. Fronds bi-tri-pinnate ; pinnules un- 
 equally wedge-shaped, alternate, with capillary- stalks, 
 lobed, the lobes of the fertile pinnules reflexed, bearing the 
 transversely oblong subraarginal son, and prolonged into 
 membranous indusia. 
 
 CATILUJS-VKCEMS, Linnteug : Sm. Eng. Fl. i v., 307 : 
 Eng. Bot. 1564: Hook and Arn. FL 576: Bab. Man. 416 : Florigr. 
 Brit, tv., 49: Nevrm. 83: Franc. 59. ADIAXTUM CAPU.LUS, Link. 
 
 The Common Maidenhair Fern has a black scaly 
 slowly-creeping caudex, with dark-coloured wiry roots. 
 The fronds, which are very delicate and graceful, appear
 
 XJT. AD1A3TOI. 
 
 is; 
 
 in May, and retain their freshness through the winter, if 
 duly sheltered ; they are more or teas drooping, and are 
 lateral and adherent to the candex. The stipes is slender, 
 dark purplish-black shining, with a few narrow pointed 
 scales attached to its 
 extreme base, and from 
 a half to two-thirds of 
 its lower extremity des- 
 titute of pouue. The 
 fronds are of irregular 
 outline, sometimes ap- 
 proaching a triangular 
 form, sometimes nearly 
 ovate, or elongate- 
 lanceolate, varying from 
 six to twelve inches in 
 length, twice-pinnate. 
 The piniMB and pinnule^ 
 are both alternate. The 
 shape of the pinnules L> 
 variable, but few bar- 
 ing the same form ; they 
 are, however, usually 
 irregularly fan-shaped, 
 with a wedge-shaped 
 base, the fertile ones 
 being more or leas 
 deeply cut on the mar- 
 gin, and the barren ones 
 sharply serrated. The 
 rachis both of the 
 fronds and of the pinna- 
 is slender and hair-like, 
 
 rAdiantmn Capfllos-Veneris.] but most especially so 
 are the little stalks by which the pinnules are attached : 
 and when after the period of maturity the pinnules fall off. 
 these capillary divisions of the rachis remain persistent
 
 198 XIV. ADIAMTUM. 
 
 like short stiff bristles. The texture of the frond is 
 thin and delicate, and the colour a cheerful green. The 
 venation is peculiar, and consists of a series of dichotomous 
 ramifications of the rachis, the first ramification forming 
 the extreme base of the pinnule, and the branches be- 
 coming again and again forked, so as to occupy the pin- 
 nule with a series of contiguous radiating venules. In 
 the sterile portion of the fronds one of the venules is di- 
 rected to each marginal serrature, in which it terminates, 
 but in the fertile parts they each terminate in the* axis of 
 the lobes, where they become united with the sporan- 
 giferous receptacle which is continued across the indu- 
 -imu. The sori are small roundish, soon becoming con- 
 rtuent into an interrupted linear series, lying crosswise 
 near the apices of the reflexed bleached portion of the 
 lobes, which serves as an indusium. The fructification 
 becomes mature about July. 
 
 This most delicate and graceful Fern is very local, being 
 found in moist caves and attached to moist rocks, chiefly 
 in the vicinity of the sea, preferring, it would seem, a per- 
 pendicular surface. It occurs principally in Cornwall and 
 Devon, in South Wales, and in Ireland ; and has other- 
 wise a wide geographical range, comprehending the warmer 
 parts of Europe, Asia, northern Africa, the Canary and 
 de Verd Islands, and North America. 
 
 It is reported to possess expectorant and diuretic virtues, 
 and to be the plant from which the syrup called Capillaire 
 is prepared ; Adiantum pedatum and Asplenium Tri- 
 chomanes being also said to furnish it. The people of the 
 south isles of Arran use a decoction of the leaves in place 
 of tea. 
 
 This fern does not bear exposure, but flourishes in a 
 confined damp atmosphere, attaining its greatest luxu- 
 riance when supplied with a moderate degree of warmth. 
 It is essentially a shade-loving plant, and is peculiarly 
 fitted for a Wardian case.
 
 GEXUS XV. 
 TRICHOMANES, Linnaeia. 
 
 BRISTLE FERX. 
 
 6m. CHAR. Son marginal vertically oblong ; tpare- 
 cases compressed, sessile around columnar filiform re- 
 ceptacles (which are extramarginal extensions of the 
 veins) within elongated urn-shaped involucres of the 
 same pellucid texture as the frond ; receptacle more or less 
 exserted. Veins direct free, simple or forked. 
 
 Oar native Trichomanes is the only European species 
 uf an extensive and extremely beautiful group of ferns 
 which is very abundant in the tropics. 
 
 The name is an ancient Greek word supposed to have 
 been applied to the fern called Aspleruvr* TricAonutrus 
 by Linnaeus. 
 
 1. Tricbomanes radicans, Stoartz. European 
 Brittle Fern. Fronds tri-qnadri-pinnatifid pendulous, 
 tmngular ovate or elongate, glabrous ; segments linear, 
 enure, or obtusely bifid ; involucres cylindrical scarcely 
 no- lipped, solitary in the axils of the upper segments, 
 more or less winged. 
 
 r*icHojtAM3 &ADICAXS, Swartz : Hook. Sp. PEL i, 125: Bab. 
 Man. 415: Hook and Am FL 576 : Florigr. Brit, iv, 119. TMCHO- 
 iLiXES sptcKKCM. WUlcenow : Newm. 305 TWCHGMAXES 
 BILVISETCM, B. Brown: Sm. Eng. FL iv., 311: Franc. 62-Tmi- 
 CIOMAXES AxDKewsn. Xewm. Ferns, 14. TmicnoitSES tro- 
 MCM. Smith. TmiCHirMAXES ALATVU Hooker Fl Lend. t. 53. 
 
 7BICBOMASES PTXIDITCBCIL Hudson. HnfESOPHTU.CK ALllCM. 
 
 Smith, Eng. Hot. 1417 Ou,lnoGLossnt AI^TCM, Ltavsuii.
 
 200 
 
 XV. TBICHOMAXES. 
 
 The Bristle Fern, one of the most rare and delicate of 
 all our native species, has an elongated creeping dark 
 coloured rooting caudex, clothed with small thick-set 
 narrow articulated scales, or bristles. The fronds, which 
 are circinate in vernation, and from six inches to a foot 
 lon^, consist of hard win- branched ribs, or veins, each 
 
 ' Trichomanes radicans.] 
 
 furnished throughout with a semi-membranous, pellucid 
 wing, becoming more or less consolidated, van-ing in outlii e 
 from angular ovate approaching triangular, to oblong- 
 acuminate, or lanceolate, the latter being the form of what 
 ha* been considered a variety and called Andrewtit 
 They are lateral and adherent to the caudex from which 
 they spring np solitary here and there, as it extends ovei
 
 XV. TRICHOMANES. 
 
 201 
 
 [Trichomanes radicaus.] 
 
 the damp 
 surface of 
 the rocks. 
 It is stated 
 that they 
 are three 
 years ar- 
 riving at 
 a mature 
 condition, 
 attaining 
 their full de- 
 velopment in 
 the second 
 autumn, and 
 becoming fruit- 
 ful in that of 
 the third year, 
 after which 
 they show 
 sy pmtoms of 
 decay; the 
 barren fronds, 
 however, re- 
 taining their 
 freshness in 
 congenial si- 
 tuations for 
 many years. 
 The stipes, 
 which is some- 
 times less than 
 one-fourth the 
 length of the 
 leafy portion, 
 and s o m e- 
 times equals it 
 in length, is
 
 IW 
 
 : 
 
 tklMfrprt 
 
 (: *f 
 
 r tfcwelj htfd. TWwfefccf 
 
 tfc**pexftfe 
 
 li&fi 
 tfefe* 
 
 
 at tkhw^, wfca* 
 br. 
 
 TkehMcf 
 
 Tl* wnofcxr? 
 benad tkr Mgvi w K. it WCRU Mnei 
 ee rf the fiwd w JU^revH, *^ AER 
 TWfepwra 
 
 i " 1 1 titay w tine 
 
 or fire or aixtiHwhB4KWtfctiroiiMre%. m 
 
 Ut 
 
 vkereit &*> jpori^iT ra s 
 
 life: 
 
 tett it ibiM &kn,. 
 
