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THE IIAY-SCKXTED BUCKLER FERN. 



sub-opposite, moro or loss deltoid. The lowest arc broadly and unequally so. the pinnules on the posterior 

 side being larger than those on the anterior ; they nre also usually, but not always, the longest ; the 

 succeeding pinna become gradually narrower and less oblique. Pinnules pyramid ntcly-trinngular, 

 or obliquely-oblong, the basal posterior ones of the lowest pinnre much longer than the rest, and 

 divided into ovntc-oblong or oblong pinnulets, the largest of which nre deeply pionatifid into oblong 

 serrated lobes. Tho basal pinna?, pinnules, and pinnulets are nil stalked, the upper ones becoming 

 in gradation sessile and then dccurrcnL Tho margins of the pinnules and lobes arc mucronately 

 toothed, and these margins arc turned upwards from the plane of tho Spreading or drooping frond, 

 so that all tho ultimate divisions are concave, and the entire frond has a beautiful crispy appearance, 

 which, together with its lively colour and graceful habit, render it one of the most ornamental of the 

 robust Ferns. 



Venation of the pinnulcts consisting of a dark -coloured flexuous midvein formed of a branch from 

 the midvein of the primary pinnule ; this produces short lateral forked vcinlcts, the anterior branch 

 of which bears a soms below its apex ; all tho veinlets terminate within the margin. 



Fructification on the back of the frond occupying the whole under surface. Son round, numerous, 

 indusiato, forming two rows along each of the pinnules and pinuuleU, placed near to the midvein, often 

 becoming confluent, Indmium reniform, its margin jagged and uneven, and sparingly furnished with 

 sessile glands. Spore-eases numerous, brown, obovate. Spores oblong, often angular, iniiriculatc. 



Duration. Tho caudex is perennial The fronds of one season's growth also endure until after the 

 earlier ones of the following year are produced, so that the plant is evergreen. The growth takes place 

 in succession from the month of May onwards till autumn. 



This beautiful plant is quite distinct both in characters and aspect from L. dilatata with which it is 

 sometimes associated. Its fragrance, which is a remarkable characteristic, is jiowerfuJ, resembling that of 

 new hay, Iwconiiug too, like that, developed by the desiccation of the plant, and retaining its strength for 

 a length of time in the dried specimens of tho herbarium. The scales of tho stipes dlfler from those of 

 L. dUatata, both in size, form, and number, being in L.fanisccii fewer, narrower, and for the most part 

 either fringed or lacerate at the margin, pale brown, and concolorous Tho fronds too arc much more 

 decidedly evergreen than in L. dilaUiUi or spiuutom ; and have this peculiarity in their decay, observed 

 by Dr. Allchin, that they commence to decay from the point, and not from the base of tho stipes. Tho 

 indusium, moreover, is not bordered with stalked glands. In ordinary cases, the triangular outline, 

 and concave crispy surface of the fronds will suffice to distinguish tho plant, without recourse to tlio 

 more minute characters residing in the scales and indusia ; but it must bo remembered that the plant 

 docs vary with moro elongated and ovate fronds, and some forms of L. dilatata aro decidedly 

 triangular in outline 



It grows freely in cultivation, planted in a porous soil of loam and peat ; and is to bo considered ns 



one of the most ornamental of our native species. Tho plants may bo multiplied by separating tho 

 crowns. 



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