98 HISTOKY OF BUITISII FERNS. 



barren, but this is on account of tlieir margin being revo- 

 lutely bent under. The venation of the lobes of this Fern 

 consists of a distinct, somewliat wavy midvein, from Avhich 

 alternate venules branch out, these being usually forked, 

 and both branches bearing a sorus half-way between the 

 margin and the midvein. The sori, which are numerous 

 and closely placed, often become confluent, and are par- 

 tially concealed by the bent-back margin. The indusium, 

 or cover of the spore-cases, is in this species small, thin, 

 and shapeless, and is soon thrown off and lost. 



The Marsh Buckler Fern has a wide geographical range, 

 and in England and Wales occurs in numerous localities ; 

 in Scotland and Ireland it is rather uncommon. 



It is not a very attractive species for cultivation, but 

 grows freely if planted in a moist peaty situation, where 

 its rambling stems have room to spread. It has been 

 severally referred, under the individual name of Thehjpteris, 

 to the families of Aspldium, Pohipodium, AcrostlcJium, 

 and PohisticJmm, by various botanical writers. The names 

 of T/ieh/pteris palustris {m^ Ilemesthemn 27ieh/pteris hsL\e 

 also been glA'en to it. 



