52 



On the supposed Identity of the Muscus corniculatus of Gerarde 

 with Asplenium septenirionale of Authors. By Henry Bull, 

 Esq. 



The Muscus corniculatus of Gerarde (Ger. Em. 1561) is commonly 

 given as a synonym for Asplenium septentrionale of authors. Should 

 it be so ? Gerarde says of his plant, " it riseth forth of the ground," 

 whereas the habitat of Asplenium septentrionale is described by Sir 

 J. E. Smith "Infissuris rupium ;"* by Mr. Babington "Dry clefts 

 of rocks ;"t and by Newman as " only in the fissures of rocks and 

 the interstices of stone walls ;"$ and the plant is moreover further 

 characterized by its growth — "in a horizontal position from a per- 

 pendicular surface."§ 



In colour the fronds of Asplenium septentrionale are described 

 as " atro-virentes,"\\ "dark green,"5[ "dark dull green,"** "green 

 throughout the winter,"tt but " every part " of Gerarde's plant was 

 "of an over-worne whitish colour." The figure in Ger. Em. 1561, is 

 undoubtedly that of Asplenium septentrionale. Johnson, however, 

 tells us, " our author formerly gave another figure and description of 

 this plant by the name of Holosteum petreum, which I have omitted, 

 thinking this the better." The description (Ger. Em. 1561) applies 

 admirably to any of the Cladoniae, to Cladonia uncialis, perhaps, more 

 particularly, and this I cannot but think was the plant intended to be 

 described. It is indeed " of an over-worne whitish colour," or as Sir 

 W. Hooker describes it, "pale yellowish white,"!! very unlike the 

 "dark dull green" of Asplenium septentrionale. There is evidently 

 some confusion as to the figures, and it is not improbable that the one 

 which was rejected by Johnson represented the true Muscus cornicu- 

 latus, corresponding with Cladonia ? whilst that retained is 



the figure of Holosteum petreum, corresponding with Asplenium sep- 

 tentrionale. The description having been omitted by Johnson, as 

 he himself admits. 



The name Holosteum petreum would indicate a rupestral plant, and 

 the Cladonia might well be named the " little-horned moss " by 

 Gerarde, who describes the allied lichens as " chalice moss," " cup 

 moss," &c. 



Gerarde's description of Muscus corniculatus has been already 



* Flor. Brit. iii. 1122. f Manual, 389. % Brit. Ferns, 269. 



§ Id. 273. || Flor. Brit. H Eng. Bot. ** Eng. Flor. ft Brit - Ferns - 



|+ Eng. Flor. v. 235. 