 .. . ..._. 
 
 . - : r 
 
 It 
 
 m ita*r pan f a pfarit re. or 
 
 fnAtoAk
 
 XV TRICHOMAXES. 203 
 
 the better) large enough to fit the mouth of the pot or pan, 
 which should be a good sized one, as the plants should be 
 seldom disturbed ; and after filling the latter so full of 
 broken crocks for drainage, as to admit of the sandstone 
 lying firmly on a level with, or rather above the rim, 
 strew a little silver sand over the stone, and with incorro- 
 sive wire, fix the caudex of the plant firmly on the surface, 
 then a little-more sand, followed by a good watering. If 
 necessary, the plant must be supported in a firm position 
 by means of some small stakes, judiciously placed, with 
 great care, for neither the plant nor the sand should be 
 disturbed when it is once fixed. After planting, place a 
 bell glass over the plant, and remove it to a shady place, 
 either in a stove or greenhouse, or sitting room. After 
 this, all that is required is careful and rather abundant 
 watering, sufficient at least to maintain a constant damp- 
 ness about the plant. Mr. Andrews, of Dublin, in Sep- 
 tember 1841, formed a case purposely for cultivating this 
 fern ; he lined the bottom with zinc, and covered the frame- 
 work with oiled lawn, and then planted the specimens in 
 well drained pots in a compost of loam and coarse sand, 
 interspersed with pieces of turf. He also suspended the 
 stems across the roof of the case, attached to rods, covered 
 with moss. The plants were kept cool, and were well moist- 
 ened daily. In October, 1843, the entire case was filled with 
 fronds of large and strong growth. Mr. Ward has for 
 many years cultivated this species with entire success, 
 even amidst the smoke of London, in his close cases : and 
 fine examples of cultivated Trichomanes are now not rare. 
 The most entire success, however, of which any record has 
 been made public, is that obtained by R. Calwell, Esq., of 
 Dublin, as stated in Mr. Ward's excellent book already 
 quoted, from which the following is also borrowed. Mr. 
 Calwell writes: 
 
 ' In the spring of 1843, 1 received a small portion of rhi- 
 zome, about five or six inches long, with one frond partially 
 developed, and one other just appearing, which I placed in a 
 bell-glass about fifteen inches diameter. In December 1 846,
 
 204 XV TKICHOMANES. 
 
 it quite filled the glass, and in that month I removed it into a 
 case 3 feet 10 inches by 2 feet 6 inches, and 3 feet 4 inches 
 in height the space under this, about twelve inches in depth, 
 was filled with upturned flower-pots, charcoal, cocoa-nut 
 husks, and light earth and peat. The plant now nearly fills 
 this case. It is difficult to count the fronds accurately, but, 
 as nearly as 1 can count them, they number two hundred and 
 thirty or upwards, of fully-developed fronds ; the length of 
 the fully-opened fronds being from fourteen to twenty and 
 a-half inches taking the length from the end of the stem, 
 where it starts from the rhizome, to the point of the frond. 
 When removing it to the present case, in December 1846, 
 I cut away five or six fronds which had been injured by 
 contact with the glass, but since that time not one of the 
 fronds then existing, nor any of those since formed, have 
 shown any symptoms of decay. As to the general treat- 
 ment : having originally provided well for perfect drainage, 
 I carefully sprinkle the surface of the fronds with water 
 once or twice a week in summer, and less frequently in 
 winter, and keep the door of the case (which is very close) 
 always shut, the drainage-valve underneath always open. 
 The case stands in a vestibule with nearly west aspect, 
 quite sheltered from the south by the house, which is much 
 higher than the vestibule. I strongly think that much of 
 my success is due to the fact that the light is much subdued 
 by shining through coloured glass windows (chiefly brown 
 and orange). The general appearance of the plant is 
 quite natural, the fronds bending down mostly. About 
 three years ago, I placed, for experiment, a small portion 
 of the rhizome with one open frond, on a block, and hung 
 it up in the case. It has now nineteen expanded fronds, 
 varying from nine to twelve inches in length, the rhizome 
 having crept all round the block, and throwing down 
 abundance of roots five or six inches long. I have not 
 found any other fern to thrive or even to live, in this case, 
 except Asplenium marinum, which seems to like the situ- 
 ation tolerably. I have even tried Hymenophyllum tun- 
 bridyense and H . Wilsoni , neither of which lived past one
 
 XV. TRICHOMANES. 205 
 
 year. The plant has never shown the least approach to- 
 wards producing seeds, although I have seen many plants 
 taken from the same locality (Turk's Waterfall, Co. 
 Kerry) which have fructified profusely." 
 
 This instance of success (Mr. Ward goes on to state) is 
 suggestive of one or two reflections of practical applica- 
 tion. " We see, first, how possible it is to grow some 
 plants in closed cases in even more than their native lux- 
 uriance. I believe it would be very difficult, if not im- 
 possible, to find such a patch of Trichomanes as is above 
 described, either in Ireland or in any part of the world. 
 The next reflection is, that, in obedience to well-known 
 physiological laws, whenever the foliage of a plant is de- 
 veloped to a greater extent than usual, the tendency to 
 produce fruit becomes proportionally diminished, and some- 
 times, as in the above instance, ceases altogether not one 
 frond out of the two hundred and thirty fructifying. It 
 would be interesting to watch the effect of exposure to 
 stronger light, and of a diminished supply of water. We 
 further learn that ferns, like other plants, vary much as 
 to their natural states, and that, in order to grow even the 
 British ferns in one case, it will be necessary to pay at- 
 tention to their respective wants. 
 
 " In order to grow all our ferns under one roof, it would, 
 of course, be necessary to fulfil their varying conditions 
 of growth ; and this might be easily effected by building 
 a model of some antique ruin, or by imitating some moun- 
 tainous ravine, or other bit of natural scenery, with water 
 trickling down from the elevated portion of the rock, and 
 flowing out of the house in a continuous stream at the 
 bottom. In such a house, without any artificial heat, our 
 ferns would attain a luxuriant growth, unimaginable by 
 those who know them only under ordinary circumstances. 
 Each fern could be supplied with a proper base of earth 
 or rock, and each could have the amount of light most 
 suited to its fullest development. The Trichomanes 
 might there revel on its Turk rock, and gladden the eyes 
 of the beholder with its lovely fronda spangled with
 
 206 XV TRICHOMAXES. 
 
 iridescent rain-drops. At the base of the rock and extend- 
 ing to the margins of the central brook, the two species of 
 Hymenophyllum, with Blt-chnum boreale, Lattrea Tlic- 
 lypteris, and the lovely Lady Fern would luxuriate ; 
 whilst on the borders of the little brook or in the centre 
 of the water, the royal Osmunda would raise itself to the 
 height of ten or twelve feet, as if conscious of its sove- 
 reignty, and worthy of the admiration elicited from Sir 
 Walter Scott when visiting the Lakes of Killarney. One 
 or two chalk or sand-stone caves might be lined internally 
 with the Asplenium marinum, its massive dark green and 
 glossy leaves beautifully contrasting with the light and 
 elegant foliage of the Maidenhair growing on the top. In 
 the more elevated portions, and fully exposed to light, 
 Allosorus crispus, Cystopteris fraiiilis and the other 
 species and varieties would thrive (with the exception of 
 the rare Cystopteris montana which should be planted 
 in reach of the spray) ; as would Asplenium septentrio- 
 nale and the Woodsiax ; whilst every chink and crevice 
 might be occupied with Potypodium Dryopteris, P. cal- 
 careum, P. Phegopteris, Asplenium Trichomanes, A. 
 Adiantum-nigruw, A. lanceolatnm, &c. Such a house 
 might be made very useful in determining those varieties 
 of ferns which depend upon varying climatal differences, 
 and in limiting the multiplication of species, which now 
 appears to be increasing rather too rapidly. A great 
 number of the more beautiful or rare British flowering 
 plants might be intermixed with the fems, and 
 would add greatly to the effect of the whole, taking 
 especial care that each should have the amount of 
 light and moisture which it obtains in its natural 
 state. So much for British ferns and plants; but 
 the time will most assuredly come when those citi- 
 zens of London who now recreate and refresh thoir 
 souls with such a house as is above described, will 
 raise their desires to the possession of equally beautiful, 
 but much more noble and majestic forms; I mean, 
 particularly, those of the Tree ferns."
 
