30 FEttNS OF THE LAKE COUNTRY 



The variety LOBATUM, considered a distinct species 

 by some botanists, differs chiefly in the narrower outline 

 of the frond (already noticed), and in the pinnules 

 being much more decidedly decurrent, or running to- 

 gether, at the base. Every possible variation in the 

 relative portions of the pinnules is to be met with, from 

 the typical bi-pinnate form of Poiystickum aculeatum 

 to a simply pinnate form of the species, which from its 

 resemblance to P. Lonchitis has been called loncliiti- 

 dioides. This latter, owing its origin only to some 

 special circumstances of its growth, cannot be con- 

 sidered as a permanent variety ; but the intermediate 

 variation lobatum, which is the most common of 

 these abnormal ferns, is at least sufficiently different 

 to be considered a variety. 



The Common Prickly Shield Fern is one of the most 

 easily cultivated of all our larger and hardier species, 

 while the lobatum, being smaller, is well adapted for 

 pots. With good drainage and moderate shade, they 

 thrive admirably. 



HABITATS. Irton Woods (Rolson) Ara Force 

 (H. Fordham) Ambleside and Eydal. 



VAEIETIES. 



grandilobwn, Mardalc, J. M. Barnes. 



multifidum, Levcr\s, J. Wood; Whitesidc Fell, J. M. Unrnos ; 

 Silvcrdale, J. Crossfield. 



