OBLONG, OR RAY'S WOODSIA. 85 



found on Snowdon, and is well known by the guides 

 of that district as growing there. 



This little fern is said to do well in a fernery, in a 

 sheltered part. It must not be kept very wet. 

 Neither this fern nor its variety seems to bear con- 

 finement in closed cases or frames, as they require a 

 free circulation of air, without which they become 

 feeble and die. 



VARIETY. 

 "WOODSIA ILVENSIS HYPERBOREA (fig. 20), or Alpine 



Fern, called by Newman Woodsia alpina, although 

 considered as a distinct species by some writers, does 

 not differ so materially from Woodsia ilvensis as to 

 constitute more than a variety. It is known by its 

 narrower fronds, being of a thinner texture, less hairy 

 and scaly ; while the pinnae are less opposite, and 

 shorter, and more triangular in their general outline. 



It is a very rare species, found in the fissures of 

 Alpine rocks, mostly in places little visited. 