 GENUS XVI. 
 
 HVMENOPHYLLUM, Smith. 
 
 FILM FERN. 
 
 GEX. CHAK. Sori marginal vertically oblong ; spore- 
 cases sessile around a columnar subclavate receptacle 
 within an urceolate two-valved involucre of the same pel- 
 lucid texture as the frond ; receptacle included. Veins 
 direct, free, simple or forked. 
 
 Film-fern seems preferable to Filmy-fern as the English 
 name of this group, which includes a large number of 
 tropical species, mostly small aad many of them very 
 beautiful. 
 
 The name of the genus is derived from the Greek 
 hymen a film or membrane, and phyllon a leaf; and is 
 admirably characteristic of the membranous texture of 
 the fronds. 
 
 1. Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, Smith. 
 Tunbridge Film Fern. Fronds membranous pinnate ; pin- 
 nae distichous vertical pinnatifid, the segments linear undi- 
 vided or bifid, and as well as the axillary solitary com- 
 pressed involucre, spinulose-serrate ; rachis winged. 
 
 HYMENOPHYLLUM TUNBRIDGES3E, Smith, Eng., Fl. iv., 326 : 
 Eng. Hot. 16-2 : Hook. Sp. Fil i , 95 : Hook and Am. Fl. 577 : 
 Hah. Man. 416: Newm. 321: Franc. 60 : Fiorigr. Brit iv., 122. 
 TRICHOMAXES IUNBEIDGBSSE, Linux us.
 
 208 
 
 XVI IIYMEXOPHYLU'M. 
 
 The Tunbridge Film Fern is a slender delicate species, 
 having a black thread-like creeping caudex, which is often 
 matted and entangled, forming, along with the moss which 
 accompanies it, a thick close turf over rocks and stones, and 
 is furnished with a few scattered hair-like scales. The 
 fronds ore lateral, adherent, small, and of tender membra- 
 nous texture, from one to four inches high, somewhat lan- 
 ceolate ovate, pinnate, the pin- 
 na? distichous vertical alternate, 
 once or twice pinnatifid, and 
 connected by a wing extending 
 along the rachis, the pinna;, 
 wings, and involucres all lying 
 in the same plane. The pinna:, 
 moreover, though sometimes 
 branched alternately, have a 
 decided tendency to ramify on 
 the anterior rather than the 
 posterior side. The ultimate seg- 
 ments are linear obtuse, with a 
 prominent central vein, and a 
 spinulosely serrate margin. The 
 fronds may be considered as a 
 series of stiff branched veins, 
 furnished with a membranous 
 wing throughout, except in the 
 lower part of the stipes, which latter varies from one third 
 to one half of, or equal to, the length of the fronds. The 
 sori are usually borne by the first vein on the anterior 
 side of the pinnae, thus becoming supra axillary. Devia- 
 tions from this may be sometimes observed, in which, 
 from the involucres and their contents having taken 
 the place of the lobes of the leafy part of the frond, 
 the identity of origin between them becomes manifest ; 
 in fact, in ordinary cases, the fructification takes the 
 place on the fertile pinna, of the first superior lobe of 
 the barren pinme. The spore-cases are collected into a 
 roundish mass upon the receptacle, which is formed of a 
 
 [Hymenophyllum 
 tunbridgense.]
 
 XVI HYMEXOPHTLLUM. 209 
 
 rein lengthened out beyond the margin, and assuming a 
 cylindrical or sub-clavate form ; and they are surrounded 
 by an involucre of two nearly orbicular valves, spinnlosely 
 serrate on the upper margin, and adpressed throughout the 
 greater part of their length, but become slightly gibbous 
 at the base, where the spore-cases are situate. The 
 receptacle does not extend much beyond the middle of 
 the valves. The plant is of an olive green colour, and is 
 seen to be elegantly reticulated when slightly magnified. 
 
 This little moss-like species is found widelv distributed 
 in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, growing amongst 
 moss in mountainous situations, or on the surface of damp 
 rocks and stones. It is also found in the alpine districts 
 of Europe, in the Azores, Madeira, and the Mauri- 
 tius, at tlio ( '.npe of Good Hope, in South America, Tas- 
 mania, and Ntw Zealand. 
 
 2. Hymenophyllum unilaterale, Willdenow. 
 Wilson's Film Fern. Fronds rigid pinnate ; pinnae sub- 
 secund recurved, four tosixlobed, the segments linear un- 
 divided or bifid spinulose-serrate ; involucres solitary 
 axillary ovate inflated entire ; rachis slightly margined. 
 
 HTMENOPHYLLCM UMLATERALE, Willdenow: Newm. 14. - 
 IlTMENOPHYLLUMWiuoM. Hooker, Brit. Fl. 446: Eng. Bot. Supp. 
 2686: Newm. 325: Hook and Arn. Fl. 577: Bab. Man. 416: 
 Florigr. Brit, iv., 124. 
 
 Wilson's Film Fern resembles the Tunbridge species 
 in its general features ; the texture of the frond in both 
 is delicately membranous and pellucid, and when mag- 
 nified even but slightly, is seen to be composed of closely 
 arranged cells, which give it a beautifully reticulated ap- 
 pearance, only in this the reticulations are somewhat 
 larger. The caudex is filiform, creeping, and sparingly 
 furnished with small brown pointed scales. The fronds 
 are lateral, adherent, linear lanceolate, rigid, pinnate, 
 from one to four inches high, or sometimes larger. The 
 stipes is of variable length, as in the allied species, terete. 
 
 p
 
 210 
 
 XVI. HYMENOPHYLLUM. 
 
 the rachis being also terete in the lower part, and slightly 
 winged above. The pinna are convex above, or recurved 
 no as to appear sub-unilateral, the involucres being usually 
 curved in an opposite direction ; they are wedge- 
 shaped in outline, digitate- 
 pinnatifid, the segments 
 being linear obtuse, and 
 spinulosely serrate along 
 the margins. The fructi- 
 fication is in this species 
 also axillary ; but the re- 
 ceptacle is surrounded by 
 an involucre of two oblong 
 convex or inflated valves, 
 touching only by their 
 edges, which are quite 
 entire. In its texture 
 and colour the plant is 
 very similar to the Hyme- 
 nophyllum tunbridgewe ; 
 in both, the young fronds 
 are produced towards the 
 f end of the summer, and 
 retain their green colour 
 until the next year, after 
 which they become brown, 
 [Hymenophyllum tinilaterale.] and finally almost black. 
 This species is like its congener widely distributed 
 throughout the United Kingdom, growing on the moun- 
 tains and on damp rocks ; the present is, however, the 
 more abundant of the two in the Highlands of Scotland 
 nd in Ireland. It is found in other parts of Europe, at the 
 Cape of Good Hope, in New Holland, and South America. 
 The Hymenopkyllums may be cultivated in the same 
 manner as the Trichomanet, The surface on which the 
 plants are placed should be covered with a thin layer of 
 sand and finely-cut sphagnum moss.
 
 GENUS XVII. 
 
 OSMUNDA, Linrueus. 
 BOYAL ! l-.i:\. 
 
 GEN. CHAR. Fructification naked, densely clustered 
 on contracted rachiform portions of the frond, forming an 
 irregular terminal panicle. Spore-cases large reticulated 
 subglobose, stalked, two-valved, opening vertically. Veins 
 forked ; venules direct, free. 
 
 The name is of uncertain derivation. There is a legend 
 that it commemorates Osmund a waterman of Loch 
 Tyne, whose wife and fair-haired daughter were hidden 
 among Osmundas during an incursion of the Danes. 
 Osmund is a Saxon word for domestic peace, from os 
 house, and mund peace. 
 
