52 The Cryptogainia of the Australian Alps. 



Adiantum iEthiopicum (Linne). — The Maidenhair is, 

 perhaps, one of the most abundant species of fern. 

 It is found growing at almost every elevation, in 

 rocky situations up to 6000 feet. Although most 

 prolific in the crevices of potash-yielding rocks, as in 

 the felsitic intrusions near Omeo, it is probable, 

 however, that its greater luxuriance at these localities 

 is, after all, an accidental circumstance, and that 

 humidity of temperature predominates in causing its 

 vigorous growth at these elevations, 2000 to 3000 

 feet. 



1. Cheilanthes tenuifolia (Swartz). — Common on rocky 

 situations at all elevations up to 4000 feet, par- 

 ticularly in granitic areas, and on the metamorphic 

 rocks near Omeo. 



1. Pteris falcata (R. B.). — In the littoral areas along the 



Tambo, Mitchell, and Dargo river valleys, in rich 

 mould, of dense scrubs. Most prolific ascending to 

 elevations of 4000 feet. Near Omeo its character 

 approaches that of Pteris rotundifolia. 



2. Pteris umbrosa (R. B.). — Ascends in some gullies from 



the coastal regions to an elevation of 3000 feet ; 

 generally in shaded valleys, on rich moulds, where it 

 attains a height of three feet. 



3. Pteris tremula (R. B.). — Found growing in the damp 



entrances to caves on the upper Silurian limestone 

 formation, near sources of the Murray, 3000 feet 

 elevation ; also in fern-tree gullies between Went- 

 worth and Dargo Rivers, in Silurian slate, &c, at 

 similar elevations. 



4. Pteris aquilina (Linn. var.). — Forms a dense under- 



growth in the alluvial flats of some of the mountain 

 streams, where it frequently attains a height of eight 

 feet ; it ascends to elevations of 5000 feet, and appears 

 to be the most ubiquitous of all the endemic ferns. 



5. Pteris incisa (Thunberg). — In the rich moulds of fern-tree 



gullies, on the littoral slopes, this bright-green species 

 attains a great luxuriance, growing to a height of 

 eight feet ; it ascends to elevations of 4000 ' feet. 

 Humidity seems to dominate the growth of this 

 species. 

 1. Lomaria discolor (Willd.). — A very abundant species 

 on the grassy heads of gullies. Dividing Range, near 

 Omeo, where it forms a characteristic feature in the 



