GYMNOCARI'ItTM PHEGOPTEEIS. 



55 



finally pendulous ; its size varies from that of the frond repre- 

 sented in figure a at page 49, to nme inches in length, exclu- 

 sive of the stipes. The figure of the frond is triangular, and 

 acute at the apex ; it is pinnate, the pinnm heing pinnatifid, 



linear, and very acute at the apex : the lower pair of pinnae 

 are turned back from the apex of the frond; they are sessile, 

 and united to the stipes by the midrib only : the remaining 

 pinnae point forwards, and are united to the stipes by the whole 

 breadth of their base, and, with the exception of the second and 

 third pair, are confluent with each other : the fronds, including 

 the stipes, are pale green and hirsute, and are fertile only. 



