SCOLOPENDEIUM. 199 



cestershire. A very distinct variety, and may be increased, 

 though very slowly, by division, when the plant becomes 

 large. 



S. VULGAEE MULTIFIDUM (Many-times-divided). Fronds 

 split up at the apex into many irregular divisions. Sometimes 

 the frond has many branches from the base, and each branch 

 is multifid at the top, and often quite tasselled, and becomes 

 so heavy as to droop downwards. This singular variety is 

 often varied again, by the midrib dividing at the apex, and 

 again by being divided in another style without tassels. These 

 two latter varieties are, however, not constant on the same 

 plant. We noticed in Ireland many plants with forked 

 branches, and this variety is sometimes called farcatum ; but 

 none of the three are distinct enough to be separated from 

 multifidum. Increased by division. 



S. VULGAEE UNDULATUM (Waved). Frond simple, strap- 

 shaped, tapering to a point, where it is sometimes, but rarely, 

 divided. The margin is beautifully waved, almost plaited, like 

 a shirt-frill. We never met with this variety bearing spores. 

 It is the most distinct and most beautiful of all the varieties. 

 Grown in a peat border, it forms quite a bush, and is then 

 very ornamental throughout the year. 



Without a doubt this is the most variable Fern in existence; 

 there seems to be no end to the various forms it assumes. The 

 fronds are forked and divided, crested and lobed, fringed and 

 plaited, reduced or enlarged, in every conceivable way. It is 

 quite a protean Fern. Many of the varieties, were they im- 

 ported from a foreign country, would be named as distinct 

 species without a question. Mr. Sim, of Foot's Cray, has got 

 the finest collection of them that we ever saw; and any of 

 our readers who have the chance should visit his nursery, 

 were it only to see the host of forms of the Hart 's-tongue 

 which he possesses. (We need not add that they will find 

 many other things in the Fern way to interest them.) The 

 Scolopendriums are a host in themselves. S. v, marginatum 



