186 CHARACTERS OF TRIBES AND GENERA. 



92. MICROPTERIS, J. Sm. (non Desv.). 

 Polypodium, sp., auct., and Hook. Sp. Fil. 



Vernation uniserial, sarmentum slender, filiform, elonga- 

 ted. Fronds distant, 1 to 3 inches high, linear, gramineous 

 serrate or pinnate, opaque, rigid. Sori punctiform or 

 slightly oval, terminal, solitary in each segment. 



Type. Polypodium fallax, Schleclit. 



Illust. Mett. Polyp., t. 1., f. 4 to 6. 



OBS. The above character comprehends three very small 

 Ferns, specially differing from each other by the fronds 

 being simple and grass like in one, serrate-pinnatifid in 

 another, and pinnate in the third, but agreeing so closely 

 in their mode of growth and structure, that I deem it best 

 to associate them together as a distinct genus, and this I do 

 the more readily in consequence of their not possessing, 

 either collectively or individually, direct affinity with any 

 other genus. 



* Fronds linear, entire. 



Sp. M. graminoides, J". Sm. 



** Fronds linear, serrate. 



Sp. M. monticole, Klot. 



*** Fronds pinnate, pinnce cuneiform. 



Sp. M. fallax, Schlecht. 



These three species are very local, the first being found 

 in Jamaica, the second in Columbia, and the third in 

 Mexico. 



93. ADENOPHORUS, Gaud. (1826). 

 Polypodium sp. auct., Hook. Sp. Fil. 

 Vernation sarmentose. Fronds contiguous, caespitose, bi- 

 sub-tripinnatifid, 3 to 11 inches high, oblong lanceolate, 



