748 | FILICES. 
or occasionally arranged in a spiked manner on a simple or 
branched rachis ( fig. 804). Illustrate Genera :—Polypodium, 
Linn. ; Aspidium, Swartz; Osmunda, Linn. 
Sub-order 2. Danxex, Danzxacex, or Marattiacexr, the Danza 
Sub-order.—Fronds circinate in vernation, and all fertile. 
Sporangia arising from, or imbedded in, the under surface or 
back of the fronds, more or less united, exannulate. Tllus- 
trative Genera:—Danea, Smith; Marattia, Smith. There are 
no British plants in this sub-order. 
Sub-order 3. Ophioglossex or Ophioglossacex, the Adder’s-tongue 
Sub-order.— Fronds not circinate in vernation, barren or 
fertile. Sporangia arranged in a spike-like form (fig. 1117, a) 
on the margins of a contracted frond, distinct, 2-valved (fig. 
1117, 6), exannulate. Illustrative Genera :—Ophioglossum, 
Linn.; Botrychium, Swartz. 
Distribution and Numbers.—The plants of this order are 
more or less distributed over the globe, but they are most 
abundant in moist temperate regions. In the northern hemi- 
sphere they are herbaceous plants, but in the southern hemi- 
sphere and in the tropics they are sometimes arborescent, having 
stems occasionally as much as forty feet in height, and with 
the general habit of Palms. There are upwards of 2,500 
species. 
Properties and Uses.—Several species have farinaceous 
rhizomes, which, when roasted or boiled, are used as articles 
of food in some parts of the world, but generally only in times 
of scarcity. The rhizomes of Pteris esculenta, Diplaziwm escu- 
lentum, Nephrodiwm esculentum, and Marattia alata, are those 
which are thus principally used. The leaves of several species 
possess slightly bitter, astringent, and aromatic properties, and 
those of others are mucilaginous. The rhizomes of some are 
astringent and tonic, and a few possess well-marked anthelmintic 
properties. The silky hairs found on the rhizomes and lower 
portions of the caudex of some species have been used for 
stufting cushions, &c., and as mechanical styptics. 
Acrostichum Huacsaro.—The rhizome of this species constitutes the 
Middling Calaguala or Little Cord, which is used medicinally in Peru. 
(See Polypodium.) 
Adiantum—The fronds and rhizomes of A. Capillus-Veneris, True 
Maiden-hair, and those of A. pedatum, Canadian Maiden-hair, possess 
mucilaginous, bitter, slightly astringent, and aromatic properties, and have 
been employed as pectorals in catarrhs. The latter plant is most esteemed. 
Syrup of Capillaire is properly prepared, by adding to an infusion of 
Maiden-hair some sugar and orange-flower water ; but it is now frequently 
made by simply adding sugar to orange-flower water. The fronds of A. 
melanocaulon are reputed to have tonic properties; and various qualities 
have been attributed to other species of Adiantum. 
Aspidium.—The dried rhizome with the persistent bases of the petioles of 
Aspidium Filix-mas constitute the official Male Fern of the British Phar- 
macopeia. This has been used from the earliest times as an aathggpintic ; 
