LASTREA DILATATA. 



311 



below, alternate above, gradually diminishing in size from the 

 base to the apex of the frond. Pinnules much more normal 

 on the basal half of the frond, above exceedingly various, some 

 normal, others as if bitten off, contracted, distorted, depauperated, 

 and often wanting; not infrequently a portion of the rachides 

 destitute of pinnules, and even the apices of the pinnae are 

 naked and stick-like. A distinct and sparse variety. ^ly thanks 

 are due to Mr. P. Neill Fraser for fronds. 



Fig. 257.— Frond. 



CoMPACTA, Sim. (Fig. 257.) — Raised from spores at IVIr. 

 Sim's Nursery, at Foot's Cray, Kent. . A distinct and pretty 

 novelty. Length of frond from four to eight inches. Brief 

 stipes, spreading-fronded, short-triangular, twice-di'v'ided, thick- 

 textured, very leafy fronds. Pinnae broadish, brief, very close, 

 and blunt-ended, the basal pair very broad, and more or less 

 right-angled triangular in outline; pinnules broad, somewhat 

 variable in outline, overlapping, obscurely stalked next and near 



