22 ■^ 



the leaves are spread out flat, with the smooth surface 

 uppermost ; in dry weather they become rolled up, and the 

 under cottony side is then exposed to the sun and to dry 

 winds." 



Then "it is usually seen that first the margins of the 

 leaves turn up, and then by degrees the whole leaf becomes 

 bent and rolled, so that the lower side is turned towards 

 the sun's rays, and the white felt of hairs functions as a 

 protective screen to the whole leaf." So there is evidently 

 much more significance in these scaly coverings than is 

 usually attributed. 



In conjunction with this Fern, and growing with it, 

 were the Wall-Rue [Aspleniiim Ruta-Mnvavia) and the 

 Common Spleen wort (^A. Tvicliomanes), the former plenti- 

 fully and the latter occasionally; but what struck me as 

 more remarkable was the fact of a flowering plant — the 

 pretty little shining Crane's-bill [Geranium hicidiim) — con- 

 testing every inch of these old walls with it ! 



Thus there is, or was, a charming combination and a 

 pleasing rivalry between two representatives of widely 

 different orders, neither apparently acting to the detriment 

 of the other. 



Although I was naturally and duly elated to see this 

 Fern in such amazing quantity, and spent some time in 

 overhauling it, I regret to say that I could not detect the 

 slightest variation worthy of the name, so true to its specific 

 character does this Fern remain. That variations do occur 

 I have had occular demonstration in the Editor's collection, 

 but it has never fallen to my lot to find anything but 

 normal. 



The variety Crenatum, however, is, I am pleased to say, 

 recorded for the district in the Bristol Flora — an excellent 

 publication — and the recorder is Mr. R. V. Sherring, 

 F.L.S., a botanical friend and pteridologist. Thus I hope 

 some day to have the privilege of a closer acquaintance 

 with it. 



