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Asplenium (From a not and splen spleen)

(from a, not, and splen, spleen; referring to the medicinal properties formerly attributed to the genus). Spleenwort. ORD. Filices. Including Anisogonium, Athyrium, Ceterach, Caenopteris, Darea, Diplasium, Hemidictyum, Neottopteris. A very large and widely-spread genus, including species suitable for the stove, temperate, and hardy ferneries. Sori dorsal or submarginal, linear or oblong. Involucre similar in shape, straight or occasionally curved, single or double, plane or tumid, bursting along the outer edge. The tropical species should be grown in a compost of peat, loam, and sand; the hardy sorts in a mixture of fibrous peat and sand. Good drainage is at all times required. For general culture, see Ferns. A. abscissum (clipped). sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, sometimes proliferous at the apex, with twelve to twenty horizontal pinnae on each side, which are 1 1/2in. to 2in. long, about 1/2in. broad, bluntish; edge incisocrenate, the upper one narrowed suddenly at the base, the lower one obliquely truncate. sori short, in two regular rows, falling short of both midrib and edge. Tropical America. Stove species. SYN. A. firmum.

A. acuminatum (taper-pointed).* sti. 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, with very numerous close-placed lanceolate-oblong pinnae on both sides, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad; pinnules numerous, unequal-sided, lanceolate, acuminate; edges sharply toothed, the lower base obliquely truncate. sori in two rows in the upper part of the pinnules, often diplazioid. Sandwich Islands. Greenhouse species. SYN. A. polyphyllum.

A. Adiantum-nigrum. Black Spleenwort. sti. tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, sub-deltoid; lower pinnae pinnate. sori copious, at last often occupying the whole under surface of the segments. Great Britain. World-wide in its distribution. Hardy. A. solidum, from Cape Colony, is supposed to be a mere form of this species. There are several varieties the best of which are described below.

A. A.-n. acutum (acute). fronds 9in. to 15in. long, deltoid, tripinnate; ultimate segments linear, and very acute. Ireland. A copiously divided and very elegant variety. Habit more graceful than the type. A. A.-n. grandiceps (large-crested). fronds 6in. to 12in. long; pinnae comparatively short, and slightly crested; apex freely divided, and expanded into a broad crest, which gives the frond a very graceful contour. Frame or greenhouse variety.

A. A.-n. oxyphyllum (sharp-leaved). fronds 4in. to 6in. long, ovate-lanceolate; ultimate segments narrow and very acute. A very pretty little variety.

A. affine (related). sti. 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, bipinnate, with numerous pinnae on each side, the lower ones lanceolate-rhomboidal; pinnules rhomboidal, inciso-serrate. sori copious, linear. Mascaren Islands, &c. Stove or warm greenhouse species. SYN. A. spathulinum.

A. alatum (winged).* sti. 4in. to 6in. long, slender, the upper part and the rachis, winged. fronds 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, with twelve to twenty horizontal sessile pinnae on each side, which are 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, and about 1/2in. broad, bluntish; edge uniformly inciso-crenate, the base nearly equal on both sides. sori distant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. West Indies, &c. A very elegant stove species. A. alismaefolium (Alisma-leaved). sti. 2in. to 6in. long. fronds varying in shape, from simple oblong-lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; apex acuminate; edge entire, to ternate or pinnate, with a large terminal and three pairs of lateral pinnae, each like the entire frond of the simple state; texture coriaceous. Isle of Luzon. Stove species. SYN. Anisogonium alismaefolium.

A. alternans (alternated). sti. tufted, 1in. to 2in. long. fronds 6in. to 8in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, lanceolate-oblong, cut down into numerous bluntly-rounded lobes on each side, which reach very nearly down to the rachis, the lower gradually reduced. sori copious. N. W. Himalayas. Greenhouse species. SYN. A. Dalhousiae.

A. alternifolium (alternate-leaved). Synonymous with A. germanicum. A. angustifolium (narrow-leaved).* sti. tufted, about 1ft. long. fronds 18in. to 24in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, flaccid, with twenty to thirty sub-sessile pinnae on each side, sterile ones largest, 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, acuminate; edge obscurely-crenate, base rounded and equal on both sides; fertile pinnae narrower and more distant. sori very close and regular, extending from the midrib nearly to the edge. Canada, &c. Greenhouse species.

A. anisophyllum (unequal-leaved). sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, simple pinnate, with ten to sixteen sub-sessile pinnae on each side which are 3in. to 5in. long, about 1in. broad, acuminated, crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one narrowed suddenly, the lower one obliquely truncate at the base. sori distant, elliptical, reaching half-way from the edge to the margin. Cape Colony, &c. Greenhouse species.

A. apicidens (apex-toothed). A variety of A. Vieillardii. A. arborescens (tree-like). cau. oblique. sti. 1ft. to 2ft. long. fronds 3ft. to 4ft. long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid, tripinnatifid, with numerous pinnae, the lower ones 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules 3in. long, about 1/2in. wide, acuminate, edge cut two-thirds of the way down to the rachis into nearly entire lobes, 1/4in. deep, 1/8in. broad. Lower sori 1/8in. long. Mauritius, &c., 1826. Stove species. SYN. Diplazium arborescens. A. Arnottii (Arnott's). sti. smooth, angular. fronds ample, tripinnatifid; lower pinnae 9in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. or more broad, cut down below to a distinctly winged rachis into deeply crenate, blunt, oblong lobes 1/2in. deep, 1/4in. broad. sori copious, nearly all diplazioid, and filling up when mature nearly the whole surface of the lobes. Sandwich Islands, 1877. Greenhouse species. SYNS. A. diplazioides and Diplazium Arnottii.

A. aspidioides (Aspidium-like). sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tripinnatifid; lower pinnae 6in. to 8in. long, lanceolate-deltoid; pinnules lanceolate, cut down below nearly to the rachis into inciso-pinnatifid ovate segments, two lines broad. sori copious, oblong, the lower ones curved. Tropical America, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN. A. multisectum.

A. attenuatum (attenuated). sti. tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. fronds simple, linear-lanceolate, about 1ft. long, about 1/2in. broad, narrowed upwards very gradually, sometimes proliferous at the point, the margin toothed; the lower third also lobed; the lowest roundish, lobes reaching down nearly or quite to the rachis. sori reaching nearly to the edge. Queensland, &c. Greenhouse species.

A. aureum (golden). A variety of A. Ceterach.

A. auriculatum (auriculated).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, with ten to twenty-stalked horizontal pinnae on each side, which are 2in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, lanceolate, often sub-falcate; edge deeply crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one with a cordate auricle, the lower one obliquely truncate. sori distant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. Tropical America, 1820. Stove species.

A. auritum (eared). sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, simply pinnate, with ten to fifteen stalked horizontal pinnae on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, and about 1/2in. broad, acute or bluntish; edge sharply toothed or often lobed, especially on the upper side towards the base. sori in two broad rather oblique rows. Tropical America. Stove species.

A. australasicum (Australian). A variety of A. Nidus. A. Baptistii (Baptist's).* sti. 6in. to 8in. long. fronds 1ft. long, bipinnate, broadly ovate; pinnae stipitate, the lower about 5in. long, with four narrow stipitate linear-toothed pinnules, 2in. long, and a terminal lobe, 3 1/2in. long, 1/4in. broad, furnished with distinct linear marginal teeth, pointing forwards, and terminating in a long attenuated point, which is toothed nearly to the end. sori linear-oblong, straight, parallel with, and close to, the midrib. South Sea Islands, 1879. A very handsome stove species. A. Belangeri (Belanger's).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate; pinnae numerous, 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, 1/2in. broad, rounded at the point, truncate at the base on the lower side; pinnules linear, erecto-patent, half line broad; one vein and sorus to each segment, the latter marginal. Malayan Peninsula. Stove species. SYNS. A. Veitchianum, Darea, Belangeri, &c.

