CXLVII. FILICES. 685 
Orper CXLVII. FILICES or FERNS. 
h Spore-cuses usually small, collected (rarely 
united) in clusters or pneu called sori (rarely solitary) on the under 
urface or margins of the Fete fron s, which are either nearly 
similar to the barren ones Or arrow resembling simple or 
c d 
membrane called indusium x sometimes involucre), variously 
opening with the growth of the spore-cases, but usually SDE 
attached to the frond on one or both sides or rarely in the centr 
This beautiful Order is iNav in all moist climates hot or cold, less so in dry 
and arid countries, The maj S of th a and 
are as widely diffused as po s and Cyperacege. Of the 38 Australian genera, n 
less than 29 have a general ranges over the New and the Old- World as some of 
Cai o 3 
arl 
ealand and the i aae Islands, one only and that a very distinct peces 
A ine WI mag is endemi 
The systematic d of Filices has been rendered unusually tedious and c 
plicated, pen only by the great variability of the species but chiefly by the cane. 
mous multiplication of supposed genera and species, founded upon trifling and 
vague disti atid, which have been proposed by Pteridologists, — since the 
cultivation of Ferns has become so general In working upt the Australian species 
my labours have been materially lessened by the kind co-operation of r. Baker, 
aaa fogs Saat as me bost avari on the sale And although hare asin 
have 
Tar - Ophioglossex.— Fro s not circinate, the barren end den — 
site, snp or branched, the cetus of bo both a y combined at the base. Spore- 
cases globular, 2-valved, without any ring, sessile 2 rows or in pga clusters on 
the spike or its branches 
Barren and fertile fronds undivided or mo i. 
pore-cases sessile, slightly connate in ws on 
the rhachis of the spike . 1. OPHIOGLOSSUM. 
Barren and fertile fronds branch hed. Spore 
sessile in 2 rows on the branches of the eirca . 9. BorrycHIuM. 
