146 ACROSTICHUM MELANOPUS. 



The frond elliptical-oblong, with an acuminate apex; the 

 margin fusco-paleaceous; base of frond a rounded cuneate form. 



Rachis and stipes covered thickly with long blackish scales. 

 Stipes short. 



Outline of frond occasionally irregular and undulated. 



Veins forked. 



Length from four to five inches, of which the lower inch or 

 inch and a half is naked. 



Fertile frond only half the size, elliptical-oblong, shorter and 

 narrower. Stipes longer. 



Ehizoma scaly, short, and creeping. 



Fronds coriaceous; costa covered with stout rufous scales. 



For fronds my thanks are due to Mr. Sim, of Foot's Cray, 

 and to Messrs. Booth, of Hamburg. 



This Fern may be procured of Mr. Sim, of Foot's Cray, 

 and also of Messrs. Booth, of Hamburg. 



The wood-cut illustration is from a frond forwarded by Mr. 

 R. Sim. 