A. bipartitum (twice-partite). sti. tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. fronds 6in. to 8in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate, with about ten to fifteen stalked pinnae on each side, which are 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, bluntish, cut down at the base on the upper side into one distinctly-stalked cuneate pinnule, sometimes into two or three, the outer edge inciso-crenate, the base on the lower side obliquely truncate. sori in two regular rows, reaching nearly to the edge. Mascaren Isles. Stove species. A. bisectum (bisected).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 6in. long. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, bipinnatifid, with twenty to thirty horizontal pinnae on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, 1/4in. broad, with a very long, narrow, deeply inciso-pinnatifid upper portion, the base on the upper side narrowed suddenly, on the lower obliquely truncate. sori almost all in two parallel rows close to the midrib. West Indies, &c. Stove species. A. brachypteron (broadly-winged). sti. tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. fronds 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, bipinnate, with twelve to twenty-four horizontal pinnae on each side, of which from half to nearly the whole of the lower side is cut away, the largest 1/2in. to 5/8in. long, cut down to the rachis into simple or forked linear pinnules, 1in. to 1 1/2in. long. sori solitary, often quite marginal. Madagascar, &c. Stove species. SYN. Darea brachypteron.

A. brevisorum (shortly-soriate). sti. 12in. to 18in. long. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 18in. broad, tripinnate; lower pinnae 1ft. or more long; pinnules lanceolate, distant, 2in. to 3in. long, and 1 1/2in. broad; segments lanceolate, 3/4in. long, two lines broad, deeply and sharply toothed. sori small, six to twelve to a segment, in two rows near the midrib, the lower ones curved, often double. Jamaica, &c. Stove species. SYN. Athyrium brevisorum. A. bulbiferum (bulb-bearing). sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, oblong-deltoid, with numerous horizontal pinnae on each side, which are often proliferous from the upper surface, the largest 4in. to 8in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate-deltoid, slightly toothed. sori oblong, when mature often filling the whole breadth of the segments. New Zealand, &c., very widely distributed. Greenhouse species.

A. b. Fabianum (Fabia's). Lower segments deeply pinnatifid, with narrow divisions and sub-marginal sori. SYN. A. Fabianum.

A. b. laxum (loose). Habit more slender; segments narrow, so that the sori are often as if marginal.

A. caudatum (tailed). Probably a form of A. falcatum, but having the sori more confined to the centre of the pinnae, being often restricted to two parallel rows close to the rachis. Polynesia, &c. Greenhouse species. A. Ceterach.* Scale or Scaly Fern. sti. densely tufted, 1in. to 3in. long, scaly. fronds 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, cut down nearly or quite to the rachis into alternate, blunt, sub-entire, broadly-oblong or roundish pinnae, with a rounded sinus between them; upper surface naked, lower densely clothed with deep brown membranous scales. sori linear oblique. Britain, throughout Europe, Northern Asia, &c. This is a variable species, but the forms do not remain constant under cultivation. It should be firmly planted in a vertical chink of the rockery in loam, lime rubbish, rock chippings, and sand, and be watered freely during the summer. SYN. Ceterach officinarum.

A. C. aureum (golden).* A large variety, producing fronds from 9in. to 15in. long, 1 1/2in. to 3in. broad, and pinnae more oblong than the type; scales toothed. Canaries and Madeira. This is a charming fern, requiring greenhouse treatment. SYN. Ceterach aureum.

A. cicutarium (Cicuta-leaved).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 6in. to 15in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, tripinnate, with ten to fifteen horizontal pinnae on each side, the lower ones 2in. to 3in. long, 1in. broad, cut down to the rachis into numerous ovate-rhomboidal pinnules, which are 3/8in. to 1/2in. long, 1/4in. broad, obliquely-truncate on the lower side; segments once or twice cleft at the apex. sori principally in two rows along the pinnules. Tropical America, &c. Stove species.

A. Colensoi (Colenso's). sti. tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, tripinnatifid, with numerous rather rigid erecto-patent pinnae, the lower on stalks 1/4in. to 1/2in. long; lower pinnules spreading, deeply inciso-pinnatifid, with linear segments. sori oblong, solitary. New Zealand. A beautiful greenhouse species. SYN. A. Hookerianum.

A. compressum (compressed). sti. tufted, 6in. to 8in. long. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, with ten to twenty sessile pinnae on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, about 1in. broad, acute or bluntish at the point, edge slightly dentate, the upper ones decurrent at the base upon the stout fleshy compressed rachis, the upper side narrowed suddenly at about a right angle, the lower one obliquely truncate. sori broad, distant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. St. Helena. Stove or greenhouse species.

A. contiguum (contiguous). sti. tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, with twenty to thirty horizontal sub-falcate pinnae on each side, which are acuminated at the apex; edge more or less serrated, the base narrowed suddenly, and sometimes auricled on the upper, obliquely truncate in a curve on the lower side. sori close, copious, falling considerably short of the margin Sandwich Isles. Greenhouse species. A. crenatum (crenated).* sti. 6in. to 12in. long, scattered. fronds 9in. to 15in. each way, deltoid, tri-or quadripinnate, with nine to twelve pinnae on each side, the lowest much the largest, 6in. to 9in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, cut down to the rachis except towards the point on each side into four to six blunt oblong segments, two lines long, one line broad, which are bluntly toothed. sori two to six to a segment, oblong, usually nearly straight, often double. Scandinavia, &c. Hardy species. A. cultrifolium (hook-leaved).* sti. 4in. to 6in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, bipinnate, deltoid-ovate, with a lobed terminal point and six to ten pinnae on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, acute; edge broadly toothed, sometimes lobed below nearly or quite to the rachis, the base nearly at a right angle on the upper, but obliquely truncate on the lower side. sori falling short both of the edge and midrib. West Indies, 1820. Stove species. SYN. Diplazium cultrifolium. A. cuneatum (wedge-shaped). sti. tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 6in. to 15in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, tripinnatifid, narrow-deltoid, with numerous spreading pinnae on each side, the lower 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid, cut down to the rachis into several distinct ovate-cuneate pinnules, which are dentate and cut down in the lower part nearly or quite to the rachis. sori linear, sub-flabellate. West Indies, and widely distributed in both hemispheres, 1832. A very handsome stove species. A. Dalhousiae (Dalhousie's). Synonymous with A. alternans. A. decussatum (decussate). sti. 1ft. to 2ft. long. fronds 2ft. to 4ft. long, simply pinnate, with numerous pinnae on each side, which are 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, often proliferous in the axils; edge nearly entire. sori reaching nearly to the edge, and copiously double. Polynesian and Malayan Islands, &c. Stove species. SYN. Anisogonium decussatum. A. dentatum (dentated).* sti. tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, fertile fronds 2in. to 3in. long, 1in. broad, with six to eight pairs of stalked, sub-opposite pinnae, which are 1/2in. broad, 3/8in. deep, oblong-rhomboidal, the lower side at the base truncate in a curve, the outer edge irregularly crenate. sterile fronds smaller, on shorter stalks. sori copious, in two parallel rows. West Indies, &c., 1820. A pretty little greenhouse species. A. dimidiatum (unequal-sided).* sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 6in. to 15in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, deltoid, simply pinnate, with six to nine opposite pairs of pinnae, which are 2in. to 3in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, acuminated, sharply serrated. sori radiant, narrow, long linear. Tropical America. Stove species.

