456 



rare plant grows plentifully here, accompanied by E. hexandra and 

 is invariably submerged, whilst the latter not only grows luxuriantly 

 under the surface, but extends itself upon the sandy margins that are 

 occasionally covered with water. On the margin of the same pond 

 occurs Limosella aquatica, and in a deep morass under the park-pal- 

 ing of Hampton Lodge will be found Potentilla Comarum. 



Omitting the mention of Phaenogamous plants of a less interesting 

 character, I proceed in conclusion to notice the Cryptogamic produc- 

 tions of the district. And from the foregoing description of the geo- 

 logical features and general aspect of the country, it may be expected 

 that this branch of the subject will prove equally interesting and ex- 

 tensive. With the exception however of the Filices and Pteroides I 

 have hitherto been unable to devote the necessary attention to this di- 

 vision of the Flora for its satisfactory elucidation. I hope at some 

 future period to be able to supply this desideratum. 



The deep rich cuttings and damp woods and shady lanes are par- 

 ticularly favourable for the growth of several species of the Filices. 

 Many of the commoner species grow in the greatest luxuriance, as in 

 the case of Polypodium vulgare, which completely covers the tops and 

 sides of the hedge-banks, preferring to locate on the decayed stumps 

 of trees, and is equally abundant upon the walls at Westbrook &c. 



Polystichum lobatum and aculeatum appear to be equally distri- 

 buted ; the dingle towards Hurtmore is a favourable station, as is the 

 case with Lovers' Lane, Farley Hill. 



Lastraea Thelypteris occurs very sparingly at Hurtmore Bottom ; 

 hitherto I have only found it with barren fronds. L. Oreopteris spar- 

 ingly upon the extreme end of Witley Common, by the edge of a 

 wood towards the Hammer Ponds : this beautiful fern grows in the 

 greatest luxuriance in the Devil's Punchbowl at Hindhead. L. Filix- 

 mas is very common in the shady lanes and coppices. L. dilatata 

 {multijlora? of Newman) grows luxuriantly in most of the wet woods. 

 At Cosford, Westbrook, &c. it abounds at the foot of the alder-stumps 

 and in other similar situations, whilst Athyrium Filix-fcemina gene- 

 rally prefers a more open situation, by the sides of ditches and water- 

 courses that are inclosed with underwood. Aspleniura Trichomanes 

 is very common upon the north sides of most of the old walls and 

 bridges in the neighbourhood. On a damp hedge-bank at the back 

 of Farley Hill, the fronds attain a great length. A. Adiantum- nigrum 

 abundantly in the same locality, and equally so in several others ; it 

 rarely occurs upon any of the walls in this district. A. Ruta-muraria 

 is plentiful upon the garden-wall of Unstead House, and is found more 



