Is PELLAEA GLABELLA A Distinct Spectres? 5 
of species? Certainly the two forms cannot be considered 
the same and the names synonymous as given in the 
last edition of the Illustrated Flora (I: p. 33.) The 
writer has found normal variation in both P. atropur- 
purea and P. glabella, but has not as yet found the 
complete breaking down of one or more of the points 
of difference such as would be expected in intermediate 
forms. On the other hand, the two forms are found 
growing side by side, under exactly similar conditions, 
yet distinct and easily recognized. These facts, together 
with their character of apogamy and consequent impossi- 
bility of interbreeding, certainly give to the two forms 
the value of distinct varieties; and in the writer’s mind, 
the differences are sufficient to class the forms as dees 
species, Pellaea atropurpurea (L.) Link and Pellaea 
glabella Mettenius. 
To the former notes should be added for the sake 
of distribution records that P. glabella is the more 
common form found on the limestone cliffs of Monroe 
County, Indiana. 
Through the kindness of Mr. Weatherby the writer 
has been able to secure the original description of P. 
glabella, and it is given here for the benefit of others who 
may not have access to the files of Linnaea. . 
Rhisoma Spade Lees heoem sine rufescentibus, 
bus 
folia chartacea, infra sade ‘viridia, glaberrima; Setislies 1-3" 
longus cum rhachi rufo-fuscus, nitidus, teres, glaberrimus; lamina 
2-5” longa, elongato-oblonga, pinnata s. basi bipinnata; pinnae 
suboppositae, patentissimae, PSAP ELH obtusae, inferiores 
distantes bi-tripartitae s. pinnulatae; pinnulae 1-2 jugae, sessiles, 
oblongae, terminales elongatae; nervi immersi, rarius manifesti; 
sori margine kenge anguste velati. 
America b t. Louis, Visconsin, Columbia 
anglica —_ agi! Mounta 
Adhue eum P. atropurpurea ec Fak a quo petiolo rhachique 
subarstali see ae can Thaiieibes brevius subulatis dis- 
tinguitur. (Linnaea 36: 87. 1869). 
Putman, Was. 