A. dimorphum (two-formed).* sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 12in. to 15in. broad, ovate-deltoid, sterile and fertile ones different or combined; lower pinnae ovate-deltoid, 6in. to 8in. long, 2in. broad, bluntly toothed, and the base on the lower side obliquely truncate; fertile pinnae the same size, but with very narrow simple or forked pinnules. sori linear, solitary, marginal. Norfolk Island. One of the handsomest warm greenhouse species. SYNS. A. diversifolium (of gardens), and Darea dimorpha. A. diplazioides (Diplazium-like). A synonym of A. Arnottii. A. diversifolium (diverse-leaved). A garden synonym of A. dinorphum. A. diversifolium (diverse-leaved). Synonymous with A. maximum. A. ebeneum (ebony-stalked).* sti. tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, linear-lanceolate, with twenty to forty sessile pinnae on each side, which are about 1in. long, 1/8in. broad; point acute or bluntish; edge faintly serrate; base hastately auricled, often cordate. sori ten to twelve on each side, oblong, short. Canada, &c., widely distributed, 1779. Greenhouse species. A. ebenoides is very like this, but the pinnae are not cut down to the rachis, and the frond has an elongated point, which is only sinuated with a single row of sori on each side. A. erectum (erect). Synonymous with A. lunulatum.

A. erosum (bitten). sti. tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, deltoid, with nine to fifteen pinnae on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, the edge slightly lobed and crenato-dentate, the point acuminate, the two sides unequal. sori falling short of the edge. West Indies. Stove species.

A. esculentum (edible).* cau. sub-arborescent. sti. 1ft. to 2ft. long. fronds 4ft. to 6ft. long, pinnate or bipinnate; lower pinnae 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad; pinnules 3in. to 6in. long, about 1in. broad, acuminate; edge more or less deeply lobed; base narrowed suddenly, often auricled; lines of sori often on all the lateral veinlets. India, &c., 1822. Stove species. SYN. Anisogonium esculentum.

A. extensum (extended). sti. tufted, 4in. to 6in. long. fronds 12in. to 24in. long, about 1in. broad, with twenty to forty sessile pinnae on each side, which are 1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. deep, blunt and entire, the upper side rather the broadest and often cordate, the lower merely rounded at the base. sori linear-oblong, two or three on each side of the midrib. Andes of Columbia and Peru. A very rare greenhouse species, allied to our native A. Trichomanes. A. Fabianum (Fabia's). Synonymous with A. bulbiferum Fabianum. A. falcatum (hooked).* sti. tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 6in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, lanceolate, with six to twenty stalked, nearly horizontal pinnae on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, acuminated, the edges lobed often one-third of the way down, and the lobes sharply toothed, the two sides unequal, and the lower one at the base obliquely truncate. sori in long irregular lines reaching nearly to the edge. Polynesian Islands, &c., widely distributed. A very elegant greenhouse species.

A. fejeense (Fijian).* rhiz. wide-climbing. sti. 6in. long, scaly below. fronds 18in. to 24in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, lanceolate, caudate, or acuminate at the apex, and often proliferous, narrowed below to a truncate base, the margin nearly entire. sori reaching from the midrib nearly to the edges. Fiji, Samoa, &c. Stove species.

A. Fernandesianum (Juan Fernandez). A variety of A. lunulatum. A. Filix-foemina (Lady Fern).* sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with numerous pinnate pinnae, the lower ones spreading, lanceolate, 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad; pinnules deeply inciso-pinnatifid. sori linear-oblong, the lower ones often curved. Britain, and world-wide in its distribution. SYN. Athyrium Filix-foemina. This handsome deciduous species has a great number of varieties, the most important of which are described below: A. F.-f. aerocladon (summit-branched).* fronds 9in. to 15in. long, slender, bi-or tripinnate, the lower part very narrow, with the apices of the pinnae sometimes crested; upper portion of the frond freely branched, divisions narrow and crested, the whole forming a broad head.

A. F.-f. acuminatum (taper-pointed).* fronds 9in. to 12in. long, lanceolate-acuminate in outline, with closely set pinnae, which are similarly characterised, and particularly tapering at the apices. A. F.-f. apiculatum (apiculate).* fronds 6in. to 15in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, lanceolate-acuminate in outline, with variously furcate apices; pinnae closely set with distinctly acuminated apices, and small roundish obtuse serrated pinnules.

A. F.-f. Applebyanum (Appleby's).* fronds narrow, 12in. to 24in. long, with short blunt pinnae, while the extremities are dilated into a broad furcated crest, which is very striking upon such a narrow frond. A. F.-f. Barnesii (Barnes's).* fronds 9in. to 15in. long, 3in. to 4in. wide, lanceolate in outline, abrupt at the top, bipinnate; pinnae alternate, closely set, lanceolate, acutely pointed, with densely set, narrow, acutely serrate pinnules, with a very membranous texture.

A. F.-f. calothrix (beautiful-hair).* fronds 9in. to 15in. long, copiously divided into exquisitely fine segments, so that the fronds present a very light and delicate appearance.

A. F.-f. contortum (contorted).* fronds very diversified, the various pinnae occasionally combining the characters of the varieties Applebyanum and Victoriae.

A. F.-f. coronatum (coronate).* fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. wide; pinnae distinctly forked, sometimes slightly crested at the apices; the upper extremity of the frond copiously forked, and by the ramification of the divisions a broad crest is formed, about 3in. to 4in. across. A. F.-f. corymbiferum (corymbose).* fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 7in. broad, lanceolate-acuminate in general outline; pinnae closely set, usually forked and crested at the apices, while the extremities of the fronds are dilated into broad crests, nearly or quite as wide at the broadest portion of the frond.

A. F.-f. crispum (crispy or curled).* fronds 6in. long, densely set with very finely divided pinnae, which are thickly curled, presenting a crispy appearance.

A. F.-f. dissectum (dissected).* fronds 6in. to 12in. long, ovate or broadly lanceolate in form, with irregular and unequal pinnae; the pinnules also differ very much, and are deeply cut, nearly down to the rachises. A. F.-f. Elworthii (Elworth's).* fronds 12in. to 20in. long, lanceolate, tripinnate, terminated with a very dense crest, from 4in. to 6in. across; pinnae and frequently the pinnules also more or less forked and crested. A. F.-f. Fieldiae (Field's).* fronds 12in. to 20in. long, narrow, with regular or variously-forked divided pinnae, sometimes arranged crosswise, with a very graceful disposition.

A. F.-f. Friselliae (Frisell's).* fronds pendent, sometimes 2ft. long, rarely exceeding 1in. wide, bi-or tripinnate; pinnae alternate, imbricated, flabellate, with the margins of the pinnules or ultimate divisions dentated. A. F.-f. grandiceps (large-crested).* fronds 9in. to 15in. long, lanceolate in outline, copiously forked both at the extremities of the pinnae and frond. The latter is furnished with a very large globose crest, which causes the frond to present a beautifully arched appearance.

A. F-f. Grantae (Grant's).* fronds 9in. to 12in. long, lanceolate, or broadly so, very thickly set with pinnae, copiously divided, with the apices of the latter turned up, so that the plant has a crisp or bristly appearance. A. F.-f. Jonesii (Jones's).* fronds 12in. to 18in. long, oblong-lanceolate in outline, slightly acuminate, bipinnate, furnished at the extremities with a small crest; pinnae alternate, copiously forked and crested at the apices, even having larger crests than the one at the upper extremity of the frond; pinnules narrow, dentate, slightly crested.

A. F.-f. minimum (smallest).* fronds 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. wide, lanceolate, bipinnate; pinnules densely set, imbricated, and crispy. A. F.-f. Moorei (Moore's).* fronds 4in. to 8in. long, linear, terminated with a broad tasselled crest, 3in. or more in diameter; pinnae small, scattered, variously forked, crested, and slender.

