ADIANTUM. 171 



posed to distinguish as varieties, applying to the pinnatifid 

 form the name vera, and to the more entire form that of 

 integerrima. 



This, which is the most abundant of our indigenous 

 species, is also widely distributed in other parts of the 

 world, and bears a variety of names, from having been 

 supposed to be distinct by those who have met with it from 

 such widely-separated localities. 



Being so common, and in an ordinary state uncouth- 

 looking, it is not a plant for cultivation to any extent. 

 In warm, damp wilderness scenery, however, where it would 

 attain great luxuriance, and the situation is such as would 

 enable it to develop the arching character already men- 

 tioned, it might very properly be introduced. 



Genus XII. ADIANTUM, or MAIDENHAIR FERN. 



The Adiantum, or Maidenhair, may be known among 

 the British Ferns by its almost fan-shaped leaflets or 

 pinnules, which are attached by their narrow end to the 

 little black hair-like stalks. This, however, though suffi- 



