152 CETERACH OFFICINARUM*. 



more abundant in Ireland, and less frequent in Scotland. 

 Found also in the Channel Islands, in France, Italy, Germany, 

 Switzerland, Spain, Greece, North-West India, Algiers, Armenia, 

 in the Azores, Cape de Verd Islands, and Madeira. 



A hardy evergreen species. 



Fronds lanceolate, pinnatifid, and coriaceous; frequently pin- 

 nate near the base; segments oblong-obtuse; upper surface 

 glabrous, and brilliant green; under surface densely covered 

 with fimbriated chafFv scales. 



Veins forked and obscure. 



Stipes brief. Caudex brief and tufted, and covered with 

 dark brown reticulated scales. 



Fronds numerous. 



Sori linear, oblong, and situated on the anterior side of the 

 anterior venules. Indusium obsolete. 



Length of frond from two to six inches; colour a bluish 

 green. 



Mr. Moore describes two varieties. 



1. — Crenatuni, having the margins of the lobes crenato-sinuate. 

 It is very handsome, and usually larger in size. My brother, 

 (Captain A. S. H. Lowe,) found a well-marked form of this variety 

 on Karberry Island, off Athlone, Ireland. 



2. — Depauperatum ; segments depauperated. Found in Ireland, 

 by Dr. AUchin. 



The wild localities of Ceterach ojfficinarum, are old walls, 

 ruins, and rocks. It grows very fine at Bathford, Somersetshire. 



It may be procured of any Nurseryman. 



The illustration is from a plant in my own collection. 