A. F.-f. multifidum (many-fid).* A very vigorous growing variety, producing fronds as large as those of the type, terminated with large tasselled crests; pinnae and pinnules narrow, the former furnished with small crested apices. A variety known as nanum much resembles the foregoing, but the crests are more dense, and the fronds are usually not more than half the length. A. F.-f. pannosum (pannose).* fronds 10in. to 20in. long, lanceolate in outline, from 4in. to 6in. in the broadest part, bi-or (rarely) tripinnate; pinnae thickly set, closely alternated, lanceolate-acuminate in form, with deep cut pinnules, and distinctly but irregularly lobed; the whole frond is frequently tinged with reddish-purple.

A. F.-f. plumosum (feathery).* fronds 12in. to 30in. long, 4in. to 10in. broad, broadly lanceolate in outline, tripinnate, beautifully arched; pinnae of the same form as the frond, copiously divided; pinnules again divided into very fine segments. There are several forms of this charming variety. A. F.-f. Pritchardii (Pritchard's).* fronds 12in. to 30in. long, very narrow, tapering especially towards the apices; pinnae decussate, imbricate, rather irregular, with the margins of the pinnules dentate. There is also a variety named cristatum, which is finely crested at the apices of the pinnae, and is particularly striking.

A. F.-f. ramosa (branched).* fronds 9in. to 12in. long, the lower portion sparsely set with short irregular pinnae, sharply cut into finely dentate pinnules; the upper part is divided into two main branches, which are again variously forked, and furnished with short pinnae, the ultimate divisions furcate and slightly crested.

A. F.-f. scopae (heavily-crested).* fronds 6in. to 16in. long, with a few scattered irregular pinnae along the main rachis; some of the pinnae are almost obsolete, while others are an inch long with oblong-dentate pinnules and a heavy terminal crest; the upper portion has several ramifications, each of which is copiously forked and heavily crested, the whole forming a corymbose head 3in. or 4in. in diameter, which gives the plant a pendent habit.

A. F.-f. sub-lunatum (half-crescent-shaped).* fronds 9in. to 20in. long, less than 1in. wide, with curious alternated, nearly crescent shaped, much contracted pinnae, sparingly divided, arching.

A. F.-f. Victoriae (Victoria's).* fronds long, lanceolate in outline, with the apices crested, as well as those of the pinnae; the latter are forked at the base, the divisions being divergent, and crossing those of the neighbouring pinnae. A form named gracilis has narrower fronds, is more compact, and cresting rather thicker. There is also another form named lineare, having very small heavily crested fronds, and an extremely elegant appearance. The foregoing are the most important varieties, but a very comparative few of the total number. Although forms of an essentially hardy species, the greater number--and particularly the rarer sorts--should have a winter protection; or, what is far more preferable and satisfactory, they should be grown in the frame or temperate fernery.

A. firmum (firm-textured). Synonymous with A. abscissum. A. fissum (cut).* sti. tufted, 2in. to 6in. long. fronds 2in. to 5in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, oblong-deltoid, tripinnatifid, with a few distant pinnae on each side; pinnules flabellato-cuneate, deeply pinnatifid; ultimate segments under half a line broad. sori linear-oblong, when mature occupying the whole breadth of the segments. South Europe. A pretty little frame or greenhouse species.

A. flabellifolium (fan-leaved).* sti. tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. fronds procumbent, wide straggling, elongated, and rooting at the apex, 6in. to 12in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, with ten to fifteen sessile flabellate pinnae on each side, which are 1/4in. to 1/2in. each way, broadly lobed; lobes sharply toothed, the base cut away in a curve on the lower side. sori oblique, irregular, copious. Temperate Australia, &c. Greenhouse species. A. f. majus (greater). This is a larger form, with longer fronds and broader pinnae.

A. flaccidum (relaxed). sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 1ft. to 3ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, often pendent, with numerous lanceolate pinnae, which are 4in. to 8in. long, and about 1/2in. broad, sometimes rather rigid and recurved, sometimes quite flaccid and drooping, like the main rachis, sometimes deeply pinnatifid, but more often cut down to the thick rachis in oblique or sub-falcate linear lobes. sori in the divided form quite marginal. New Zealand, &c. SYNS. A. odontites and Darea flaccida. A. foeniculaceum (Fennel-like). A variety of A. fragrans. A. fontanum (fountain).* sti. tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. fronds 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, oblong-lanceolate; lower pinnae short, reflexed; central ones horizontal, about 1/2in. long; pinnules stalked, lower ones oblong, deeply inciso-pinnatifid. sori copious, covering nearly the whole under surface of the pinnule. England, &c. Hardy. This requires to be planted in a well-drained chink of the rockery, in rich gritty soil. SYN. A. Halleri. A. refractum is a well-marked variety.

A. formosum (beautiful). sti. tufted, very short. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 1in. broad, with twenty to thirty sessile horizontal pinnae on each side, which are 1/2in. long, one and a-half to two lines deep; upper edge deeply cut, point rather obtuse, lower edge truncate in a straight line. sori linear-oblong, short, oblique, placed one to four on each side of the midrib. Tropical America, &c., 1822. A very elegant stove species. A. fragrans (fragrant).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, sub-deltoid, tripinnate, with numerous close placed deltoid pinnae on each side, the lowest 3in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate-deltoid; segments sub-spathulate, one line broad, dentate round the outer edge. sori copious. Tropical America, 1793. A. foeniculaceum is a variety with narrowly linear ultimate segments. Both are very handsome stove plants, the latter being especially beautiful. A. Franconis (Franconis).* sti. tufted, 1ft. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 15in. broad, deltoid, with numerous pinnae on each side, the lower ones 6in. to 8in. long, much acuminated, cut down in the lower half into distinct pinnules, 1 1/2in. to 2in. long, 1/2in. broad, lanceolate, unequal sided, the edge cut half-way down below into oblong sharply-toothed lobes; the lower side obliquely truncate. sori in parallel rows, not reaching the edge. Mexico, &c. Stove species. SYN. Diplazium Franconis. A. furcatum (forked).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 6in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, with twelve to twenty pinnae on each side, which are lanceolate-deltoid, 2in. to 3in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, nearly or quite pinnate; pinnules linear-cuneate, sharply serrated on the outer edge. sori linear, distant. Very widely distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of both hemispheres. A most elegant greenhouse species. SYN. A. proemorsum.

A. germanicum (German).* sti. densely tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. fronds 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, lanceolate, cut down to the rachis into a few narrow flabellato-cuneate pinnae on each side, the lowest of which are again deeply cleft. sori linear, when mature covering the whole breadth, but falling short of the point of the pinnae. Scotland and Norway to Hungary and Dalmatia. Hardy or frame species. SYN. A. alternifolium. A. giganteum (gigantic). A synonym of A. radicans.

A. Goringianum pictum (painted).* A very pretty form of A. macrocarpum; the fronds are from 6in. to 18in. long, pendulous, somewhat lanceolate in form; rachis reddish, with the pinnae next it on each side variegated, forming a central grey band throughout its entire length. Japan. Greenhouse species, or hardy in sheltered positions.

A. grandifolium (large-leaved). sti. 1ft. or more long. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, deltoid-lanceolate, the point pinnatifid, with twelve to twenty pinnae on each side; the lower ones 2in. or more apart, distinctly stalked, 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, acuminate; edge slightly toothed, and sometimes broadly lobed below, the base equally rounded on both sides. sori irregular, falling slightly short of both midrib and edge. Tropical America, 1793. Stove species. SYN. Diplazium grandifolium. A. Grevillei (Greville's). fronds undivided, 12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, lanceolate-spathulate, narrowed to an acute apex, and suddenly below to a broadly winged stipe, which grows very gradually narrower downwards; the margin entire. sori usually extending within a short distance of the edge. India. Stove species.

