84 FERNS OF THE LAKE COUNTRY 



so. This occasionally happens from the elongation of 

 the normally-placed sorus of the underside, which ex- 

 tends to the margin and returns on the upper side 

 when the sori are placed opposite the marginal crena- 

 tures. But it also frequently happens that the sori 

 are produced on the upper side distinctly within the 

 margin, and where there are no corresponding sori 

 beneath. Those varieties which have the margins 

 toothed (crenated) or lobed seem most liable to assume 

 this suprasoriferous (bearing-the-sori-on-the-upper-sur- 

 face) condition. 



The Hart's Tongue seems to be pretty generally 

 distributed throughout England, Scotland (more 

 sparingly), Ireland and the Channel Islands, and 

 through most countries in the northern temperate 

 zone. It is not a sea Fern, but prefers the coast 

 neighbourhood in more northern latitudes, ranging to 

 an elevation of some 500 or 600 feet. With all its 

 varieties, it is hardly to be considered a common Fern. 

 It may be easily cultivated, and no Fernery should be 

 without some few at least of its endless changes. 

 Medicinal virtues have been attributed to it; among 

 others, that of being good for burns and scalds. It is 

 abundant in the limestone districts, and found also 

 here and there upon the slate. 



VARIETIES. 



t 



limarginatum, Ulverston, Mr. Uadwin ; Beetliam, J. Cross- 

 field; Whitbarrow, J. M. Barnes. 

 contractum, Levens, J. M. Barnes. 

 crispum-sori/erum, Whitbarrow, A. B. Taylor. 



