18 ASPIDIUM. 



Bristles short and numerous, occasionally, 

 however, very thickly and projectingly set. 

 Elbow somewhat obtuse, distinct, and pro- 

 minent, and in the rather larger superior 

 pinnules next the main stem (which do not 

 ordinarily reach those above) not uncom- 

 monly cut down to the midrib. Base of 

 the pinnule bulging down towards the 

 stem of the pinna. Close, round, and 

 compact, in general appearance. Sori near 

 the centre ; the vein bearing them termi- 

 nating at the last cluster. May. Indeci- 

 duous. Common. Hardy. Easy of cul- 

 tivation. Ornamental. 



LOBATUM. (Close-leaved Prickly 



Shield-Fern.} Fig. 4. From 1 to 2 feet. 

 Growing in circular masses. Leathery in 

 substance. Dark green, though often be- 

 coming lighter, and even yellowish, by 

 exposure. Frond more or less fullest in 

 the centre ; at first concave. Pinnse al- 

 ternate, and rather curved upwards, close. 

 Pinnules oblong, with a shorter or wider 

 elbow at their base outside, sharply cut, 

 and gradually narrowed to the apex ; which, 

 with the elbow, terminates in a long acute 

 spine ; connected with the stem of the 

 pinna either by a long stalk, or mere 

 attenuation of the pinnule itself: or, pin- 

 nulets rugged, without elbow, being slightly 



