ASPLENIUM. 73 



times branched as it reaches the broader parts upwards, six 

 or eight veins generally lying close together, in a narrow fan- 

 shaped manner, in each of the larger pinnae, the smaller 

 ones having a proportionately less number. Two or three 

 linear sori are produced on a pinna, and these are covered 

 by membranous indusia, the free margin of which is entire, 

 or slightly sinuous, but not jagged ; the sori at length be- 

 come confluent. 



Yery rarely met with in Scotland, but nowhere else in the 

 United Kingdom. It is found, but very sparingly, in other 

 parts of Europe. 



This kind is not only rare, but one of those which does 

 not freely yield to artificial culture. It grows tolerably 

 freely if potted in well-drained, sandy peat-soil, and kept 

 under a bell-glass in a shaded frame or better in a hot- 

 house ; but the plants are very liable to die in winter. The 

 safeguard is, not to allow any water to lodge about their 

 crowns, nor to keep the bell-glass too closely or too con- 

 stantly over them. 



This species is often named A. alternifolium by British 

 authors ; but the name we have adopted claims precedence. 

 It has also been called Asplenmm Breynii, Amesium germa- 

 nicum, and Scolopendrium alternifolium. 



