

SCOLOPENDRITJM. 169 



scientific name of the insect better known as the centipede ; 

 and the name is applied from a fancied resemblance (in the 

 position, we suppose) between the feet of a centipede and 

 the lines of fructification produced on the fronds of the Fern. 



SCOLOPENDRITJM vuLGARE, Symons. The Common 

 Hart's-tongue. (Plate XV. fig. 1.) 



This is a common plant, nevertheless its shining bright 

 green, though simple fronds, contrasting so beautifully with 

 the feathery aspect much more common among the Ferns, 

 procure for it admirers whether seen in a wild or cultivated 

 state. It grows in tufts ; the fronds, which are evergreen, 

 vary in length from six inches to a foot and a half, and even 

 more, and are either stiff and erectish when growing under 

 circumstances which render them dwarf, or more or less 

 spreading and drooping when in situations which are favour- 

 able to enlarged development : in the former case the fronds 

 are thicker and more leathery in texture; in the latter, 

 thinner and less rigid, from being produced in very damp 

 shady situations. The usual form of the fronds is what is 

 called strap-shaped, that is, narrow oblong-lanceolate, much 

 elongated; they taper towards, and are acute at, the apex, 

 narrowing a little downwards, and becoming cordate at the 

 base ; the margin is entire, or very slightly wavy, and they 