A. Halleri (Haller's) Synonymous with A. fontanum.

A. Hemionitis (Hemionitis).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 4in. to 6in. each way, hastate, with a triangular, acute terminal lobe, and two large, cordate, acute lateral ones, again bluntly or acutely lobed at the base; the basal sinus rounded, 1in. or more deep, and the lobes on each side imbricated over one another and the petiole. sori narrow upon the simple veins. South Europe, &c. A pretty greenhouse species. SYN. A. palmatum. A. H. cristatum (crested).* Similar in frond form and size to the species, but the apices are crested and tasselled. Where variety is sought, this should certainly be grown.

A. H. multifidum (much-divided).* fronds quite as broad as long; the main divisions again freely divided or deeply cut, so as to give them a fringed outline. Azores.

A. heterocarpum (various-fruited).* sti. scattered, 4in. to 9in. long. fronds 6in. to 15in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, narrow-lanceolate, with very numerous close-placed dimidiate pinnae on each side, which are 3/4in. to 1in. broad, 1/4in. deep; the lower edge quite entire, the upper broadest towards the base, where it is narrowed suddenly, deeply incised throughout. sori one, or rarely two, together in the teeth. Himalayas, and widely distributed in south-eastern Asia. A very lovely stove or greenhouse species. A. heterodon (variously-toothed). Synonymous with A. vulcanicum. A. Hookerianum (Hooker's). Synonymous with A. Colensoi. A. incisum (incised). sti. tufted, 1in. to 3in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, lanceolate, with numerous pinnae on each side; lower distant and blunt, central ones 1in. long, 1/2in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid; pinnules ovate-rhomboidal, pinnate, much truncated at the base on the lower side and deeply inciso-pinnatifid. sori linear-oblong, one to each vein. Japan, &c. Greenhouse species.

A. javanicum (Javanese). See Allantodia Brunoniana.

A. lanceolatum (lanceolate).* sti. tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad; lower pinnae distant, 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/4in. broad; pinnules oblong-rhomboidal, sharply toothed, and often broadly lobed below. sori copious, when mature covering nearly the whole under surface. South-west Europe, including southern England, &c. Hardy species. A. l. crispatum (curled).* fronds 4in. to 8in. long, broadly-lanceolate, bipinnate, with the margins of the pinnules involute and sharply toothed, giving them a curled appearance.

A. l. microdon (small-toothed).* fronds 4in. to 6in. long. simply pinnate, with deeply lobed pinnae, the margins of the lobes very finely dentated and toothed. A pretty little gem, well adapted for case culture. A. lanceum (lance-shaped). sti. scattered, 4in. to 6in. long. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, attenuated gradually upwards and downwards, the edge entire or slightly undulated. sori linear, irregular, reaching nearly to the edge, but not to the midrib. Himalayas, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN. A. subsinuatum and Diplazium lanceum A. laserpitiifolium (Laserpitium-leaved).* sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, naked. fronds 1ft. to 4ft. long, 4in. to 18in. broad, deltoid-lanceolate, with numerous pinnae on each side, 2in. to 9in. long, and from 2in. to 6in. broad, cut down to the rachis into numerous distinct pinnules, the lowest with rhomboidal-cuneate segments. sori short, irregular. Polynesian Islands, North Australia, &c. A very handsome greenhouse species.

A. laxum (loose). A veriety of A. bulbiferum.

A. lineatum (streaked). sti. tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with twenty to thirty pinnae on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, about 1/2in. broad, acuminate, dentate, nearly or quite sessile, the base cuneate. sori very regular, reaching from the midrib nearly to the edge. Mauritius, &c. There are several forms of this species; those with small narrow cuneate pinnules, inequale; those with deeply bifid or pinnatifid pinnules, bifida. Stove species. A. longissimum (longest).* sti. tufted, 3in. to 12in. long. fronds 2ft. to 8ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, lanceolate-elongate, pendulous, proliferous, and rooting at the apex, with very numerous pinnae on each side, which are 2in. to 4in. long, 1/4in. broad, acuminated, the two sides nearly equal, with a distinct central midrib; edge slightly toothed, the base on both sides often auricled. sori numerous, in two regular rows on each side the midrib, and reaching nearly to the edge. Malacca, &c. 1840. A very distinct stove fern for baskets.

A. lucidum (clear). A synonym of A. obtusatum lucidum. A. lunulatum (crescent-shaped).* sti. tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. fronds 6in. to 18in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, simply pinnate, narrowly lanceolate-oblong, with twelve to twenty pinnae on each side, which are 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, bluntish or acute, more or less deeply inciso-crenate throughout, the two sides unequal; the upper one on the base narrowed suddenly, the lower one obliquely truncate; lower pinnae often deflexed. sori falling short of both edge and midrib. Tropics. SYN. A. erectum A. l. Fernandesianum (Fernandez).* A form with a more rigid rachis and sub-coriaceous, rather narrower pinnae. Juan Fernandez. A. macrocarpum (large-fruited). sti. 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 12in. to 24in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, ovate-lanceolate, with numerous pinnae on each side, the lowest 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, lanceolate; pinnules oblong-rhomboidal, inciso-crenate or pinnatifid. sori copious, large. Himalayas. Greenhouse species. SYN. Athyrium macrocarpum. A. macrophyllum (long-leaved). Synonymous with A. nitens. A. marginatum (margined). sti. 2ft. to 3ft. long, strong, erect woody, about 1/2in. thick at the base. fronds simply pinnate, 4ft. to 6ft. long; pinnae in several opposite pairs, the lowest 1ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, the edge entire, the base often cordate. sori long, linear, confined to the free veins. Tropical America. Stove species. SYN. Hemidictyum marginatum. A. marinum (sea).* Sea Spleenwort. sti. tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. fronds 6in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, apex pinnatifid; pinnae of the lower half quite deltoid, the point acute or obtuse, margin crenato-dentate. sori broad, falling short of the edge. Europe, including Britain. Although quite hardy, this thrives better in a frame or cool house than in the open air.

A. m. coronans (crowned).* fronds 4in. to 6in. long, simply pinnate; pinnae for two-thirds of the way up variable in form, and irregularly lobed and cut; the upper third freely branched with numerous imbricated, curled, and slightly crested divisions, forming a dense head 2in. or more across. A dwarf and pretty form.

A. m. crenatum (crenated). fronds 4in. to 8in. long, broadly-lanceolate; pinnae nearly trapeziform, obtuse, with deeply crenated margins. A very pretty form.

A. m. mirabile (wonderful).* sti. 2in. to 4in. long. fronds about the same length, the rachis divided about half way down from the top into two nearly equal divisions, which are again freely forked, with the pinnules and segments obtusely lobed; the whole expanded, but not crested, into a breadth equal to the length of the frond; the lower pinnae are more or less abnormal and bluntly lobed.

A. m. plumosum (feathery).* sti. 3in. to 4in. long. fronds 6in. to 15in. long, bi- or tripinnatifid, broadly-lanceolate; pinnae very variable, closely set, and imbricated, cut nearly to the rachis into ovate or oblong divisions, which are again more or less deeply cut and lobed, the entire frond having a very elegant appearance.

A. m. ramo-plumosum (branched and feathery).* fronds divided nearly to the top of the stipes into two main branches, which are distinctly pinnate; pinnae distant below, imbricated upwards, cut nearly to the rachis into ovate or oblong lobes, the margins of which are slightly dentated. It is very handsome form, the width of the frond being greater than its length. A. m. ramosum (branched). fronds from 4in. to 8in. long, branched at the apices; pinnae oblong, with the margins obtusely-dentate, and slightly undulated.

