Filices. A splen ium. 547 



A. viride differs in its smaller size and green rachis. It is 

 found in the mountains of Wales and Scotland. 



3. A. marlnum. This is a stout tufted species from 6 

 inches to afoot high, with pinnate coriaceous oblong-lanceolate 

 fronds, and oblong crenate pinnules. It grows on rocks in the 

 vicinity of the sea, chiefly in the south-west. It occurs in 

 South-western Europe, North Africa, and North America. 



4. A. Adidntum-nlgrum. This is perhaps the commonest 

 of the native species of this section. It has bi- or tripinnate 

 triangular coriaceous fronds 6 to 12 inches long, with narrow 

 pinnatifid and toothed pinnules. Stipes slender, naked. It is 

 found throughout Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, 

 growing on dry banks and rocks. 



A. lanceoldtum is very near the last, but the fronds are 

 membranous, and the pinnules narrower and more acute. It 

 is rare in Britain, and only found in Wales and Western 

 England. 



2. CETERACH. Frond covered with chaffy scales beneath; 

 veins anastomosing. 



5. A. Ceterach, syn. Ceterach officindrum. Fronds about 

 6 inches long, pmnatifid ; pinnules alternate, rounded. This 

 Fern is readily known from all other indigenous species by its 

 linear-lanceolate coriaceous fronds, which are densely clothed 

 beneath with rusty chaffy scales, effectually concealing the 

 fructification. It is usually found on walls and dry banks. It 

 is a native of Europe, W T estern Asia, and North Africa. 



3. ATHYRIUM. Indusium oblong or reniform, fringed at the 

 margin. Veins free. 



6. A. Filix-fdemina. Lady Fern. A very beautiful species 

 with delicate bright green bi- or tripinnate fronds from 1 to 4 

 feet high ; pinnules small, crowded, sessile, acuminate. Stipes 

 stout, densely dotted with chaffy scales at the base. The 

 numerous varieties in cultivation differ in size, -aspect, and in 

 the cutting and lobing of the fronds to a degree almost in- 

 credible, and include some of the most elegant and graceful of 

 hardy Ferns. A. Rhceticum with bipinnate narrow fronds, and 

 A. inclsum with very large tripinnate fronds, are two of the 

 commonest wild forms. Widely distributed in the northern 

 hemisphere. 



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