

j.d.s; 



FERNS 



BRITISH AND EXOTIC. 



OSMUNDE.E. 



Composed of Osmunda and Todea, the latter genus of which 

 will be reserved for the Appendix at the close of this volume. 

 Two small families of interesting and handsome Ferns. 



GENUS I. 



OSMUNDA. LiNNiEUs. 



Fronds pinnate or bipinnate, with forked free veins. Fertile 

 portion contracted, and forming simple or compound sporangiferous 

 panicles. In some species the barren and fertile fronds are 

 different, one set of fronds being sterile and the other fertile; 

 in other species, where fertile and sterile on the same frond, the 

 upper in some cases, and the middle in others only is fertile. 



Length of fronds from two to twelve feet. 



A genus of plants delighting to grow in damp situations, 

 usually on the banks of a river or brook. 

 VOL. VIII. B 