A. m. sub-bipinnatum (half-bipinnate). fronds 6in. to 12in. long, lanceolate; pinnae distant, deeply lobed, or cut nearly to the midribs. A very rare and pretty variety.

A. m. Thompsonii (Thompson's).* sti. 3in. to 4in. long, smooth. fronds 6in. to 10in. long, ovate-lanceolate, bipinnatifid; pinnae closely set, sub-deltoid, unequal-sided, deeply cut into oblong, slightly undulated lobes below, gradually less divided upwards. A very rare and handsome variety. All the forms of A. marinum require a very moist atmosphere, consequently they will not thrive in the open air, unless along the sea-coast. A. maximum (largest). cau. erect. sti. 2ft. or more long. fronds several feet long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid-lanceolate, with numerous pinnae on each side, the lowest 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad; pinnules sub-sessile, 2in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. broad; edge more or less lobed. sori medial, the lowest two lines long. North India. Stove species. SYNS. A. diversifolium and Diplazium decurrens.

A. melanocaulon (black-stiped).* sti. 1ft. to 2ft. long. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 18in. broad; lower pinnae 4in. to 9in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, 2in. to 3in. long, 3/4in. broad, cut down two-thirds of the way to the rachis into linear-oblong, falcate, inciso-crenate lobes. sori short, oblong, not touching either midrib or edge. Fiji. Stove species. SYN. Diplazium melanocaulon.

A. Michauxii (Michaux's).* cau. stout. sti. 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 9in. to 24in. long, 3in. to 9in. broad, ovate-deltoid, bi- or tripinnate; pinnules oblong, deeply serrate, or cut quite to the rachis. United States. A very handsome hardy species, closely related to the Lady Fern, of which it may be only a variety.

A. monanthemum (one-flowered).* sti. densely tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. ? fronds 12in. to 18in. long, about 1in. broad, with twenty ?to forty horizontal, sessile, sub-dimidiate pinnae on each side, which are about 1/2in. long and 1/4in. deep, the upper side crenate, suddenly narrowed at the base, the lower more or less distinctly cut away in a straight, or, in the lower pinnae, decurved line. sori linear-oblong, usually one or two, parallel with the lower edge of the pinnae. Temperate regions of both hemispheres. Greenhouse species.

A. montanum (mountain).* sti. tufted, 2in. to 3in. long. fronds 2in. to 3in. long, 1in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid; lowest pinnae distinctly stalked, deltoid, sharply serrated round the outer edge. sori short, copious. United States, 1812. Frame or greenhouse species.

A. multisectum (much-cut). Synonymous with A. aspidioides. A. musaefolium (Musa-leaved). A variety of A. Nidus. A. myriophyllum (myriad-leaved). A variety of A. rhizophyllum. A. Nidus (nest).* Bird's-nest Fern. fronds undivided, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 3in. to 8in. broad, lanceolate, acute or acuminate at the apex, tapering gradually below into a short stem; the edge entire, the midrib rounded on the back; veins fine and parallel, about 1/2in. apart. sori reaching about half way towards the margin. India, &c., 1820. SYN. A. australasicum. A. N. australasicum (Australian). Midrib keeled on the back, often black. Australia, &c. The two former are best treated in the stove; the latter thrives well in the greenhouse. SYN. Thamnopteris australasicum. A. N. musaefolium (Musa-leaved).* fronds larger, sometimes 6ft. long, 1ft. broad. sori extending nearly to the edge.

A. nitens (shining). sti. scattered, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 1 1/2in. to 2in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, with twelve to twenty ascending or sub-falcate pinnae on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, much acuminated; edge finely toothed, base broadly rounded on the upper, truncate in a curve on the lower side. sori in close regular rows, not extending more than half way from the midrib to the edge. Mauritius. Stove species. SYN. A. macrophyllum, of gardens only.

A. nitidum (shining).* sti. 1ft. long, naked. fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with many lanceolate-deltoid pinnae on each side, which are cut down to the rachis into numerous stalked deltoid pinnules, these are again cut into broad fan-shaped cuneate segments, sharply serrated round the outer edge. sori short. North India, Ceylon, &c. Greenhouse species. A. novae-caledoniae (New Caledonian).* sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 9in. to 12in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, sub-deltoid, tripinnate; lower pinnae and pinnules deltoid; segments rigid, scarcely flattened, 1/2in. or more long, distant, and erecto-patent. sori long, linear, marginal. New Caledonia. A rare greenhouse species. SYN. Darea novoe-caledonioe.

A. obtusatum (obtuse). sti. tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, oblong or ovate-deltoid, with a terminal pinna not much longer than the others, and two to six pairs on each side, which are 1in. to 2in. long and about 1/2in. broad, obtuse, edge crenate, the base truncato-cuneate, shortly stalked. sori copious, broad, linear-oblong, falling short of the edge. Peru. A. difforme is a variety with an ovate-deltoid frond, and the pinnae cut quite down to a narrow-winged rachis in the lower part into distinctly separated roundish or oblong-sinuated pinnules. New Zealand, Australia, &c.,? Greenhouse kinds.

A. o. lucidum (clear).* fronds often 2ft. long, with fifteen to twenty pairs of pinnae on each side, which are more herbaceous in texture, darker green in colour, the lowest 6in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, narrowed gradually to a long acuminated point, edge more deeply toothed. Greenhouse variety. SYN. A. lucidum.

A. obtusifolium (obtuse-leaved).* sti. almost tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, ovate-lanceolate, with twelve to twenty stalked horizontal pinnae on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, acute; edges slightly undulato-crenate, the upper side with a distinct auricle at the base, and then narrowed suddenly, the lower side obliquely truncate. sori distant, in two regular rows, falling short of the edge. West Indies, &c., 1838. Stove species.

A. obtusilobum (obtuse-lobed).* sti. tufted, 2in to 4in. long. fronds 4in. to 6in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, with nine to twelve sub-deltoid pinnae on each side, of which only the inner third on the lower side is cut away, the largest nearly 1in. long, 3/4in. broad; lowest pinnules 3/8in. deep, flabellately cut into three to five linear blunt lobes. sori sub-marginal. New Hebrides, 1861. A very pretty little stove species. SYN. Darea obtusiloba. A. odontites (much-toothed). Synonymous with A. flaccidum. A. oxyphyllum (sharp-leaved).* sti. firm, 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate, with several pinnae on each side, which are 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, in the larger forms again pinnatifid; teeth mucronate. sori in two rows on the pinnae or pinnules midway between the midrib and edge. Himalayas. A very variable greenhouse species. SYNS. Athyrium oxyphylla and Lastrea eburnea. A. paleaceum (scaly).* sti. densely tufted, 1in. to 3in. long, spreading, densely scaly. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, sometimes proliferous and rooting at the apex, with twelve to twenty sub-sessile pinnae on each side, which are 1in. long, about 1/2in. broad, bluntish; edge incisodentate, the upper base auricled and narrowed suddenly, the lower obliquely truncate; the lower ones stalked, and nearly as broad as long. sori linear, extending nearly to the edge. Tropical Australia. Stove or warm greenhouse species.

A. palmatum (palmate). Synonymous with A. Hemionitis. A. parvulum (small). Synonymous with A. trilobum.

A. persicifolium (Peach-leaved). sti. and rachis grey, with a few scattered minute grey scales. fronds oblong-lanceolate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, often gemmiferous at the apex; pinnae ascending, fifteen to thirty-jugate, sub-petiolate, 4in. to 5in. long, linear-ligulate-acuminate, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, distinctly crenate throughout, sori regular, reaching nearly to midrib and edge. Philippine and Sandwich Isles. Stove species. A. Petrarchae (Petrarch's).* sti. densely tufted, 1in. to 2in. long. fronds 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, linear-lanceolate, with six to ten horizontal sessile pinnae on each side, which are 1/4in. long and nearly as much broad, cordate-ovate, blunt; edge sinuated; the base unequal, slightly truncate on the lower side. sori oblong, very short, four to six on each side of the midrib. South Europe, 1819. A very rare little gem, best treated in a cool house.

