uteris.] filices. 449 



aurita and P. nemoralis are distinguished by modern Pteridologists is, that in the former 

 the lowest lateral veins of 2 adjoining segments never meet before they reach the sinus, and 

 that they do so occasionally in P. nemoralis. In the Chinese specimens by far the greater 

 number reach the sinus without meeting each other, but there is scarcely a specimen in 

 which the junction will never occur. In the original P. biaurita, Linn., the complete junc- 

 tion of the two lower veins and the emission of several branches towards the sinus, appears 

 more constant ; but yet it is not improbable that all the above forms may be mere varieties 

 of the old Linnsean species. 



6. P. aquilina, Linn.; Hook. Spec. Ml. ii. 196. Rhizome thick and 

 creeping. Fronds from 1 or 2 to 8 or 10 ft. high, usually thrice pinnate. 

 Primary pinnae distant, the lowest pair much larger and more compound, the 

 upper gradually decreasing, giving the whole frond a broad triangular outline. 

 Secondary pinnae numerous, linear-lanceolate, deeply pinnatifid or pinnate, 

 always ending in an undivided more or less elongated obtuse segment ; the 

 lateral segments ovate or oblong, obtuse, entire, all of a firm consistence, 

 glabrous above, often pubescent underneath. Sori continuous along the mar- 

 gins of the fertile segments, the barren ones seldom broader. 



On the hills and in ravines about Victoria, Urquhart, Wilford ; also Wright. In almost 

 all tropical and temperate regions of the globe. 



13. CHEILANTHES, Sw. 



Sori globular and distinct, or oblong by the confluence of 2 or more, all 

 marginal, with an indusium proceeding from the margin and turned over 

 them. Spore-cases, as in Pteris, inserted on the frond under the indusium. 

 — Small usually slender Ferns, either tufted or with a creeping rhizome. 

 Fronds usually twice or thrice pinnate, with small lobed segments, the stipes 

 black and slender. 



A considerable genus, widely distributed over a great portion of the globe. It differs 

 from Pteris chiefly in habit, and in the sori, or at least the receptacles, short and distinct. 



1. C. tenuifolia, Sw. ; Hook. Spec. Ml. ii. 82. Ehizome rather slender, 

 creeping. Fronds glabrous, oblong, lanceolate or ovate-triangular in outline, 

 3 to 6 in. long, on a slender stipes as long or longer, twice or thrice pinnate, 

 with small oblong crenate or lobed segments. Sori along the margin often 

 confluent, with a more or less continuous indusium which, as the fructification 

 advances, opens out flat, and can scarcely be distinguished from the margin 

 of the frond. 



In ravines, Champion, Urquhart, Wright, Wilford. In India, chiefly in hilly districts, 

 from Ceylon to the Himalaya and the Archipelago ; also in Australia. " 



14. NOTHOL.ZENA, Br. 



Sori small, contiguous and becoming confluent in a line usually marginal, 

 without any indusium. Small tufted Ferns. Fronds pinnate or decompound, 

 with small-lobed segments, usually covered underneath with hairs, scales, or 

 a waxy meal. 



A small genus, chiefly tropical, with the habit of Cheilanthes, from which it only differs 

 in the absence of any indusium. 



1. N. sulcata, Link, Mum. Hort.Berol. ii. 361,andFil. Cult. 146. Fronds 

 tufted, 6 to 8 in. high, twice pinnate, ovate or triangular in outline, more or 



2 G 



