THE HART'S-TONGUE FERN. 69 



and irregularly lobed and crenated. This sort is fertile, and 

 its sori are short, forming two irregular lines on each side 

 the midrib. 



The variety marginatuin is another curious and very beau- 

 tiful form, lobed in the same manner as polyschides, but 

 having the fronds broader ; it is remarkable also in having, 

 behind, a longitudinal excurrent membrane on each side be- 

 tween the midrib and margin, on which membrane as well 

 as exterior to it, the short interrupted sori are produced. 



Another striking variety is multifidum. This has the 

 fronds forked either near the apex or sometimes near the 

 base ; each branch is again more or less repeatedly forked, 

 and the apices of all the forks are developed into irregular 

 fan-shaped leafy expansions, to which the term multifid is 

 applied. Sometimes the fronds are merely forked once or 

 twice, without being multifid ; in other cases the stipes itself 

 becomes forked, bearing multifid branches, and this nas been 

 called ramosum. This multifid sort is fertile ; and occurs in 

 many variations. 



The variety laceratum is a dwarf and highly ornamental 

 form ; in this the fronds are often nearly as broad as long, 

 with the margin deeply gashed into irregular lobes, the lobes 

 being numerous, crowded, and much undulated, sometimes 

 tapering, sometimes more or less dilated at the apex, the 

 basal pair often considerably enlarged, and so much developed 

 as to produce an approach to the palmate form. 



The common Hart's-tongue is an inhabitant of hedge- 

 banks, of old walls, and sometimes of the interior of wells, 

 in which latter situation it acquires great luxuriance. It is 

 one of the more commonly distributed species in England 

 and in Ireland, less abundant in Scotland ; and also found 

 all over Europe. The varieties are rare in a wild state, and 

 are better known as cultivated plants. 



An evergreen, and a plant of free growth, the Hart's- 

 tongue is one of the most desirable hardy Ferns we possess 

 for open rockwork. Its simple fronds contrast well with 

 the more compound forms ; and its varieties all have a diffe- 

 rent aspect, combined with the same good qualities of har- 

 dinfiss and endurance. Shady and rather humid places are 

 those in which this plant most delights, although, as is evi- 

 dent from its sometimes growing on walls, it will live in 

 more exposed and arid situations. The plants, however, 

 never acquire much vigour under such circumstances, and 

 have mostly a starved and stunted aspect. They are not 

 particular as to soil, sandy loam containing fibrous or half- 



