36 POLYPODIUM LEPIDOPODUM. 



and are composed of from three to six pairs of segments, obtusely 

 lance-shaped, and usually almost, but not quite, opposite each 

 other. Occasionally fronds will be found with the segments 

 opposite. The incisions are in every instance rounded at the 

 base; the terminal segment scarcely elongate. The stipes, rachis, 

 and midrib of the segments distantly scattered over with solitary, 

 somewhat pear-shaped, dark brown scales. 



In the specimens which I have seen the fronds have all been 

 barren. A fertile frond, received from Mr. Henderson, of 

 Wentworth, is very sparing in fructification; they are large, 

 but do not form those prominent umbones on the upper surface 

 as is so well-marked a feature in Polypodium longipeSy P. 

 Billardieri, and P. phymatodes; they more closely resemble 

 those of P. pustulatum, and probably for this reason Kunze 

 remarks that it is possibly a variety of P . pustulatum ; yet it 

 is undoubtedly distinct from that species, indeed very dissimilar 

 in many respects. 



Rhizoma creeping, branched, and densely covered with close 

 dark brown scales. 



Length of frond eighteen inches. Length of rachis about 

 eight inches; colour when young, a vivid pale green, with 

 darker veins which are well seen. The more mature fronds 

 are darker, veins more indistinct, and the whole surface puts 

 on a somewhat rusty appearance. 



Segments much broader, shorter, and closer together than in 

 P. Billardieri. 



An admirable exhibition plant, compact in habit, and easily 

 cultivated and grown into a fine specimen. 



My thanks are due to Mr. Booker for plants of this species; 

 and to Messrs. A. Henderson, of Pine-apple Place, for fronds. 



It is in the Fern Catalogues of Messrs. A. Henderson, of 

 Pine-apple Place, and Stansfield, of Todmorden. 



The illustration is from a plant in my own collection. 