A. pinnatifidum (pinnatifid). sti. tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. fronds 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. or more broad at the base, lanceolate-deltoid, with a long, gradually narrowing point, which is sinuated only; the lobes below this 1/4in. to 1/2in. deep; the lowest ovate-oblong, 1/2in. deep by nearly as broad, sinuated and reaching down nearly to the rachis. sori copious. Pennsylvania. Greenhouse or sheltered places outside.

A. planicaule (flat-stiped).* sti. tufted, 3in. to 6in. long, naked. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, with twelve to twenty stalked horizontal pinnae on each side, which are 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, acute; edge lobed about half-way down, and deeply serrated. sori copious, reaching nearly to the edge. Himalayas, up to 6000ft., &c., 1841. Greenhouse species.

A. plantagineum (Plantain-like). sti. tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, simple, acuminate, base rounded; edge slightly undulato-dentate upwards, sometimes lobed towards the base. sori slender, linear, sometimes nearly touching both edge and midrib. West Indies, &c., 1819. Stove species. SYN. Diplazium plantagineum. A. polyphyllum (many-leaved). Synonymous with A. acuminatum. A. praemorsum (bitten). Synonymous with A. furcatum. A. prolongatum (prolonged). Synonymous with A. rutaefolium. A. pulchellum (pretty).* sti. tufted, 1in. to 2in. long. fronds 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, with twelve to eighteen pinnae on each side, which are 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, two lines to three lines broad, bluntish, almost dimidiate; the upper edge crenate, and narrowed suddenly at the base. sori linear, oblique, falling short of the edge. Tropical America. Stove species.

A. pumilum (small). sti. tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. fronds 4in. to 6in. each way, deltoid, the upper part sinuated only, the lower cut down to the rachis into distinct pinnae, of which the lowest pair are much the largest; the pinnules on the lower side sometimes 2in. long, reaching down to a slightly winged rachis, acuminate and deeply lobed. sori very oblique, the lower ones sometimes 1in. long. West Indies, &c., 1823. A very rare and pretty stove species.

A. rachirhizon (rachis-rooting). A variety of A. rhizophorum. A. radicans (rooting). cau. erect, sub-arborescent. sti. 1ft. to 2ft. long, tufted. fronds 3ft. to 5ft. long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid; lower pinnae 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, sessile, the upper ones entire, lower ones 3in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, with blunt lobes, 1/4in. broad, reaching about half way down to the rachis. Lower sori sometimes 1/4in. long. Tropical America. A very variable species. SYNS. A. giganteum, Diplazium radicans, D. umbrosum, &c.

A. refractum (refracted). A variety of A. fontanum.

A. resectum (cut or pared).* sti. scattered, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 6in. to 15in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, lanceolate-oblong, with ten to thirty sub-sessile horizontal pinnae on each side, which are 1in. to 3in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, almost dimidiate, the point bluntish, all except the truncate part crenate, the upper half at the base narrowed nearly at a right angle. sori not reaching either the midrib or edge. India, &c., widely distributed, 1820. Greenhouse species.

A. rhizophorum (root-bearing).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, elongated, and rooting at the apex; pinnae twelve to thirty on each side, sub-sessile, 1 1/2in. to 2in. long, about 1/2in. broad, inciso-dentate throughout; the two sides unequal, the upper one auricled and narrowed, the lower one obliquely cuneate. sori not reaching either to the edge or midrib. Tropical America. A very variable stove species. A. r. rachirhizon, has distinctly separated oblong-rhomboidal pinnules, again deeply cut into narrow segments.

A. rhizophyllum (leaf-rooting). sti. tufted, 2in. to 6in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, cut down into numerous close-placed horizontal pinnae on each side; central ones 1in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, cut down throughout nearly to the centre into simple or forked erecto-patent pinnules, the lowest on the under side suppressed. sori solitary, sub-marginal. A. r. myriophyllum is a variety with broader fronds; central pinnae 1 1/2in. long, with lower pinnules cut down into several simple or forked linear segments. North America, &c., 1680. Both handsome greenhouse kinds.

A. rutaefolium (Rue-leaved).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 9in. long. fronds 6in. to 15in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, ovate deltoid, with twelve to twenty pinnae on each side, the lowest sub-deltoid, 2in. or more long, cut down to the rachis into numerous erecto-patent distant pinnules on each side, the lowest on the upper side again cut down into erecto-patent linear segments. sori small, marginal. Cape Colony. A beautiful greenhouse species. SYNS. A. prolongatum and Darea rutoefolia.

A. Ruta-muraria.* Wall-rue. sti. tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. fronds 1in. to 2in. long, about 1in. broad, deltoid, cut down to the rachis into a few pinnae on each side, the lower ones again cutdown into spathulato-cuneate pinnules, which are serrated round the outer edge. sori copious. Great Britain, and almost world-wide in its distribution. Hardy species. This requires a well-drained position, and a soil composed mainly of old mortar rubbish. A. salicifolium (Willow-leaved). sti. tufted, 6in. to 12in. long. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, oblong, with a terminal pinna and four to ten distinctly stalked ones on each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, acuminate; edge usually entire, the base equally truncato-cuneate on both sides. sori falling short both of the edge and midrib. West Indies, &c. Stove species.

A. Sandersoni (Sanderson's).* sti. tufted, 1in. to 2in. long. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, linear, often gemmiferous at the apex, with twelve to twenty horizontal dimidiate pinnae on each side, which are deeply crenate on the upper edge, and at the base narrowed suddenly into a winged petiole, the lower one nearly straight and quite entire. sori oblong. Natal, &c. A very rare greenhouse species.

A. schizodon (cut-toothed). Synonymous with A. Vieillardii. A. Schkuhrii (Schkuhr's). cau. erect. sti. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long. fronds deltoid, 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, tripinnatifid; lower pinnae distant, oblong-lanceolate, 6in. to 8in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, rachis winged to base; pinnules ligulate-oblong, 3/8in. broad, sessile, cut into shallow, close, oblong blunt lobes. sori 1/8in., medial in a single row in the pinnules. Ceylon. Stove species. SYN. Diplazium Schkuhrii. A. Selosii (Selose's).* sti. densely tufted, 1in. to 2in. long, wiry. fronds 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, palmately cleft, usually into three nearly equal forks, which are about one line broad, the edge slightly inciso-serrate. sori copious, ultimately occupying the whole surface. Tyrol and Carinthia. A very rare and curious little species, requiring the protection of the frame or cool house; it should be firmly potted between pieces of sandstone in loam, leaf-soil, rock chippings and sand, with good drainage. A. septentrionale (northern).* sti. densely tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. fronds simple, or cleft from the apex into two or three cuneate divisions, 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, one line broad, with a few sharp lateral and terminal teeth. sori elongated, copious, often at last hiding the whole under surface. Great Britain, and widely distributed in both hemispheres. This rare little species requires to be securely planted in a well-drained elevated chink of the fernery outside, in loamy, gritty soil.

A. Shepherdi (Shepherd's).* sti. tufted, 1ft. long. fronds 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad; lower pinnae stalked, 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, point acuminate, edge lobed above, 1/4in. broad, somewhat toothed. sori linear, not reaching the edge. South America. Stove species. SYN. Diplazium Shepherdi.

