American Fern Journal 
Vol. 6 APRIL-JUNE, 1916 No. 2 
Some Interesting Fern Papers in Rhodora 
R. C. BENEDICT 
During 1915, there were published in Rhodora four 
papers of especial interest to members of the Ameri- 
can Fern Society. The papers were written by Prof. 
Fernald in connection with his study of the flora of 
New England and northeastern North America, and 
contain changes in the naming of some well known species. 
The first paper! deals with the North American repre- 
sentatives of Dryopteris spinulosa var. dilatata. On the 
basis of the pale scales of the American form called var. 
dilatata, together with the glandless indusia, and other 
facts, the conclusion is drawn that the so-called dilatata 
of eastern North America should be considered as 
not so closely related to true European dilatata as it is 
to the so-called species, spinulosa. His conclusions 
are partly expressed in the following words: “ Except 
in stature, broader fronds, and more elongate irregularly 
triangular lower pinnae, the plant is close to Dryopteris 
spinulosa and in our northern forests certainly grades 
into it. As a variety, however, it deserves recognition 
as Dryopteris spinulosa (Miill.) Kuntze, var. americana 
(Fischer) Fernald.” Aspidium spinulosum, var. dilata- 
tum, forma anadenium Robinson is cited as a synonym. 
True dilatata is recognized from the Pacific coast. 
‘ Rhodora 17: 44-48. F 1915. 
(Vol. 6, No. 1 of the Jovrwax (pages 1-32, plates 1-3) was issued 
March 15, 1916.) 
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