20 ASPIDIUM. 



above next the stem, but at a slight dis- 

 tance from it. Frond narrow, pretty 

 equable, contracted most below, and bear- 

 ing to the bottom. Sori in two single 

 rows about midway between the margin 

 and centre, on the upper portion of the 

 frond. Very rigid. May. Indeciduous. 

 Rare. Rocks in the North, Scotland, and 

 Wales. Difficult of cultivation, except in 

 a frame. Bold and striking in its outline, 

 but of no particular beauty. 



These would seem to belong to the same family : 

 the first three occasionally, in appearance, running 

 more or less the one into the other, so that each may 

 be found here and there partaking of some of the 

 characteristics of its neighbour, while yet preserving 

 its own individuality ; and the last being the parent 

 stock, as it were, from which they are expanded. As 

 regards the vexata qucestio of Aculeatum, it will be 

 seen that I have ventured to confine the name to the 

 somewhat marked and rarer form first given ; instead 

 of extending it, as is more usual, to No. 1, or even 

 both of Lobatum. 



Kidney-shaped Indusium. 



CRISTATUM. (Crested Shield-Fern.} 



Tig. 7. From 1 to 2 feet. Growing in 

 tufts. Pale green. Frond erect, rigid, 

 oblong, narrow. Pinna? far apart, and 