A. S. inaequilaterum (unequal-sided). fronds, texture firm, colour duller than that of the type; pinnae much acuminated; the lobes deeper, more uniform, and falcate, the two sides unequal, the lower one unequally truncate at the base. A. spathulinum (spathulate). A synonym of A. affine. A. spinulosum (very spiny).* sti. 6in. to 12in. long, scattered. fronds 9in. to 12in. each way, deltoid, tri-or quadripinnatifid, with nine to twelve pinnae on each side, the lowest much the largest, 6in. to 9in. long, 2 1/2in. to 3in. broad, ovate-lanceolate; pinnules lanceolate, cut down to the rachis on each side into six to nine oblong-rhomboidal mucronate segments, two lines long, one line broad, which are sharply toothed. sori two to ten to a segment, usually round, but occasionally oblong. Amur-land, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN. Athyrium spinulosum and Cystopteris spinulosa.

A. splendens (splendid). rhiz. creeping, scaly. sti. 6in. to 9in. fronds deltoid, 6in. to 1ft. long, two to three-pinnate; lower pinnae stalked, deltoid, 1in. to 2in. broad, pinnate or bipinnate; segments cuneate-flabellate, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, slightly lobed, sharply toothed round outer edge. sori copious, slender, irregular, reaching from base nearly to tip of segments. Cape Colony. A very rare greenhouse species. A. subsinuatum (half-waved). Synonymous with A. lanceum. A. sundense (Sundanese). Synonymous with A. vittaeforme. A. sylvaticum (woods). cau. decumbent. sti. 1ft. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, ovate-lanceolate, with numerous spreading pinnae, the largest 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, acuminated; edge broadly and briefly lobed; base narrowed suddenly on both sides. sori in long slender lines, reaching nearly to the edge. India, &c. Stove species. A. thelypteroides (Thelypteris-like). sti. 1ft. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate, with numerous spreading pinnae, the lower ones 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad, cut down to a broadly-winged rachis into numerous nearly entire elliptical spreading pinnules. sori in close regular rows, reaching nearly from the midrib to the edge, slightly curved, the lower ones often double. North America, &c., 1823. Hardy or cool house species. SYN. Athyrium thelypteroides.

A. Thwaitesii (Thwaites's).* rhiz. wide-creeping, stout. sti. 6in. long, slender, densely clothed with strong white woolly hairs. fronds 1ft. or more long, 4in. to 6in. broad, with eight to ten distinct pinnae beneath the pinnatifid apex, the largest 3in. long, 5/8in. broad, cut down two-thirds of the way to the rachis in oblong crenulated lobes, 1/4in. deep, two lines across. sori reaching half-way to the edge, the lowest about one line long. Ceylon. Very fine stove species. SYN. Diplazium Thwaitesii. A. Trichomanes (maiden-hair).* Maidenhair Spleenwort. sti. densely tufted, 1in. to 4in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, about 1/2in. broad, with fifteen to thirty opposite pairs of sessile horizontal pinnae, which are 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, one and a-half to two lines deep, edge slightly crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one the broadest, and narrowed suddenly at the base. sori linear-oblong, three to six on each side of the midrib. Great Britain, and almost cosmopolitan. Hardy species. There are several varieties in cultivation, of which the following are the most important: A. T. cristatum (crested).* fronds 4in. to 6in. long, simply pinnate, with roundish pinnae, and broad crests at their extremities, sometimes divided, each fork crested. A very pretty little variety, requiring frame or greenhouse treatment.

A. T. incisum (deeply-cut).* fronds 3in. to 6in. long; pinnae deeply pinnatifid, the lobes again deeply cut or serrated. A very rare and pretty form.

A. T. multifidum (much-divided).* fronds 3in. to 6in. long, once, twice, thrice, or, rarely, quadri-furcate, each division terminated with a little crest. A free-growing kind.

A. T. ramosum (branched).* fronds 5in. to 8in. long, freely branched, each division being again forked; pinnae deeply cut or crenated, or serrate. More hardy than any of the other forms.

A. trilobum (three-lobed).* sti. tufted, 2in. to 3in. long. fronds 1in. to 1 1/2in. long, 1in. broad, rhomboidal, apex acute, base cuneate, entire, the margin undulato-crenate, or the lower part deeply lobed, with broad inciso-crenate divisions. sori broad and short. Chili and South Brazil. A very rare little stove species. SYN. A. parvulum.

A. umbrosum (shady). sti. 1ft. or more long, scaly at the base. fronds 2ft. to 5ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, ovate-deltoid; pinnae ovate-lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, with laceolate pinnules, which are again cut down to the midribs into unequal-sided rhomboidal lobes, with the margins sharply crenated. sori copious, oblong, with large tumid membranous involucres. Maderia, Canaries, Himalayas, &c. Very widely distributed. A very handsome greenhouse species. SYNS. Allantodia australe, Athyrium umbrosum. A. varians (variable). sti. tufted, 1in. to 3in. long. fronds 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with eight to twelve pairs of pinnae on each side, lower ones sub-deltoid, 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, 1/4in. broad, cut down to the rachis into a few cuneato-flabellate pinnules, the lowest two lines across, sharply toothed on the outer edge. sori copious, when mature, covering nearly the whole under surface of the pinnules. Himalayas, and widely distributed. Greenhouse species.

A. Veitchianum (Veitch's). Synonymous with A. Belangeri. A. Vieillardii (Vieillard's).* sti. tufted, 4in. to 6in. long. fronds 6in. to 9in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, with large linear-lanceolate terminal pinna, lengthened out at the point, and deeply serrated, and three to four pairs of erecto-patent similar lateral ones, which are 3in. to 4in. long, upwards of 1/2in. broad, equally truncatocuneate, and the lower ones slightly stalked at the base. sori distant, falling short of both edge and margin. New Caledonia. A very graceful greenhouse species. SYN. A. schizodon. A. apicidens is but a variety of this, with shortened sori and more obtuse venation. A. viride (green).* Green Spleenwort. sti. densely tufted, 2in. to 4in. long. fronds 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. broad, with twelve to twenty sub-sessile pinnae on each side, ovate-rhomboid; upper edge narrowed suddenly at the base, the lower one obliquely truncate, outer part deeply crenated. sori copious, linear-oblong, oblique. Great Britain, &c., widely distributed in both hemispheres. It requires to be planted in a well-drained but moist situation. Hardy species.

A. vittaeforme (narrow-fronded).* rhiz. creeping. sti, short, erect. fronds entire, lanceolate, 12in. to 18in. long, 1 1/2in. to 3in. broad, narrowed to an acute point, and very gradually into the stem below; margin obscurely toothed. sori copious, often reaching from the midrib nearly to the edge. Java, &c. Stove species. SYN. A. sundense.

A. viviparum (plant-bearing).* sti. tufted, 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, ovate-lanceolate, with numerous close-placed erecto-patent pinnae on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad, cut down to a compressed rachis into numerous pinnatifid pinnules, the lower segments of which are again forked; ultimate segments 1/4in. to 3/8in. long, quarter-line broad. sori solitary, marginal. Mauritius, &c., 1820. A very handsome stove species.

A. vulcanicum (volcanic). sti. 6in. to 9in. long. fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with a linear-terminal pinna, or gemmiferous at the apex, and six to twelve lateral ones on each side; lower ones stalked, 2in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, acuminated; edge slightly dentate; the base truncate. sori very regular and parallel, falling short of the edge. Malay Islands. Stove species. SYN. A. heterodon. A. zeylanicum (Ceylonese).* sti. scattered, 4in. to 8in. long. fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, the point acuminated, apex slightly lobed, the lower two-thirds more deeply so, and the base quite down to the rachis; lobes blunt, 1/4in. to 1/2in. across. sori linear, two to three lines long. Ceylon. Stove species. SYN. Diplazium zeylanicum.