35 
5. P. Lonchitis, Roth; Schott. Gen. Fil. t.9; Sw.; Hort. Kew. 
6. P. auriculatum, Pres/; Sw.; Hort. Kew. 
7. P.aculeatum, Roth; Sw.; Hort. Kew. 
8. P. lobatum, Pres/; Sw.; Hort. Kew. 
Oss. Writers on British ferns differ much in opinion as to the 
specific distinctions between what is called Polystichum aculeatum 
and P. /obatum; but a much wider field is open for this kind of 
controversy if they would but take a general view of the whole 
series of ferns constituting this group of Aspidiee, representatives 
of which are found widely dispersed over the earth, being found 
in elevated regions within the tropics, and extending into the 
higher latitudes of both hemispheres. As might be expected, 
these different localities produce forms more or less differing 
from each other, the extremes presenting characters sufficiently 
well marked, to be considered as of specific value; but on 
taking a comprehensive view of the whole group, a transition of 
form is readily traced, beginning with the least compound 
(P. Lonchitis) and passing through P. /obatum and P. aculeatum 
into forms more highly compound, constituting such a series 
that it becomes most difficult to say what is a species, and 
what may be only a variety dependent on the nature of the 
locality ; and, although in many instances, we see something 
in the habit and aspect sensibly different from another form, yet 
words fail to convey to our minds the distinction. | 
9. P. pungens, Pres/; J. Sm.; Kaulf- iy 3 
Has. Cape of Good Hope. Introduced by Mr. James Bowie in 1823. — 
10. P. proliferum, J. Sm.; R. Br. 
Has. Van Diemen’s Land. Received from the Messrs. Osborne in 
1843. 
11. P. vestitum, Pres?; Schk. Crypt. t. 43. 
Has. New Zealand. Introduced by J. Hdgerley in 1842. 
12. P. Capense, J. Sm.; Willd. a 
Has. Cape of Good Hope. Introduced by Mr. J. Bowie in 1823. — 
13. P. drepanum, Pres?; Schk. Crypt. t. 43 6. 
Has. Madeira. Cultivated in 1822. 
14. P. emulum, Pres’; Sw.; Hort. Kew. | 
15. P. hispidum, J. Sm.; Sw.; Schk. Crypt. t. 42. 
Has. New Zealand. Introduced by W. Colenso, Hsq., in 1845. 
16. P.aristatum, Presl; Sw.; Schk. Crypt. t.42._ : 
Has. Norfolk Island. Introduced by A. Cunningham, Esq. 
17. P. coniifolium, Pres?; Wall. 
Has. East Indies; Ceylon; Philippine Islands. Introduced by G. 
Gardner, Esq. 
