TH3 SPLEENWORTS. 59 



produced near the centre of the pinna, covered by indusia. 

 which open inwardly with a jagged or irregularly sinuated 

 margin. 



A common species, confined to rocks and walls, occurring 

 throughout Europe and in many parts of North America. 



It is not difficult to cultivate in pots or on well-drained 

 ^ockwork. 



GREEN SPLEENWORT. 



This elegant little Fern is the Asplenium viride of bota- 

 nists. 



The plant has such a general resemblance Fl - 1 5 - 

 to A. ^VicAomemes as to have been mistaken 

 for it by casual observers. It is, however, 

 quite distinct, and is most readily known 

 from A. Trichomanes by the colour of its 

 rachis, which is green in the upper part, 

 while in the latter it is black throughout. 

 It is an evergreen tufted species, pro- 

 ducing narrow, linear, simply _ pinnate 

 bright pale green fronds, ranging from 

 two to eight or ten inches in length, sup- 

 ported by a short stipes, which is dark- 

 coloured at the very base, but otherwise 

 reen, the rachis being entirely green. 

 The pinnse are small, generally roundish- 

 ovate, rather tapered towards the base, 

 and attached to the rachis by the nar- 

 rowed stalk-like part, the margin being 

 deeply crenated. 



The venation is distinct : the midvein 

 sends off alternately a series of venules, 

 which are either simple or forked, bearing 

 the sori on their anterior side. The sori 

 are oblong, covered at first by membra- 

 nous indusia, which are soon pushed 

 aside; the free margin is jagged or crenate. 



A native of moist, rocky, mountain- 

 ous districts in England, Scotland, and 

 Wales; occurring, also, though less fro Asphniumviridt. 

 quently, in Ireland, and throughout Europe. 



This Fern is not difficult to cultivate in pots in a close, 

 damp, cold frame ; or on moist, shady rockwork, if covered 

 over by a bell-glass. If exposed, it is apt to suffer from 

 occasional excessive wet, which often does not properly drain 