 1. Osmunda regalis, Linnaeus. Royal Fern, 
 Flowering Fern, or Osmund Royal. Fronds bipinnate; 
 pinnules oblong nearly entire, dilated and somewhat 
 auricled at the base ; spore-cases arranged in a clustered 
 terminal panicle. 
 
 OSMCNDA BEGALIS, Lmnasus : Sm. Eng. FL iv., 314: Eng. Bot. 
 209: Hook and Am. Fl. 578: Bab. Man. 417: Florigr. Brit, iv., 
 3ti : Newm. 332 : Franc. 63. 
 
 The Royal Fern is the most stately of the British 
 species. Its tufted caudex which attains a large size, 
 and in damp shady situations, a height of two feet and
 
 212 
 
 XVII. O.SMUNHA. 
 
 [Osmunds regalis.]
 
 XVII. OSMCNDA. 213 
 
 upwards, acquiring a resemblance to the trunks of the tree 
 ferns is very firm, and beset with numerous strong fibre;*. 
 The fronds are circinate in vernation, and when quite 
 young are very tender, shooting up with rapidity, and 
 attaining sometimes the height of ten or twelve feet in 
 damp sheltered spots, and from two to four feet in more 
 exposed and drier situations ; they are developed in May. 
 and destroyed by the early frosts. The stipes is stout, 
 smooth, without scales, variable in length, and as well as 
 the rachis succulent and tinged with red while young, 
 but becoming woody. Some fronds are entirely barren, 
 others bear fructification, the latter differing from the 
 former only in the presence of the panicle of spore-cases. 
 The fronds are lanceolate, bipinnate, with the nearly 
 opposite pinna; arranged in pairs ; they are erect, or less 
 frequently and chiefly when growing by water, somewhat 
 pendulous. The pinnse are lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 
 with opposite or alternate pinnules ; the latter of an oblong 
 r oblong-ovate form, blunt at the apex, somewhat dilated 
 and auricled at .the base, especially on the posterior side, 
 and often serrated ; the apical pinnule being usually some- 
 what more acute than the rest. The venation is very dis- 
 tinct : each pinnule has a prominent midvein, the veins 
 from which are forked almost at their base, the venules 
 being usually again divided, running in parallel lines, and 
 terminating in the margin. The fructification consists of 
 the upper pinnae changed from the leafy to a soriferous 
 state, and forming a more or less compact panicle of 
 spikes, covered over with spore-cases, attached to the veins 
 of the altered pinnules, of which only a slight wing is de- 
 veloped on each side the midvein. Not unfrequently 
 the pinnules on some of the pinnae are but partially trans- 
 formed, a few masses of sori occurring at the base, while 
 the apex remains leafy. Sometimes the pinnse near the 
 apex become soriferous, while the extreme apex itself re- 
 mains leafy and barren. These modifications indicate the 
 true nature and origin of the fructification. The spore-
 
 214 XVII. 08MUHDA. 
 
 c:a--e3 are snbglobose, reticulated, supported by a short 
 stalk, and somewhat two-valved, opening vertically, the 
 valves being supposed to originate in the upper and lower 
 epidermis of the frond. The fronds are terminal and ad- 
 herent to the candex. 
 
 This plant is generally distributed through the United 
 Kingdom, but chiefly confined to marshy places, and not 
 very abundant. In Ireland it is plentiful ; and it is found 
 throughout Europe, in Asia and Africa, and a very closely 
 allied form in North America. 
 
 The candex is said to possess tonic and styptic proper- 
 ties, but has fallen into disuse. 
 
 This species is of easy cultivation, preferring moist si- 
 tuations, and a peaty soil. It is very suitable to plant 
 about rockwork, in places where its habits can be accom- 
 modated that is, when abutting a piece of water ; and 
 though most luxuriant in a sheltered position, does not re- 
 fuse to grow when moderately exposed. It is propagated 
 by detaching and planting any lateral offshoots from the 
 caudex. The best way to establish it is to procure the 
 most vigorous plants from the localities where it is 
 spontaneous.
 
 GENUS XVIIL 
 BOTRYCHIUM, Stcartz. 
 
 MOOXWOKT. 
 
 GEN. CHAR. Fructification naked, clustered on a con- 
 tracted branch of the frond, constituting a compound 
 sporangiferous unilateral panicle. Spore-eastt large, se. 
 sfle, globose, without reticulations, two-valved opening 
 transversely. Fronds two-branched. Veint simple or 
 forked, radiating; renultg direct free. 
 
 The name is derived from the Greek, botrys a bunch 
 of grapes ; the spore-cases being produced in branched 
 clusters. 
 
 1- Bo try chi urn Lunaria, Sic art:. Common 
 Moonwort. Fronds solitary : barren branch pinnate : 
 pinnae lunate or fan-shaped, jagged or crenate. 
 
 BoTTCHim LrauLiA, SwarU : Sm. Enp. FL IT. 315: Book and 
 Am. Fl. 578: Bab. Man. 417: Newm.337: Florigr. Brit. IT. 34: 
 Franc. 65. OSMCNDA LFKAKIA, Liniuea*: Eng. Boc 1 118. 
 
 The Common Moonwort is almost without a caudex. 
 this part being reduced to a mere point at the base of the 
 stipes, furnished with stout succulent brittle roots, issuing 
 in irregular whorls from a thicker perpendicular one. The 
 fronds are annual, growing up towards the end of April, 
 and perishing in the coarse of the summer or the autumn ; 
 the entire plant growing from three to ten inches high.
 
 216 
 
 XVIII. BOTRTCHIfM. 
 
 When at rest, the plant consists of a bud or hybemacu- 
 luin. in which the incipient fronds are encased by brown 
 membranous sheaths, the persistent bases of the fronds 
 <>f former years. Enclosed in these sheaths the entire 
 fronds are found in an embryo condition, but perfectly 
 formed, with their two 
 branches placed face to 
 face, the fertile one 
 clasped by the barren. 
 Within the base of the 
 growing frond of one 
 year, are thus enclosed 
 the rudimentary buds 
 of the two following 
 years. The stipes is 
 erect, smooth, cylindri- 
 cal, and hollow, with 
 two or three bundles of 
 woody fibre embedded 
 in its succulent sub- 
 stance ; at the base it 
 is invested by the 
 sheaths already alluded 
 to; above, it becomes 
 divided into two 
 branches or pinnae, of 
 which one is leafy and 
 barren, the other fertile, 
 both pinnate. The pin- 
 nules of the leafy branch 
 are smooth, glaucous 
 ereen, Innate or flabel- 
 fifonn, the margins ere- 
 nate, or more or less deeply lobed; sometimes they be- 
 come partially fertile, and they are occasionally pinna- 
 rind, or linear and acute. The fertile portion is di- 
 vided into branches corresponding to the pinnules.
 
 XVIII. BOTRYCHIUM- 217 
 
 which are again more or less branched ; and on the secon- 
 liary branches are produced, distinct but clustered, the 
 brown globose stalkless spore-cases formed of two concave 
 valves, which when mature open transversely. Occa- 
 sionally it happens that two or more fertile branches are 
 produced. The fronds are folded straight in vernation. 
 The veins are free, proceeding from the base of the pin- 
 nules, irregularly forked and radiating towards the mar- 
 gin. The fructification is mature early in June. 
 
 This is a local plant, though widely distributed in the 
 United Kingdom, occurring in dry open heaths, and ele- 
 vated pastures. It is also found throughout Europe, in 
 Asia, and North America. 
 
 This is a difiicult plant to get established under culti- 
 vation, often refusing to vegetate. This probably arises 
 from its being placed along with other ferns, and kept 
 too damp, and for the most part too closely confined. It 
 rather prefers to be kept moderately dry, cool at the root, 
 and where there is a circulation of pure air. It prefers 
 rich vegetable soil ; unctuous peat earth is very suitable 
 for it, but it requires to be well drained. The roots 
 should be transplanted in the spring when dormant.
 
 GENUS XIX. 
 
 OPEIOGLOSSUM, Liiuunts. 
 ADDER'S TOXGCK. 
 
