SCOLOPENDKIUM . 173 



twice, without being multifid, and this state has been called 

 lobatum; in other cases the stipes itself becomes forked, 

 bearing multifid branches, and this has been called ramosum ; 

 but it may be doubted whether these are more than ac- 

 cidental variations of the form called multifidum. This 

 multifid sort is fertile. 



The common HartVtongue is an inhabitant of hedge- 

 banks, of old walls, and sometimes of the interior of wells, 

 in which latter situation it acquires great luxuriance. It 

 is one of the more commonly distributed species in England 

 and in Ireland, less abundant in Scotland; and also found 

 all over Europe. The varieties are rare in a wild state, and 

 are now better known as cultivated plants. 



Being an evergreen, and a plant of free growth, the Hart' s- 

 tongue is one of the most desirable hardy Ferns we possess 

 for open rock- work. Its broad simple fronds serve to con- 

 trast with the more divided or compound forms ; and its 

 varieties all have a different aspect, combined with the 

 same good qualities of hardiness and endurance. Shady 

 and rather humid places are those in which this plant most 

 delights, although, as is evident from its sometimes growing 

 on walls, it will live in more exposed and arid situations. 

 The plants, however, never acquire much vigour under such 



