94, DR. H. F. HANCE ON NORTH-CHINA PLANTS. 
68. Aspiptum DRYOPTERIS (PoLYPODIUM, L.).—In silvaticis mon- 
tanis ditionis Pekinensis, Junio frf. legit R. P. David. | 
Omitted from Maximowicz's ‘Index,’ and not recorded by 
Milde as occurring in China. After very careful consideration I 
am now convinced that the Phegopterides cannot either be re- 
tained amongst the Polypodia or kept distinctas a genus. There 
is no character, save the presence or absence of the indusium, to 
distinguish them ; and the nearest allies of species of Phegopteris 
are often manifestly Aspidia rather than members of their own 
group near which they are systematically ranged; whilst ferns 
known for years from various localities only in an exindusiate 
state are found now and then to possess an indusium, instances 
of which are annually multiplying. Hence, whilst concurring 
with Braun, Fée, Mettenius, Grisebach, and others as to the af- 
finities of these plants, I cannot even recognize them as forming à 
distinct section, as Prof. Braun has done, under the name of Gym- 
nodium, but believe they should be intercalated amongst those 
Aspidia to which they are manifestly nearest; for I look on the 
absence of an indusium in these cases as merely a “ nota acciden- 
talis," and have no doubt this organ will be detected occasionally 
in all our European species if examined sufficiently young. If, 
having stated in print my inability to see how Phegopteris could be 
separated from Polypodium, I should be taxed with inconsistency 
for this decided change of opinion, I can only ask censors, in the 
words of Cicero (Epist. ad Attic. lib. xvi. ep. 7), to remember that 
* Nemo doctus umquam mutationem consilii inconstantiam dixit 
esse." 
69. ONocLEA STRUTHIOPTERIS, Sw.—In montanis prope Peking coll. 
Rev. P. Armandus David. 
New to the Pekin flora, but occurs in Amuria, Sachalin, and 
perhaps also in Japan. 
70. CHARA CORONATA, Ziz., var. BRAUNII.—In collibus ditionis Pe- 
kinensis, Aug. 1860, raram inv. Dr. S. W. Williams. 
Prof. Alex. Braun has kindly determined this for me. 