 GEX. CHAR. Fructification naked arranged in two lines 
 along the margin of a contracted frond forming a com- 
 pact flattened simple spike. Spore-cases sessile connate, 
 leathery, without reticulations, two-valved opening trans- 
 versely. Frondi two-branched. Veins uniform, reticu- 
 lated, forming elongated meshes. 
 
 The name is derived from ophios a serpent, and glossa 
 a tongue ; the fertile branch of the fronds having some 
 resemblance to an adder's tongue. 
 
 1. Ophioglossum vulgatum, Liwueut Common 
 Adder's Tongue. Fronds solitary ; barren branch ovate- 
 obtuse. 
 
 OPHIOGLOSSCM virusx-mc, Linnsus : 8m. Eng. Ft iv., 316. Engr. 
 Bot. 108 : Bab. Man. 417 : Hook, and Am. FL 578 : Florigr- Brit, 
 ir., 33 : Xewm. 349 : Franc. 6. 
 
 The Common Adder's tongue has the habit of the 
 Moonwort, but a different structure. Like it, too, it is 
 folded straight in vernation, hi which respect these two 
 plants differ from all other British ferns. The caudex Ls 
 represented by a central crown, which produces a few coarse 
 brittle fleshy roots, some of which extend horizontally
 
 XIX OPHIOGI.O33UM. 
 
 219 
 
 beneath the surface, and produce a new plant at a short 
 distance from the old. The old crowns produce a new 
 frond annually, as is the case with Botrychium, but in 
 this the rudimentary plant 
 is exterior to the stipes, 
 instead of being enclosed 
 within its base, as is the 
 case in Botrychium. The 
 fronds are erect, from three 
 or four inches to a foot in 
 heighth, smooth, annual, 
 growing in April and 
 May, and perishing in the 
 course of the summer. The 
 stipes is erect, smooth, of 
 variable length, round, 
 hollow and succulent, tra- 
 versed by bundles of woody 
 fibre; and becoming di- 
 vided above into an entire 
 ovate leaf- like sessile frond, 
 and an erect linear stalked 
 spike of fructification. The 
 spore-cases are thus formed 
 on the margins of a con- 
 trated branch of the frond. 
 The frond is traversed by [Ophioglossum vnlgatnm.] 
 irregular anastomosing slender veins. The fertile spike 
 springs from the inner base of the leaf-branch, and is 
 distinctly stalked, the stalk varying from an inch to se- 
 veral inches long : it is linear, very slightly tapering up- 
 wards, and consists of two lines or series of crowded mar- 
 ginal embedded spore-cases, opening transversely, the 
 gaping concave cases when empty appearing like a series 
 of spherical cavities along the margins. The fructification 
 is mature in June. In some rare cases, more than one 
 fertile spike is developed on each plant.
 
 220 XIX. OPHIOGLOSSUM. 
 
 A local species, but generally exceedingly abundant 
 where present, which is in moist pastures and meadow 
 lands, where it is sometimes so abundant as for a time 
 almost to usurp the place of the grasses. It is generally 
 distributed over England, apparently less general in Wales, 
 Scotland, and Ireland ; and is also common in different 
 parts of Europe. 
 
 Lightlbot says " The common people sometimes make 
 an ointment of the fresh leaves, and use it as a vulnerary 
 to green wounds, which is a very ancient application." 
 He also states that the Botrychium possesses similar vul- 
 nerary qualities. 
 
 This plant is not difficult of cultivation in a moist 
 loamy soil, and a cool situation, and may be grown either 
 in pots or planted out, It is nothing more than a curi- 
 osity ; and owing to its prevalence, would hardly be con- 
 sidered even that, in the many localities where it grows 
 naturally.
 
 THE FERN ALLIES. 
 
 Though not having a very close botanical relationship 
 with ferns, except in being like them acrogens, the 
 Club-mosses, Quill-worts, Pepper-worts, and Horse-tails, 
 are generally associated with them by cultivators. 
 
 The Club-mosses are called LYCOPODIACEJE, and con- 
 sist of leafy-stemmed moss-like plants with simple im- 
 bricated leaves, bearing fructification in their axils, either 
 iu the form of one-celled spore-cases called antheridia, 
 containing numerous pulverous spores, or of 3-4 
 valved spore-cases, called oophoridia, containing large 
 granular spores. This group includes the genera Selagi- 
 nella, and Lycopodium. 
 
 The Pepper- worts MARSILEACE^E are stemless 
 tufted, or creeping aquatic plants, bearing their fructifica- 
 tion either enclosed within the swollen base of the leaves, 
 or in globular sessile spore-cases, with the leaves at inter- 
 vals along the rhizome. In both forms the spores are 
 of two dissimilar kinds. The genera Isoetes and Pilu- 
 laria belong to this group. 
 
 The Horse-tails, called EQUISETACE^E, comprise the 
 genus Eguisetum, and consist of leafless branched plant* 
 having listular jointed stems, with sheathing articulations, 
 their fructification consisting of spore-cases attached to 
 peltate scales, collected into terminal cones. 
 
 SELAGINELLA, Spring. 
 
 GEN*. CHAR. Fructification consisting of one-celled 
 antheridia and 3-4 celled oophoridia.
 
 222 THE KK.KN ALLIES. 
 
 1. 8. spinosa, Palisot de Beauvais Stem prostrate, 
 branches erect, nearly simple ; leaves scattered lanceolate 
 acute spinulose-ciliate spreading; spikes terminal. On 
 mountain bogs. S. selaginoides, Link; Lycopodium 
 selaginoides, Linneeus. 
 
 LYCOPODIUM, Linnaus (in part) 
 
 GF.N. CHAR. Fructification consisting of one-celled 
 antheridia only no oophoridia. 
 
 Antheridia scattered : leaves similar. 
 
 1. L. Selago, Linnceus. Stem thick erect, forked ; 
 leaves, in eight rows, crowded elongate lanceolate mu- 
 cronulate, convex beneath. On mountain heaths. 
 
 Antheridia collected into a spike : leaves conformable 
 equal around the stem. 
 
 2. L. Inundatum, Linn&us. Stem prostrate ; 
 branches of two forms the sterile prostrate, the fertile 
 simple erect; leaves scattered crowded spreading sub- 
 incurved entire, furrowed beneath ; spike sessile inflated, 
 bracts foliaceous. On boggy heaths. 
 
 3. L. annotinum, Linnasus. Stem prostrate, the 
 annual growth distinctly marked ; branches erect forked 
 elongate ; leaves in five rows spreading or reflexed 
 linear-lanceolate, irregularly subserrate pungent, nerved 
 beneath; spike sessile terete. On stony mountains. 
 
 4. L. clavatum, Linnaus. Stem prostrate, with 
 distichous branches ; leaves crowded in many rows, sub- 
 secund, incurved imbricate, linear-subulate with a hair-like 
 point, nerved on both sides ; spikes two or more, stalked ; 
 bracts suborbicular-acuminate, serrate. On heaths. 
 
 Antheridia spiked: stem leaves of two forms. 
 
 5. I*, alpinuxn, Linnaeus Stem elongate prostrate, 
 with ascending flattened tufted branches ; leaves in four 
 rows, imbricate, the lateral ones lanceolate -falcate acute
 
 THE FERX ALLIES. 223 
 
 keeled, concave on the inner side, the intermediate nearly 
 three times smaller, subulate lanceolate; those of the fertile 
 branches nearly equal; spike sessile terete. On mountains. 
 
 ISOETES, Linnaeus. 
 
 GKS. CHAR. Fructification enclosed -within the 
 swollen base of the leaves. 
 
 1. I. lacustris, Linnaeus Quillwort. Rhizome a 
 blunt tuber; leaves subulate, roundish- quadrangular, 
 with four longitudinal jointed tubes, broad and flat at 
 the base. In lakes and ponds. 
 
 FILULARIA, Linnceui. 
 
 GEN. CHAR. Fructification consisting of coriaceous 
 four-celled spore-cases, seated on the rhizome. 
 
 1. P. globulifera, Linnaeus. Pillwort. Rhizome 
 slender creeping leafy at intervals ; leaves very slender 
 erect; spore-cases axillary nearly spherical, hairy. On 
 the margin of ponds and lakes. 
 
