FEEITB. 



seventeen genera, which, in their tnm, ar<5 gronped into twelve 

 distinct familiea. The same fern is sometimes designated by 

 different common, or English, names, and far too often by dif- 

 ferent botanical names ; but the greater number of these will 

 be included in its description, and the varieties of every species 

 that call for especial notice will be mentioned, as it has been 

 said, in connection with the species to which they belong. 



I. ADIAIJTE^. 

 I. TmrE Maiden Hair {Adicmtum CwpillMS Veneris), Pl. 4 



In common with many others, the True Maiden Hair is the 

 only species of the family to which it belongs that is known in 

 the British Isles. The plant is small and deUoate in appear- 

 ance, but singularly graceful and elegant ia form. The length 

 of the frond varies from six to twelve inches. From a rough 

 and scaly rhizome of a dark colour, which ia rooted to the 

 earth by black fibrous roots, spring a number of black 

 stems almost as fine as hair. On the slender stalks that 

 branch from these stems, small fan- shaped leaflets tremble 

 in the breeze. The edges of the leaves are indented ; those of 

 the seed-bearing leaves are slightly curled, and wrap over the 

 aori, or seed-receptacles that he along the margin of the under- 

 part of the leaf. It is found in the greatest abundance in 

 Devon and Cornwall, Glamorganshire, the south of Ireland, 

 and the Arran Isles. It grows in damp places, and flourishes 

 on rocks near the seashore, where it is washed and nourished 

 by the salt spray. When transplanted, it will thrive in a War- 

 dian case, in any receptacle filled with pieces of sandstone, and 

 a mixture of sand, loam, and a Uttle decayed vegetable matter. 



II. ASPIDIE^. 

 1. Pkjpkxt Shield Eeen (Aspidmmn, Aculeatum), Pl. 1. 



A beautiful fern, having seven or eight large leaves from one 

 to two feet in length, springing in a circle from a short rough 

 rhizojne, and curling outwards. The stem of the frond or leaf, 

 near the rhizome, is covered with rough reddish scales. The 

 pinnce, or stems growing laterally from the main stem, spring 

 from ft alternately. The pinnules, or Uttle leaves springing 

 from the pinna, are serrated, and have a broad pointed piece 

 projecting from the base of each on one side. The seed-recep- 

 tacles are circiJar, and covered with an indusium, or outer 



