BLECHNUM SPICANT. 



HARD FERN, {one-fifth the natural size) 



Genus.— Blechnum. Midvein distinct, lateral veins anasto- 

 mosing in a linear series on each side, parallel to the midvein, 

 and emitting free branches to the margin : involucre linear, 

 opening towards the midvein : capsules in a linear series on 

 the inner side of each anastomosing vein. 



Species. — Spicant. Fronds of two kinds : fertile fronds 

 erect, linear, pinnate : pinnge distant, reflexed, narrow, linear : 

 the lower portion of the stijDes naked : barren fronds j)rostrate, 

 lanceolate, pinnatifid : pinnte close, flat, broad, blunt. 