 EQUISETUM, Linnaws. 
 
 GEN. CHAR Fructification forming terminal cones, 
 the spore-cases attached to peltate scales. 
 Fertile and barren stems dissimilar. 
 
 1. E. Telmateia, Ehrhart Barren stems smooth 
 with 30 ridges, branched: sheaths of branches with 
 subulate two-ribbed teeth ; fertile simple short, with large 
 crowded 30-40 toothed sheaths In muddy places. 
 
 2. E. umbrosum, Willdenow. Barren stems 
 rough, with 20 ridges, branched: sheaths of branches 
 with subulate one-ribbed teeth ; fertile simple short, with 
 Crowded pallid 12-20 toothed sheaths. In damp glens.j 
 
 3. E. arvense, Linnaus. Barren stems roughish 
 v.-ith 10-16 ridges, branched: sheaths of branches with
 
 224 THE FERN ALLIES. 
 
 long acute one-ribbed teeth ; fertile simple short with 
 few distant sheaths. In damp meadows and fields. 
 
 Stems similar, simple or branched. 
 
 4. E. sylvaticum, Linrueus. Stems with about 
 12 ridges; branches deflexed; sheaths loose, termi- 
 nating in 3-4 blunt lobes. In damp woods. 
 
 5. E. limosum, Linneeus. Stems smooth with nu- 
 merous slight ridges; branches short erect few, often 
 wanting; sheaths green close with 16-20 sharp- pointe 
 dark teeth. In marshy places and ditches. 
 
 6. E. palustre, Linn&us. Stems roughish with 
 6-8 broad prominent ridges ; branches erect ; sheaths 
 pale loose with acute wedge-shaped brown-tipped 
 teeth. In boggy or marshy places. 
 
 7. E. Macliaii, Newman. Stems very rough with 
 8-12 ridges, almost or quite branchless ; sheaths close, at 
 first green, with a black band, ultimately wholly black 
 with narrow subulate persistent teeth. In mountain glens. 
 
 8. E. hyemale, Linnaeus. Stems very rough with 
 14-20 ridges, branchless ; sheaths close whitish banded 
 with black at top and bottom, their teeth slender deci- 
 duous. In damp woods. 
 
 9. E. variegatum, Weber and Mohr. Stems very 
 rough with 4-10 ridges, almost or quite branchless: 
 sheaths slightly enlarged upwards, green below black 
 above, with obtuse teeth tipped by a deciduous bristle. 
 On sandy coasts, and wet sandy places. E. Wilsoni, 
 Newman, is a form with less rough taller stems.
 
 ADDENDA. 
 
 The following additions have become necessary while 
 this edition has been going through the press : 
 
 Page 50, under POLYPODIUM ALPESTRE, insert : 
 
 P. flexile, (Pseudathyrium, Newman.' Newm.) " Ha- 
 bit lax flexile. Frond strap-shaped spreading horizontally, 
 8-18 in. long, bipinnate ; pinnae distant throughout, hori- 
 zontal or drooping, subobtuse ; pinnules 7-10 on each side 
 of midrib of pinnae, narrower at base, distant, subobtuse ser- 
 rated; clusters of capsules 6-8 on each pinnule, distant, 
 always separate. On micaceous rocks at the head of 
 Glen Prosen, Clova Mountains, Forfarshire, Mr. J. Back- 
 house" (Phytol. iv., 974). 
 
 P. alpestre is said to differ from this plant in being 
 of a rigid habit; and in having suberect lanceolate fronds, 
 with ascending subacute pinnae distant near the base 
 but elsewhere crowded ; the pinnules wider at the base 
 crowded and numbering 25-35 on each side the midrib 
 of pinnae, twenty-five or more clusters of capsules being 
 borne on each pinnule, these clusters crowded and finally 
 confluent. I am not sufficiently acquainted with P. 
 flexile to form an opinion as to its distinctness, but I 
 fear the differences pointed out only indicate a form of P. 
 alpettre, influenced by tke conditions of the locality which 
 has produced it, the peculiarities having perhaps acquired 
 the value of a permanent variation. 
 
 Mr. Backhouse informs me that the peculiarities of this 
 plant are not the result of shade, as it was found growing 
 in less shady situations than those in which the ordinary 
 form of P. alpestre was met with. 
 Page 62, under GYALSOGRAMMA LEPTOPHYLLA, insert: 
 
 The spontaneous occurrence of this fern in Jersey is 
 confirmed. It appears to be a true native of the island,
 
 226 ADDENDA. 
 
 and not intentionally introduced, as had been suggested 
 in the Phytologist, being found to be widely dispersed, 
 occurring in several places near St. Laurence, near St. 
 Aubyns, and elsewhere. It is found on the moist banks 
 of exposed lanes having a southern aspect. I learn from 
 N. B. Ward, Esq., that in one of two localities in which 
 he has seen it, the fern had been abundant in the early 
 spring, but being annual like some of our smaller trefoils, 
 it had withered by the end of July. It exists, no doubt, 
 in other parts of the island than those in which it has as 
 yet been met with, but being of very small size and grow- 
 ing on banks covered with other vegetation, is easily over- 
 looked. 
 
 Page 122, under LASTREA SPLNULOSA, insert: 
 
 This fern undoubtedly occurs in Scotland. I have re- 
 cently been favoured with specimens gathered at Dunkeld, 
 in Perthshire, by Mr. A. Tait, of Edinburgh, who states 
 that it was growing sparingly among a profusion of L. 
 dilatata, and under apparently identical conditions. 
 
 Page 135, under LASTHEA FCENISECII, insert: 
 
 W. H. Allchin, Esq., has found near Festiniog, in 
 N. Wales, a small form of this plant, but having the parts 
 considerably narrowed, which seems to connect the 
 ordinary form of the species with a narrowed Madeira 
 form which I suppose to be the var. productum of 
 Mr..Lowe. 
 
 The following additions to the table given at pp. 18 
 19 are necessary : 
 
 Gymnogramma leptophylla . occurs in j p rov ' ^ Q' 
 
 Lastrea spinulosa . . occurs in Prov. 15 (!) 
 Pteris aquilina . . . occurs in Prov. 24 (!).
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 Pape 
 
 ACROPTERIS, Link. 
 
 angulare, Willd. .. 'Jl 
 
 septentrionalis, Link,. 171 
 
 cristatum, Swartx .. 115 
 
 
 dentatutn, Swartx .. 73 
 
 ACROSTICHUM, Linnaeus. 
 
 depastum, Schkuhr .. 103 
 
 alpinum, Bolt. .. .. 69 
 
 dilatatum, Smith . . 123 
 
 hyperboreum, Lilj. .. 69 
 
 recurvum . . . . 132 
 
 llvense, Lin. .. .. 66 
 
 concavum . ) 32 
 
 leptophyllum, De Cand. 62 
 
 dumetorum, Smith .. 124 
 
 Thelypteris, Lin. .. 98 
 
 erosum, Schkuhr .. 103 
 
 soptentrionale, Lin. . . 171 
 
 Filix-mas, Swnrtz .. 103 
 
 Spicant, Si&th 185 
 
 erosum, Hook Arn. 103 
 
 
 recurvum .. .. 104 
 
 ADIANTUM, Linnceus 42, 196 
 CAPttlcs-VENEKia, Lin. 196 
 
 Filix-i'cemina, Swartz . . 13!) 
 fontanum, Swartx ,. 13o 
 fragile, Swartz .. 73 
 
 Capillus, Link.. .. 196 
 
 fragrans, Gray .. Ill 
 
 
 Halleri, Willd. .. .. 150 
 
 ALLOSORUS, Bernh. . . 3C, 58 
 
 irrignum, Smith .. 137 
 
 CBISPUS, Bernh. * . 58 
 
 lobatum, Swartz . . 86 
 
 
 Lonchitis, Swartz . . 84 
 
 AMESIUM, Newman. 
 gennanicum, Newm. .. 169 
 
 montanum, Swartz . 80 
 Oreopteris, Swartz .. 100 
 recurvum, Bree .. 132 
 
 Ruta-muraria, Newm.. 1C7 
 
 regiura, Swartz . . 78 
 
 septentrionale, Newm. . 171 
 
 rhaticum, Swartz .. -50 
 
 
 rfgidum, Swartz .. 11] 
 
 ANOGRAMMA, Lint. 
 
 spinulosnm, Smith .. 124 
 
 leptophylla, Link .. 62 
 
 spinulosum, Swartz .. 126 
 
 
 uliginosum, A.Braun 115 
 
 ASPIDIUM, Swartz. 
 
