Filices Trichoma nes. 5 5 3 



14 TRICH6MAXES. 



This genus differs from the last in its cup-shaped involucre, 

 and its long filiform receptacle. About eighty species are found 

 in temperate and tropical countries. The derivation of the 

 name is variously explained, but all of the explanations are 

 open to doubt. 



1. T. radwans. Fronds 6 to 12 inches high, pellucid, bi- 

 or tri-pinnatifid, rachis winged. Stipes 2 to 6 inches, stout and 

 wiry. This is very rare, and the only native species. It is 

 found in Wales, and in a few localities in Ireland, in the 

 vicinity of streams or waterfalls. 



The members of this and the foregoing genus are not suitable 

 for open-air culture except under quite peculiar conditions, 



SUB-ORDER III. OsmundeSB. 



Fronds coriaceous or membranous, circinnate in vernation. 

 Spore-cases clustered in a branched panicle terminating the 

 frond, 2-valved, opening across the apex, and furnished with 

 a short horizontal ring. 



15. OSMtJNDA. 



Rhizomes tuberous, densely branched, clothed with fibres. 

 Fronds coriaceous, tufted, once or twice pinnate. There are 

 six species from various temperate and tropical regions. Named 

 after a Celtic deity. 



1. 0. regalis. Fern-Royal. This is the noblest of our native 

 Ferns, sometimes attaining a height of 10 feet. The fronds 

 are bipinnate, branched, and fertile at the top. It is found in 

 damp, boggy woods in this country, and is widely diffused in 

 the north temperate zone. 



0. Claytoniana, syn. 0. interrupta, is a dwarf species about 

 18 inches or 2 feet high, clothed with a ferruginous tomentum 

 when young, with the barren and fertile pinnae intermixed ; 

 and 0. cinnamomea has distinct fertile and sterile fronds, the 

 former much the smaller. Both are hardy, and natives of 

 North America, &c. 



SUB-ORDER IV. Ophiogldssese. 



Fronds straight in vernation. Spore-cases large, 2-valved, 

 destitute of a ring, arranged in spikes or panicles. 



