THE ALPINE POLYPODY 
the frond, the more perfect 
(Sif with tho elated indusia of Athyrium, but at the base and apes of the 0 а 
wth, and truly polypodiokl. It serıns to be в dificult 
sori were without trace of this indusioid g : 
and, languishing, probably, for 
the pure air and 
plant to cultivate in the climate of the south of Engl ч 
cool breezes of its northern home | 
We have seldom seen cultivated plants of this species thriving with the vigour they р n th 
сна to the air in sheltered shady situations. When confined 
a 2 - ly compost of loam and 
they often produce but puny and flaccid fronds. Tt roots, however, froely in a sand 
ofthis mataro from atmoepherie impurities. In ай eases where a puro atmosphere is enjoyed, it will 
no doubt be found to grow better on the open rockery, than in pots under glass; and when, from th 
cause just mentioned, it is found requisite to adopt frame or house culture, the plants should be 
provided with as airy and light (though shaded) a situation as can bo afforded. It may Do increased 
hy separating the lateral erowns of the caudex. 
We learn from those who have visited the native localities of this Polypody, that it is a very 
variable plant, but whether the variations are such as would be perpetuated 
those in which they naturally occur, wo have as yet no information. The forms we have received have 
a great analogy with those of Athyrium Filiz,femina ; and the most striking of them are enumerated 
as sub-varieties below, with the object of re же have done in the case of other species, 
the most marked modifications of development to which this is subject 
1. Aezite (М). This has been already noticed, It is а lax narrowed form ; and bears perhaps in 
its irregular toothing, and singular habits of fructifation, some indication of being a monstrous or 
abnormal variation, though we believe it is perfectly constant to the peculiarities abov 
Only found by Mr. Backhouse, but in some quantity, in Glen Prosen, Clova, Forfarshire 
2. lanceum (ML). In this the fronds are large, stout, subtripinnate ; the pinnules elongate, ovato- 
lanceolate or sometimes sublinear, subfaleate, deeply pinnatifid, with obtuse serrated segments, th 
lowest of which is almost separate, We have received it from Mr. G. Lawson, and Mr, Cr red 
at the White Waterfalls and elsewhere in the Clova mountains ; Mr. Croall has also communicated the 
same form from Lochnagar, Aberdeenshire 
3. tripinnatum QML). The fronds of this form are largo, stout, tripinnate; the pinnules, which are 
from an inch to an inch and a half long, are oblong-ovate, with separate, oblong, secondary pinnules, 
the upper of which aro united by the wing of the rachis, but the lower are separate to their base, It 
is analogous to fine states of Athyrium Filiz-famina incisum, Mr. G. Lawson gathered it at the Wells 
of Deo, Aberdeenshire 
The smaller and more usual—at least the more usually eollected—forms of this 
to Athyrium Filix-famina molle, and the other less divided states of the Lady Fern ; even these, how 
ever, exhibit differences in habit, some being quite erect, while others are sp w 1 
spread го suspect, als 
that a dwarf barren monstrous shy-growing plant found by Dr, Dickie on Ben Mac-d'hui, and 
hitherto referred to Athyrium (var. pramorsum), belongs rather to this speci 
