MALE FERN. 67 



scales, which are continued sparingly along the rachis in the 

 type, but more abundantly in some of the varieties. The lance 

 form of the frond is properly tapered to a sharp point above, but 

 below its tapering is more gradual and ends rather abruptly. It 

 is twice pinnate, the pinnae being narrow and running to a long 

 slender point. Only the pinnules towards the base of the pinna 

 are really distinct, the upper portion of the pinna being merely 

 pinnatifid instead of pinnate. The pinnules are oblong, blunt, 

 their free ends toothed. The sori are large and round, arranged 

 in a line on each side of the midrib of the pinnule, and parallel 

 with it. They are coveted with the smooth, convex indusium, 

 which is at first pale, then lead-coloured, and finally brown. 

 The spores are ripe in July or August. (Plates 9, 67, 75.) 



There are several well-marked varieties that have long been 

 recognized as such, but which some writers have elevated to the 

 status of species. This point of view is chiefly upheld by those 

 to whom the most microscopic and temporary aberrations of 

 growth are sufficient to justify insertion under a compound name 

 in their interminable lists of varieties. Most botanists are 

 content to accept the three forms referred to as well-defined 

 varieties or at most as sub-species. These forms maybe briefly 

 referred to : 



Var. affinis. Fronds long, drooping ; pinnules oblong, lance- 

 shaped, deeply cut, less crowded. 



Var. paleaceum. Rachis very scaly ; frond yellowish, pinnules 

 oblong with almost square ends, scarcely toothed along the 

 sides (Plate 67). 



Var. abbreviata. Frond pinnate, only the lowest pinnules 

 being separate ; pinnules broad and blunt. Probably a more 

 alpine form of var. paleaceum. 



The Male-fern is the species around which centres all the 

 delightful old nonsense concerning the invisibility-conferring 

 powers of fern-seed, which could only be obtained on St. John's 

 Eve by the careful observance of certain precautions. The 



