1896. ] Filices Mexicane. 261 
PELLAEA CORDATA J. Smith, f. sagittata. 
eris sagittata Cav. 
Pellaea sagittata Link. 
4887, dry banks and ledges, Sierra de San Felipe, 7,500*, 
Sept. 11, 1894. 
J. Smith regarded both forms as distinct species, and they 
are still so considered by some authors. Fournier gave the 
present form as a variety, while in S ynopsis Filicum it is put 
under cordata without any recognition of varietal characters. 
lam myself unable to see any other difference between them 
than in the mere shape of the pinnules, these in the type be- 
ing ovate-cordate or, as in Mr. Pringle’s 1885 specimens, no. 
448, even heart-shaped, while in the present form they are 
twice the length and oblong-cordate, or sagittate; but these 
are extremely variable characters, and at the best only vari- 
etal. I have elsewhere (Bulletin Torrey Bot. Club 18: 133- 
135) pointed out the structural differences in the root-stock of 
‘ ordata and P. intermedia Mett., that separate those two 
ferns Specifically. 
ith other specimens in Mr. Pringle’s collection there are 
two fronds only of a fern so different from any heretofore de- 
scribed, or known to me, that I do not hesitate to publish it 
as New, notwithstanding the meagerness of the material at 
Present in hand. Not only is it specifically distinct, but its 
Special and peculiarly distinctive character is not found in any 
described genus. Its natural affinities otherwise, however, 
are so clearly with Pe//aea that I do not think it would be 
wise to separate it from that genus even though it be true 
that senera have been created out of still more meager ma- 
terial and Jess distinctive characters than this fern possesses. 
the same time believing that it is entitled to something 
More than Specific recognition I propose for it a new section 
ei Pellaea to be called HYMENOLOMA, from hymen, mem- 
Having the margin of the lamina throughout eerie and 
i ‘ latter not be- 
. YPinnated with distant branches, and the atte : 
S Confluent, but having each sorus round and distinct. 
hes (Fée) on account of its simpler venation, and will be 
“Presented 
