2 I O 



angulares. A subsequent sowing from another plant (of 

 which the first was, however, a division) is now yielding 

 the same results, so far as the gracillimum type is in 

 evidence, though the possibility of further divergencies is 

 evidenced by a very promising diversity in other directions 

 in the young seedlings. 



In Blechnuui spicant, a long narrow variety [stvictum 

 Ha"tley) has in successive sowings yielded a percentage of 

 a very dwarf congested variety (cvispissimnm Hartley)^ quite 

 the antithesis of the parental form. Doubtless if fuller 

 records had been kept regarding the origin of new forms, 

 other cases could be cited ; but there is no doubt that the 

 above embrace the most remarkable. It will be noted 

 that in every case Nature has started the ball rolling by 

 providing an abnormal sport. Most of the types in 

 cultivation are due to such, though the selective cultivator 

 may have enhanced the original types through their spores. 

 The plumose types, however beautiful, are extensions of 

 Nature's " decomposite " inventions ; but so far, with the 

 exception perhaps of the mysterious A. f.j. Kalothvix, we 

 must credit the selective cultivator with the gracillimum 

 type of Shield ferns which are here described. 



Chas. T. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S. 



A NOTE ON PTERIS AQUILINA CRISTATA. 



I have been commanded by the Editor to send in a note 

 on my plant of crested bracken, which he pronounces to be 

 a thoroughbred. Its main interest appears to be its 

 independent origin. It arose, in my greenhouse, on some 

 peat, of which I had brought a little from Woodham 

 Walter Common, near Maldon, in Essex. This is a patch 

 of undulating land covered with oak coppice, occasional 

 birch and holly trees, and an abundance of ling and bracken. 

 On the Common itself I have never found anything more 

 than the merest bifid tips to the bracken. Mr. Druery 

 naturally raised the question of a chance spore getting on 



