146 HYMENOLEPIS SPICATA. 



Frond simple, linear-lanceolate in form, almost stalkless, 

 glabrous, half an inch wide below, terminating in a fertile 

 linear apex, that is, the upper portion being abruptly con- 

 tracted and revolute, forming a fertile linear spike. 



Veins internal, compound-anastomosing; primary veins ob- 

 solete. 



Sporangiferous receptacles longitudinally confluent, forming 

 a linear sorus, which is furnished with numerous scales. 



Rhizoma creeping. 



Length of frond six to nine inches, of which the upper half 

 is fertile, and contracted into a round, slender, long point, 

 which is very striking when the orange-coloured seed-masses 

 are mature. Fronds thick, shining, and deep green. 



For fronds of this Fern my thanks are due to Mr. J. Smith, 

 of the Royal Gardens, Kew; Messrs. Booth, of Hamburg; Mr. 

 Sim, of Foot's Cray; Mr. Joseph Henderson, of Wentworth; 

 Mr. G. Norman, of Hull; and Messrs. E-ollisson, of Tooting. 



This species may be procured of Messrs. Sim, of Foot's Cray; 

 Booth, of Hamburg; Veitch, Jun., of Chelsea; and RoUisson, 

 of Tooting. 



The illustration is from a frond sent by Mr. R. Sim, of Foot's 

 Cray, 



