gether with the absence of those long sharp ears, almost univer- 
sal on the inferior pinne, and the distinct, sharp, even spinu- 
lose serratures of the margin, rarely confined to the acuminated 
apex. The two are, I have no doubt, quite distinct, but the 
pinne: are wonderfully variable, not only on different plants, but 
on one and the same individual. I possess young and sterile 
specimens, of which the frond is confined to, a single pinna, with 
three acuminated lobes, like the leaf of some exotic species of 
Maple. Some fronds have pinne not two inches long, others 
six inches long and four broad. ‘The auricles are of all sizes, 
from a small sharp lobe to a segment two to three inches long, 
bearing a slight resemblance to the leaves of Caryota urens. In 
some the pinna is disposed to be pinnatifid at the margin, with 
short, unequal segments; this may be considered an abnormal 
state, for in that case the serratures are there more or less obso- 
lete, or confined to the apex. 
I have clearly ascertained that the South African plant is the 
present species ; not Aspidium falcatum, as it was supposed to be. 
Prats 13. Fig. 1. Caudex, young frond and stipes, and lower pair of pinne 
of a perfect frond of dspidium (Cyrtomium) caryotideum, Wall.; and 2. the rest 
of the fertile frond :—natural size. 3. Portion of a fertile frond, showing the 
venation and sori, 4. An involucre, with margin more fimbriated than usual :— 
magnified. 
