376 ON KEPEODUCTION. 



in any species of the division Eremobrya. It also appears 

 that bulbils are latent in some ; for instance, if portions of 

 the base of the fronds, or of the margin of Scolopendrium 

 vulgare, be placed under favourable circumstances, bulbils 

 are formed which become plants of the same variety and 

 form of that part of the frond from which the bit was 

 taken ; by this means the numerous abnormal forms of 

 this Fern are propagated. Ferns are also increased 

 by lateral offsets, thus forming caespitose tufts, some 

 occupying a considerable area, as also by stolens and 

 sarmenta, the latter often extending to a great length, as 

 in Pteris aquilina. 



