HARDWICKE'S SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 



IOI 



lobes, or divisions ; it occurs frequently in fine or 

 well-grown roots. 



(c.) S. vulgare, lobatum. Somewhat like the last 

 form, only the frond is divided at the tip into several 

 flat lobes. 





Fig. 58.— Varieties of Hart's-tongue Fern. 







Fig. 59. — Varieties of Hart's-tongue Fern. 



(J.) S. vulgare, crispum. A frequent, but very 

 handsome variety. Fronds strap-shaped, the margin 

 undulated, usually barren. 



(e.) S. vulgare, sagittatum. Fronds very dwarf, 

 about three inches long, basal lobes, tapering each to 

 a divergent point. Rare. 



(/".) S. vulgare, polyschides. Fronds linear, the 

 margin distinctly lobed, and irregularly crenate ; 

 fertile. Rare. 



(g.) S. vulgare, marginatum . A beautiful variety. 

 The epidermis or under surface developed into a lobed 

 excurrent, or free membrane, all the margin incise - 

 lobate. 



(n.) S. vulgare, macrosorum. Much broader than 

 polyschides, the margin frilled, " with an undulate 

 series of blunt teeth," and deeper occasional incisions, 

 base truncate. We have met with three forms of 

 this plant, which appears to be met with chiefly in 

 the southern counties. 



(z.) S. vulgar e,fimbriatum. This is a remarkable 

 variety, about four inches in length ; the fronds are 

 narrow, and strongly marginate, with deeply toothed 



Fig. 60. — Varieties of Hart's-tongue Fern. 



margin, forming a strongly frilled edge. It has 

 been found in Guernsey, Devonshire, and West- 

 moreland. 



(/.) S. vulgare, cornutum. This is more a curious 

 freak of nature than otherwise, for the rachis 

 (midrib) runs about two-thirds up the frond, then 

 abruptly becoming excurrent on the upper surface, in 

 the form of a ram's horn, or not unlike a pastoral 

 crook, in outline. It is very constant, if a good root 

 can be obtained ; it seldom varies in a state of 

 cultivation. The frond is bluntly rounded at the apex ; 

 it has been gathered chiefly in Yorkshire and 

 Lancashire. 



