902 II. OPHIOGLOSSE^E. 



throughout the series of geological formations, and Ferns are without doubt one of the most interesting of 

 orders if looked at from this point of view. In fact, this family, so numerous and so widely spread over the 

 surface of the globe at the present time, presents, in the most ancient of those strata which contain vege- 

 table remains, species which appear almost identical, in many cases, with those now living. It predomi- 

 nates even in those ancient strata composing the coal formation ; upwards of two hundred species being 

 now known to be scattered for the most part through the coal measures of Europe and of some parts of 

 North America.' * 



The numerous species of the tribe of Polypodiacea possess similar principles ; their frond is muci- 

 laginous, slightly astringent, and sometimes sub-aromatic ;' the rhizome is usually bitter, astringent, 

 and somewhat acrid. Some species contain an adipose waxy matter, fixed and volatile oils ; others 

 yield by analysis a principle analogous to manna. The rhizome and stem of a large number abound in 

 starch. 



The rhizome of the Male Fern (NephroJium Filix-mas), which grows in the forests of Central and 

 South Europe, is much used as an anthelminthic. The various European species of Axpidium have the 

 same property but in a less degree. Several American and tropical Asiatic species of Aspkmium, Poly- 

 podium, Diplazium, &c., are used in the same way as our Male Fern. The rhizome of Poly podium Cala- 

 ffitala is much valued in Peru as an astringent and diaphoretic. From the Maidenhair (Adfanf.um 

 Cupillus- Veneris), which grows in the south of Europe, a bechic syrup is prepared ; Asplcnium Tricho- 

 manes, Adiantum-ttigrtnn, Rttta-muraria, from North Europe, possess analogous properties, as do the 

 Canadian Maidenhair (Adianhim jtedatwn) and other exotic congeners. Scolopendrium officinalv, Hemionitis 

 and Ceterach ojficinarum, all European plants, are employed as astringents and mucilages. 



The herbage of Axjridium fragrant, which has the scent of raspberries, is much esteemed in the 

 North of Asia as an antiscorbutic, and the Mongols use it as tea. The rhizome of Aqridium Jiaromez, 

 commonly named Scythian Lamb, is clothed with golden yellow hairs, whence perhaps was obtained the 

 famous bywu* of the ancients, with which they manufactured stuffs which fetched an extraordinary pric,e ; 

 its red and viscous juice is an esteemed astringent in China. The hairs which clothe the stem of some 

 Polypodiums are renowned in the Antilles as a styptic, and English doctors use them as haemostatics, as 

 well as the hairs of several Cyatheas from the Moluccas, which have been of late years prescribed under 

 the name of Peiynvar Yumbi. [Those of several Polynesian species of Tree-fern (Cibotium) are extensively 

 imported into Australia, and used to stuff pillows, &c.] 



The young mucilaginous shoots of several Ferns are eaten as a salad, especially in North Europe. 

 Ceratopteris thalictroides is in tropical Asia considered a pot-herb. The rhizome of Pteris escuknta, a New 

 Zealand species very near our Common Fern, serves as food to the natives, as do the tubers of Nephrodiuin 

 escidentum in Nepal. Cyathea mcdtdlaris, of New Zealand, contains in the lower part of its stem a reddish 

 glutinous pith, which when baked acquires the taste of the radish, and is much liked by the natives. 

 The stem of Gleicfania Hermanni is starchy, somewhat bitter, sub-aromatic and edible. 



Aneimia tomimtusa, with the odour of myrrh, Moliria thurifraya, of the Capo, which smells of 

 benzoin, as well as Lyyodium microphyllum and circinatmn, have incisive and bechic properties. 



Marattiete inhabit America, Asia and Polynesia, but are not numerous j they are very rare in south 

 temperate latitudes. Some species are arborescent. The bruised fronds of Anyiopteris eoecta, a species 

 spread over the Pacific Islands, communicate an agreeable scent to cocoa-nut oil ; its young shoots are 

 edible. 



II. OPHIOGLOSSE^ 9 Er. 



Ophioglossew are separated from true Ferns by the nature of their rhizome, and 

 the development and texture of their fronds, which are not rolled into a crozier in 

 vernation, and by their sporangia being arranged in a longitudinal series on a sort 



' Ad. Broiigniart, Dlctionnaire universel cTHtstoire naturdle. 



