TRANSACTIONS OF SCIENTIFIC SECTION. 143 
DECEMBER 10, 1890—SEVENTY-SIXTH REGULAR MEETING. 
Edward Elsworth, chairman, presiding. 
Mr. Gilbert Van Ingen delivered a very interesting ad- 
dress on the subject of ‘‘Ferns,’’ and submitted to the 
section the following list : 
Polypodium vulgare, L.—Woods ; growing on stony 
soil and over rocks: common. 
This species varies greatly. The most common form is 
that with the leaves broadest below the middle; pinne 
with few serrations and with obtuse to slightly acute 
tips ; and sharp sinuses. A second form with frond of 
an elongate-triangular outline and with elongate-acute 
pinne is sometimes found on wet shaded rocks. A 
third and rarer form is one in which the leaf is of a lan- 
ceolate outline ; 10 to 12 inches long ; two inches wide at 
middle from which point it tapers gently toward both 
ends ; and with pinne and sinuses rounded. 
Adiantum pedatum, L.—Rich stony soil: common in 
all the woods. 
This species has only one constant variety. In this va- 
riety the leaf forks at the summit of the petiole and re- 
mains simple. 
Pteris aquilina, L.—Very common in all open woods. 
Cheilanthes vestita, Swz.—Shaded rocks: not rare. 
This elsewhere rare fern is here rather common, grow- 
ing on all the cliffs along the shores of the Hudson River 
and in some places forming patches two and three feet 
in diameter with leaves six and eight inches long. 
Pellea atropurpurea, Link. 
Common on the limestone cliffs east of the city. It is 
occasionally found on the slate cliffs and then is much 
stunted in growth. 
Woodwardia Virginica, Smith.—Swamps : frequent. 
It has been rarely found in fruit. 
Asplenium ebenoides, Scott.—Limestone cliffs : very rare. 
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