59 



fifffij Jinnm, somewhat distantly placed; spaces varying 

 from 1 T inches m the upper portion to 1* and even 2 inches 

 in the lower, generally ascending in a gentle curve from 

 rhachis at an angle of 45°-50°. Pinna, broadly linear- 

 lanceolate, opposite in the upper portion of frond and 

 alternate in the lower. Pinnules numerous, somewhat dis- 

 tant, sub-opposrte, variously lobed, linear-lanceolate and gene- 

 rally wavy or falciform. The series on upper side of rhachis 

 are somewhat erect, and are directed towards apex of frond 

 overlapping about f of the lower series, which curve 

 forwards towards extremities at a more acute angle. Each 

 pinnule gradually broadens towards base, where it is sud- 

 denly rounded and constricted, and becomes almost petiolate. 

 Ihe basal-lobe of upper side is bent or inflated into an 

 auricle, whose lower margin runs almost parallel for some 

 distance with the rhachis. The rounded basal-lobe of lower 

 side is cut away more sharply. Each side of pinnule is 

 incised to about half of its breadth by a number of ovately- 

 rounded lobes, usually with a dentate or obscurely trilobate 

 terminal. Ihe number of pairs of lobes diminishes as the 

 Pinnas approach apex of frond, where they are finally reduced 

 to tour, and even three pairs of lobes, with the usual dentate 

 <>r obscurely trilobate terminal. The nerves vary with the 

 lobes in_ the number and in complexity of furcation. Each 

 pinnule is characterised by a firm wavy mid-rib, which only 

 evanesces m the terminal lobe; from the mid-rib a singfe 

 nerve ascends into each lobe, which rapidly spreads furcately. 

 Ihe number of nervures which reach the margin varies not 

 only with the position of the pinnule on the frond, but also 

 with the position of the lobe on the pinnule ; in the pinnules 

 towards base of frond the basal-lobe usually has 7 or 8 

 nervures, which in branching reach the margin. These 

 gradually diminish in number towards terminal of pinnule 

 where usually only three or four nervures reach the maro-in' 

 A similar diminution in the number of nervures reaching 

 margin occurs in even the basal lobe of pinnules according!? 

 as we ascend the several pinna3 to the apex of frond 



i have described this haudsome fern very minutely 

 especially as regards the number of lobes and nervures, as a 

 number of species of this genus in Australia and Tasmania 

 cave already been described and recognised as distinct species 

 upon small fragments of detached pinnules only, whose 

 ^ ec ' uc separation fl ' 0m eacl1 othcr is 01ll 7 bas ed upon such 

 small differences as occur together in different parts of the 



« » , more P erfect specimen now described by me as 

 o. Mornsicma. 



The first species so described by the late Professor John 

 morris {b. lobata) may well be included under the specific 

 name covering a more complete specific description as now 



