28 ASPLENIUM. 



apex, the larger sometimes running into 

 secondary pinnae. When on exposed walls 

 more rigid and pointed, and yellowish in- 

 stead of dark green, and the roots more 

 fibrous and extended. Does best when 

 taken from banks; if from the former, 

 losing its difference under cultivation. 

 Sori abundant, linear at first, afterwards 

 more oval, uniting, and swelling over the 

 sides of the pinnules. May. Evergreen. 

 Common. Rather variable in form. Very 

 hardy and ornamental. 



ALTERNIFOLITJM. (Alternate-leaved 



Spleen-wort.} Fig. 35. From 2 to 5 

 inches. Growing in masses. A plain 

 stem, throwing out from about half-way 

 up several narrow, distant, alternate, 

 roundly-notched, oblong, thin - stalked, 

 pinnae, having two or three distinct lines 

 of sori crowded on their under surface, 

 which ultimately meet in the centre ; the 

 lower pinnae being divided again into two 

 or more similar alternate pinnules. May. 

 Indeciduous. Very rare. Rocks in the 

 North. Requires a glass. Of no parti- 

 cular interest. 



FILIX FCEMINA. (Lady Fern.) Fig. 



23. From 1 to 3 feet. Growing in 

 masses. In its size and general character 

 appearing rather to belong to the genus 



