ASPLENIUM. 141 



cut away, the margin being either serrated or crenated. 

 They are of leathery texture, but the veins are neverthe- 

 less tolerably evident, each pinna having a midvein, from 

 which veins are given off alternately on either side, these 

 again producing a series of venules. The sori are pro- 

 duced on the anterior side of each venule, lying obliquely, 

 and forming two rows on each side the centre ; they are 

 oblong or linear, covered by a persistent indusium, which 

 opens along the anterior margin as the spore-cases grow 

 towards maturity. 



The chief variation to which this Fern appears subject 

 is that of the elongation of its parts. Sometimes the 

 pinnae are much elongated, tapering to a narrow point ; 

 sometimes, besides being narrowed, they are auricled at the 

 base, and deeply lobed. 



This species, with the Lanceolate Spleenwort and the 

 Maidenhair, are exceedingly well adapted for Wardian 

 cases in warm sitting-rooms. All of them enjoy the 

 warmth ; and being all evergreens of moderate size, and 

 very elegant in structure, they supply just what is wanted 

 in such situations. They should be planted on elevated 

 rockwork, in sandy peat-soil lying in the interstices be- 

 tween the fragments of stone ; and when once established 



