90 HISTORY OP BRITISH FEIINS. 



erect, and their form is narrow-lanceolate ; the pinnae are 

 taper-pointed ; the pinnules set quite clear of each other, 

 very narrow, that is, linear, with sharp points, the margins 

 bluntly toothed, but rolled under so that very little of the 

 toothing is seen; the sori are very often confluent. It oc- 

 curs sparingly in boggy places. 



The variety latifolmm of Mr. JBabington, which appears 

 to be the Mhyrium latifolmm of Presl, a German writer on 

 Perns, is probably also a distinct species. This differs from the 

 common forms in the elongate or oblong-lanceolate outline 

 of its fronds, and in the broad, leafy, crowded development 

 of its pinnules, which are somewhat irregularly lobed, as well 

 as deeply toothed at the margin, with the curved sori lying 

 near the sinus of the lobes. This is a strong- growing form. 

 It has been recently found near, Keswick, in Cumberland. 



The variety nolle has ovate-lanceolate fronds, growing 

 nearly erect, the lower pair of pinnse being short and de- 

 flexed ; it has flat, toothed pinnules, connected at their base 

 by a slender wing to the midrib, and produces its sori dis- 

 tinct. This is a small form, often not more than about a 

 foot in height. 



Besides these, there are three varieties of horticultural in- 

 terest. One called multifidum, which has the habit of con- 