 Thelypteris, Swartz . . 98 
 
 aculeatum, Kunze .. 91 
 aculeatum, Swartz .. 86 
 
 ASPLENIUM, Linnceus 40.149 
 
 affine, Fisch. et Mey. . . 103 
 
 acutuai, fiory .. .. 155 
 
 alpestre, Hoppe .. 50 
 
 AllI ANTVM MUBUM, Z.l'y|. 155
 
 228 
 
 Pa?e 
 
 Pap-c 
 
 /S. OBTUSUM . . 155, 157 
 
 ?. RAMOSDM .. 141, 146 
 
 y. ACUTUM .. 15. 157 
 
 1, CRISPDH .. 141, 147 
 
 3. VARIEGATUM . . 155,158 
 
 convexum .. .. 136 
 
 alternifolium, Wulf. .. 169 
 
 rhaHicum .. .. 136 
 
 Billotii, F. Schultz .. 153 
 
 incisum .. .. 139 
 
 Breynii, Retz 169 
 
 vivipara .. .. 141 
 
 Ceterach, Lin 1P1 
 
 furcatum . . . . 141 
 
 Filix-foemina, Bernh... 139 
 
 fontanum, Roehl .. 150 
 
 latifolium .. .. 139 
 
 Halleri, Roth .. .. 1-V 
 
 molle .. .. 139 
 
 incisum, Newm. .. 139 
 
 FONTANDM, Bernh. .. 150 
 
 latifolium, Bab. .. Io9 
 mollc, Roth .. .. 139 
 
 OERMANICUM, WetSS .. 169 
 
 ovatum, Newm. .. 139 
 
 Halleri, Brown ., 150 
 
 RH.ETICCM, Roth .. 136 
 
 LANCEOLATDM, Hulls. . . 152 
 
 trifidum, Roth.. .. 139 
 
 leptophyllum, Car. ., 62 
 
 
 MABINTTM, Lin. . . . . 159 
 
 BLECHNUM, Lin. 41, 185 
 
 ,3. ACUTUM .. .. 159 
 
 boreale, Swartz .. 185 
 
 inuralc, Bernh. .. 167 
 
 SPICANT, Roth .. . . 185 
 
 nigrnin, Bernh . . . . 155 
 
 fi. RAMOSCM .. .. 187 
 
 obtusum, Willrt. .. 155 
 
 
 rotnndatum, Kaulf. .. 153 
 
 BOTRYCHIUM,S;or<s. 42,215 
 
 RUTA-MURARIA, Lin. . . 167 
 
 LUNARI A, Lin. .. .. 215 
 
 Scolopendrium, Lin. . 174 
 
 
 9EPTENTRIONALE, Butt 170 
 
 CETERACH, WiVd. 41, 181 
 
 officinal-urn, Wittd. .. 181 
 
 Spicant, Bernh. .. 185 
 
 
 TRICIIOMASES, Lin. .. 1C2 
 
 CRYPTOGRAMMA, R. Br. 
 
 .1. INCISUM .. .. 162 
 
 crispa, R. Br 58 
 
 Trichomanes ramosum. 
 
 
 Lin 165 
 
 CTENOPTERIS, Newm. 
 
 trichomanoides, Schkr. 162 
 
 vulgaris, Newm. . . 43 
 
 Virgilii, Bory 155 
 
 
 VIRIDE, Huds. ... .. 165 
 
 3. ACDTDM i 165 
 
 CYATHEA, Smith, 
 anthriscifolia, Roth .. 73 
 
 
 cynapifolia, Roth .. 73 
 
 
 dentata, Smith.. .. 73 
 
 ATHYRIUM, Roth. 39, 136 
 
 fragilis, Smith .. .. 73 
 
 convexnm, Newm. .. 137 
 
 inciea. Smith .. .. 78 
 
 FIMX-FOKMINA, Roth .. 138 
 
 montana. Rath . . .. 80 
 
 .::. LATIFOLIUM .. 139,143 
 
 reg^a, Forster .. .. 78 
 
 ;. MOLLE .. 139, 144 
 
 
 2. MARINUH .. 139,145 
 
 CYSTEA, Smith. 
 
 1. MtTLTIFLDUM . . 141,146 
 
 angustata, Smith .. 73
 
 229 
 
 Page 
 
 Page 
 
 dentata, Smith . .. 73 
 
 GYMNOCARPIUM, Newm. 
 
 fragilis, Smith .. .. 73 
 
 Dryopteris, Newm. .. 53 
 
 regia, Smith .. .. 78 
 
 Phegopteris, Newm. . . 47 
 
 
 Robertianum, Newm. . . 55 
 
 CYSTOPTERIS, Bernh. 37, 7t 
 
 
 Allioni, Newm 80 
 
 GYMNOGRAMMA, 
 
 ALPINA, Desvaux ,, 78 
 dentata, Hook. .. .. 73 
 Dickieana, Sim 73 
 
 Desvaux ..36,62 
 Ceterach, Sprengel . . 181 
 LEPTOPHTLLA, Desv. 62, 225 
 
 FBAGILIS, Bernh. .. 71 
 
 HEMESTHEUM, Newm. 
 
 . VULOABI3 .. .. 71 
 
 montanatn, Newm. .. 100 
 
 (i. ANGU8TATA . . . . 73, 75 
 y. DESTATA . . ..73,76 
 
 Ttielypteris, Newm. .. 98 
 
 3. DICKIEANA .. ..73,76 
 
 HYMENOPHYLLUM, 
 
 MONTANA, Link. .. 80 
 
 Smith 42, 207 
 
 regia, Presl .. .. 78 
 
 alatum, Smil h .. 199 
 
 
 xr.NBRiDGEN.sE. Smith.. 207 
 
 DIDYMOGLOSSUM, Desvaux. 
 
 UNILATERAL K, Willd. .. 209 
 
 alatum, Desv 199 
 
 Wilsoni, Hooker . . 209 
 
 DRYOPTERIS, Mans. 
 Filix-mas, Schott . . 103 
 
 ISOETES, Linnaeus . 223 
 
 
 LACUSTBIS, Lin 223 
 
 EQUISETUM, Linnaeus 223 
 
 
 ARVENSE, Lin. . . 223 
 
 LASTREA, Presl ..38,97 
 calcarea, Newm. .. 55 
 
 HTEMALE, Lin. .. 224 
 
 Callipteris, Newm. .. 115 
 
 LI M . ISTM. Lin. .. .. 224 
 
 collina, Newm. .. 123 
 
 MACKAII, Ntwm. ,. 224 
 
 CEISTATA, Presl .. 114 
 
 PALUSTRE, Lin. .. . . 224 
 
 /3. CLIOINOSA 115, 118 
 
 y. SPINULOSA 115, 119, 226 
 
 STLVATICUM, Lin. . . 224 
 TELMATEIA, Ehrhart ... 2'-'3 
 
 DILATATA, Presl .. 122 
 
 /3 COLLINA 123, 127 
 
 DMBBOSUM, Willd. .. 223 
 
 y. SMITHII 1.'3, 129 
 
 VAKIEGATCM, Web. et M. 224 
 Wilsoni, Newm. . . 224 
 
 S. DCMETOE0M 124, 130 
 
 e. ANOUSTA 124, 130 
 
 . MACULATA 124, 130 
 
 EUPTERIS, Newman. 
 
