104 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS. 



of the pinnnule, so as, in fact, iisually almost to reach to 

 its apex. 



The variety paleacea, the L. Borreri of Newman, is 

 chiefly remarkable for the abundant and usually golden- 

 tinted scales which clothe its stipes and rachis. It is 

 normal in form, variable in size, deep green above, and of 

 a pale glaucous green beneath ; the pinnules are remark- 

 ably blant at the apex, and the margin of the indusium 

 is strongly inflected, so that the sori are not liable to spread 

 out as they do in the other forms. It is a not uncommon 

 variety. 



The variety pumila has the pinnules changed into small 

 rounded lobes, and the fructification reduced to a single 

 row of spore- cases on each side the rib of the pinna). This 

 has also been called Lastrea Filix-mas abbreviata, and is 

 very distinct and permanent. 



One of tlie most remarkable variations occurs in the 

 variety ciistata, which is one of the most beautiful of 

 British Ferns. In this, the points of the frond and of the 

 pinntc are dilated into a fringe or tassel, a very curious 

 kind of transformation of the parts, and tjuite constant. 

 There are two or three modifications of this mode of varia- 

 tion. Several other varieties arc known. 



