it is not without hesitation that I now change my views, so 
strongly expressed in favour of the union of the two in my 
‘Species Plantarum.’ It is true that both are very polymorphous 
plants, yet I think no one can compare our figure here given with 
the very accurate one of P. pedata at t. xxxiv. of the ‘ Exotic 
Ferns,’ which is very characteristic, without looking upon them as 
distinct. It is true it is an extreme form here represented, having 
a broader disk and broader segments than is usual, but I have 
numerous intermediate forms, to the deepest and narrowest lobed 
varieties referred to, and figured by the authors above quoted. 
The chief characteristics of P. pedata are the more membrana- 
ceous, the more deeply-divided segments, with acute sinuses, and 
the middle (or terminal) primary lobe narrowed into an acute 
wedge-shaped base. Keeping these points in view, I have not, 
with perfect specimens before me, found it difficult to separate 
the two species. The broad- and narrow-lobed forms are not 
unfrequently seen to arise both from the same root. The pre- 
sent is a much more widely dispersed Fern than P. pedata. ‘The 
gemmiparous bud, so common on this species, especially when 
cultivated, has never been noticed on the pedata. 
Puate 22. Upper and under sides of fertile fronds of Pleris (Litobrochia) 
palmata, Wailld.,—natural size. Fig. 1. Portion of the stipes. 2. Portion of a 
fertile frond, showing the venation and the sorus. 2. Involuere, forced back to 
show the receptacle : —all more or less magnified. 