 71. GLAKDCLOSA 124, 131 
 
 aquiliaa, Newm. .. 189 
 
 linearis .. 115 
 Dryopteris, Newm, .. 53 
 
 GRAMMITIS, Swartz. 
 
 erosa, Deak. .. 103 
 
 Ceterach, Stvartx .. 181 
 
 FILIX-MAS, Presl .. 103 
 
 leptopylla, Swartz . . 62 
 
 0. I.NCISA 103, 107
 
 230 
 
 Pa-re 
 
 Page 
 
 y. ABBREVIATA 103, 
 
 1H8 
 
 NOTOLEPEUM, Newm. 
 
 .. CKISTATA 106, 
 
 109 
 
 Ceterach, Newm. . . 181 
 
 FtENlsECii, Watson 132, 
 
 226 
 
 
 glandulosa, Newm. .. 
 maculata, Deakin 
 
 124 
 124 
 
 ONOCI-EA, Linnaeus. 
 Spicant, Hoffm. .. 185 
 
 montana, Mo'ire 
 
 mill tifli ir;i, Newm. 
 
 100 
 123 
 
 OPHIOGLOSSUM, 
 Linnceus. 42, '21 S 
 
 collina .. 
 
 123 
 
 
 OREOPTERIS, Presl. .. 
 
 100 
 
 VULOATDM, Lin. . . 218 
 
 Phegopteris, Newm. . . 
 
 47 
 
 OSMUNDA, Linnceus. 42, 211 
 
 recurva, Newm. 
 
 132 
 
 borealis, Salisb. . . 185 
 
 RIGID A, Presl ., 
 
 111 
 
 crispa, Lin. .. 58 
 
 Robertiana, Newm. . . 
 spinosa, Newm. .. 
 spinulosa, Presl 
 
 55 
 115 
 115 
 
 leptophylla, Lam. .. 62 
 Lnnaria, Lin. .. 215 
 
 BEGALIS, /.(';(. .. 211 
 
 THELIPTERIS, Presl .. 
 
 98 
 
 Spicant, Lin. .. 185 
 
 uliginosa, Newm. 
 
 115 
 
 PHEGOPTERIS, Fee. 
 
 LOMARIA, Willdenow. 
 Spicant, Desv. 
 
 185 
 
 calcarea, Fee .. 55 
 Dryopteris, Fee .. 53 
 polypodioldes, Fee . . 49 
 
 LOPHODIUM, Newman. 
 abbreviatum, Newm. .. 
 Callipteris, Newm. 
 
 104 
 115 
 
 PHOROLOBUS, Desvaux. 
 crispus, Desv. .. 58 
 
 collinnm, Newm. 
 erosum, Newm. 
 Filix-mas, Newm. .. 
 glanduliferum, Newm. 
 glandulosum, Newm. . . 
 mult itlonmi. Newm. . . 
 
 123 
 103 
 103 
 124 
 124 
 123 
 
 PHYLLITIS, Auct. 
 
 heterophylla, Mcench 169 
 lancifolia, Moench . . 155 
 multiflda. Rat/ .. 175 
 polyschides, Ray .. 174 
 
 spinosum, Newm. 
 
 115 
 
 rotundifolia, Mcench .. 162 
 Ruta-muraria, Mcench 167 
 
 LYCOPODIUM, Linnceus. 
 
 222 
 
 Scolopendrium, Newm. 174 
 
 ALPINUM, Lin 
 
 222 
 
 PILULARIA, Linnceus . . 223 
 
 ANNOTINUM, Lin. 
 
 222 
 
 GLOBl'LIFERA, Lin. .. 223 
 
 CLAVATUM, Lin. . . 
 
 222 
 
 
 INDNDATUM, Lin. .. 
 
 222 
 
 POLYPOD1UM, Lin- 
 
 selaginoides, Lin. 
 
 8EL AGO, Lin. . . . . 
 
 222 
 222 
 
 nceus. . . 36, 43 
 aculeatum, /.in. . . 86 
 ALPESTRE, Sprengel .. 50 
 
 NEPHRODIUM,flic/kard. 
 
 
 alpinum, Jacq. .. 78 
 
 fcenisecii, Lowe 
 
 132 
 
 authrUcUblium, Hoffm. 73
 
 INDEX, 
 
 231 
 
 
 'apr3 
 
 Page 
 
 aristatum, Villars 
 
 123 
 
 y. 8EBRATUM . . 44 
 
 arvonicum, With. .. 
 
 69 
 
 S. CAMBRICUM .. 44 
 
 calcareum, Smith 
 
 55 
 
 I. HIBEKNICCM .. 44 
 
 Callipt( ris, Ehrh. 
 
 115 
 
 
 cambricum, Lin. 
 cristatmu, Lin. 
 cristatum, Hvds. 
 
 44 
 115 
 123 
 
 POLYSTICHUM, Schott. 37,83 
 abbreviatum, Ue (.'and. 104 
 
 cynapifolium, Hoffm. . . 
 
 73 
 
 ACULEATCM, Roth .. 86 
 
 dentatnm, Dickson .. 
 
 73 
 
 ft. OBTU8DM . . 86, 90 
 
 dilatatum. Hoffm. 
 
 123 
 
 r. LOBATCJM . . 86, 90 
 
 DRTOPTERIS, Lin. 
 
 53 
 
 . ALATCM . . 86, 91 
 
 Filix-foemina, Lin. 
 spinosa, Weiss . . 
 Filix-mas, Lin. ,. 
 
 139 
 115 
 103 
 
 ANGULARE, Presl .. 91 
 
 (3. StTBTRIPINNATCM .. 91, 95 
 y. ANGUSTATUM . . 91. 95 
 VIVIPABCM . . 95 
 
 flexile .. . . 
 
 225 
 
 
 !< in till mm, Lin. .. 
 
 150 
 
 cristatum. Roth .. 115 
 
 fragile, Lin. 
 
 73 
 
 Dryopteris, lint It .. 53 
 
 fragrans, Lin. 
 
 111 
 
 Filix-mas, Roth .. 103 
 
 Heleopteris, Borkh. .. 
 hyperboreum, Stvartz.. 
 
 103 
 69 
 
 lobatum, Presl .. 86 
 lonchitidiodes, Auct. . . 86 
 
 gracile, Wahl. ,. 
 
 69 
 
 LONCHITIS, Roth .. S3 
 
 ilvensc, Swurtx 
 incisum, Hoffm. 
 leptophyllum, Lin. 
 lobatum, Huds. 
 Loncliitis. Lin. 
 molle, Schreb. 
 montanum, Vngler .. 
 
 66 
 139 
 62 
 8ti 
 84 
 
 100 
 
 montanum, Roth .. 100 
 multlflorum. Hath .. 123 
 Phepopteris, Roth .. 47 
 spinosum, Roth .. 115 
 strijrosum, Roth .. Ill 
 Thelypteris, Roth . . 98 
 
 montanum, All'mni . . 
 
 80 
 
 
 Oreopteris, Ehrh. 
 pedicularifolium, Hoffm. 
 PHEGOPTEKIS, Lin. 
 
 100 
 150 
 
 47 
 
 PSEUDATHYR1UM, Newm. 
 alpestre, Kewm. .. 50 
 flexile, Newm 225 
 
 polymorplmm, Villars 
 
 73 
 
 PTERIS, Linnceus. 42,189 
 
 regrium, Lin. 
 
 78 
 
 
 rhaeticum, Woods .. 
 
 50 
 
 AQUILINA, Lin, . . .. 189 
 
 rhxticum. Lin. 
 
 137 
 
 a. VERA . .. .. 189 
 
 rigidum, Hoffm. 
 
 111 
 
 ft. INTEGERRIMA 190, 193 
 
 KOBERTIANCM. Hnffm. 
 
 55 
 
 crispa. Lin 58 
 
 spinulosum, Ahill .. 
 
 1)5 
 
 septentrionalis, Sm. .. 171 
 
 Thelypterls, Lin, 
 
 trifidum, Hoffm. 
 
 98 
 13'J 
 
 SCOLOPENDRIUM, Sm. 
 
 11 1 71 
 
 trifldum, With. 
 
 73 
 
 Til, 1 . 
 
 alternifolium, Roth. .. 169 
 
 VULGARE, Lin. 
 
 43 
 
 Ceterach, Symons .. 181 
 
 ft. BIFIDUM 
 
 44 
 
 officinarum, Swartz. .. 174
 
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