POLYSTTCHUM ACULEATUM. 



207 



Fig. 166. 



Elegans, Lowe. (Fig. 166.) — Found near Marwood, by the 

 Rev. F. Mules, and said to be constant. This is named pro- 

 visionally, and is an interesting variety if it retains its lobate 

 character. Length of frond ten inches. 



There are several distinct forms of Polystichum aculeatum 

 that have not been deemed sufficiently marked to warrant 

 names being given, and yet differing sufficiently to demand 

 woodcut illustrations, as otherwise confusion might be occa- 

 sioned. Polystichum aculeatum, it must be borne in mind, 

 puts on every intermediate form between Lohatum and the 

 fully-developed normal form; there is every gradation (mostly 

 owing to the age of the plant) from the t\-pical Lohatum 

 to the typical Aculeatum. Some varieties are less, and others 

 more developed than usual. The figures on the next page 

 are three of these forms, and a reference to them will shew 

 that in all essential respects there is no distinctive difference. 



