50 



When of small size, as before remarked, the form of the frond is 

 often less triangular, and in such case it is less divided, and the 

 divisions are broader and more obtuse : this not unfrequent con- 

 dition, dependent on accidental circumstances, presents us with the 

 original Asplenium obtusum of Willdenow, the variety obtusum of 

 later authors. 



A second form has acquired more importance on account of its 

 being still regarded by some as a separate species, viz. Asplenium 

 acutum, Bory (Newman, Hist. Brit. Ferns, 231). Mr. Newman's 

 figure represents a luxuriant frond from Ireland, to which country, 

 in the text, he confines its British habitats. I have met with the 

 same, smaller in size, in several parts of North Wales, and have 

 preserved specimens collected in 1821 from the walls of the Cathe- 

 dral at St. Asaph, between which and those of Irish growth I am 

 unable to trace any difference. In regard to its being a species, 

 such claim is very doubtful, resting apparently at present solely 

 upon a slight difference in texture, not appreciable by the aid of 

 the microscope, and the narrow linear form of the ultimate divisions 

 of the frond. 



The Black Spleenwort was formerly employed medicinally in 

 diseases of the chest, its real or supposed efficacy in asthma, cough, 

 &c. being probably based upon a slight tonic quality belonging to 

 the ferns generally, and the relief afforded by its mucilaginous 

 juices. 



All the forms are ornamental and well adapted for rock-work, 

 but though it will live in exposed situations, the more luxuriant 

 states are only obtainable in the shade. It will grow in any light 

 soil, but succeeds best when planted in a mixture of sandy peat and 

 old mortar. It is well fitted for the stove or greenhouse, but the 

 pots should be carefully drained. In the close case, it soon becomes 

 mouldy and decays. 



ASPLENIUM MARINUM. Sea Spleenwort. TAB. XXIX. 



Fronds linear, pinnate: pinnae stalked, oblong-ovate, inciso- 

 serrate, oblique, obtuse, unequally wedge-shaped, and more or less 

 auricled at the base. Rachis winged. 



Asplenium marinum, Linnaus. Smith. E. B. 392. Hooker and 

 Arnott. Babington. Moore. Newman. 



Frequent on rocks and cliffs, and especially in caverns, near the 

 sea ; it grows likewise on old walls, castles, and churches, but very 

 rarely in inland situations. Its principal localities are on the 

 southern and western shores of the island, commencing with the 

 sand cliffs of Hastings ; but it is distributed at intervals around 

 the Scottish coast, terminating on the eastern side about Scar- 



