FEBHS. 



of Pohjpodmm and PoJysUcfiMm AauXeatv/m. The varieties are 

 termed Aspidium Aculeatwm Angula/re, which ia larger, and 

 AspidAmn Acideatum Lohatvmi, the fronds of which are not so 

 long as those of AspicUum Aculeatwm, but the leaflets at the 

 base of the pinnse ai-e larger, and lobed. 



2. Okested Shieij) Fekn (AspiMv/m Gristatum). Pl. 6. 



This fern has three or foilr long and erect fronds, two or 

 three feet in length, rising from the crowns 6f the branches of 

 the rhizome. They are pinnate, and the pinnae spring from op- 

 posite points on either side of the main stem, and grow less and 

 less in length as they approach the end of the frond. The 

 pinnee are deeply indented or pinnatifid. The sori are in rows 

 on either side of the midrib of the pinnee, and halfway between 

 it and the edge of the leaflet. The seed-covers are circular 

 and plain in shape. It is said to be found principally in Nor- 

 folk, Suffolk, Cheshire, and Nottinghamshire, and in parts of 

 Scotland and Ireland. It thrives in peaty soil, and does not 

 require to be grown under glass. It is also known by the 

 botanical names, Lastrea Oristata, PolypodlAwm, Cristahim, Po- 

 h/podium CallApteris, and Lophodimm OalUpt&ris. 



3. Spkbabing Shield Fbhn (Aspidmm Dilatafmn). Pl. 6. 



The leaves of this fern spring from a strong tufted rhizome, 

 that often rises many inches above the surface of the ground. 

 The leaves are pinnate, and spring from points on either side 

 of the main stem that are nearly opposite to each other; 

 those which spring from the central part of the stem are 

 longer than the rest. The pinnulee are lobed ; the sori are on 

 either side of the midrib of the imperfect leaflets or lobes of 

 the pinnulae, and the indusia are notched. It is one of the 

 most common of the British ferns, and may be found in any 

 wood or hedgerow. Specimens often differ considerably from 

 each other in form. It is also known as the Broad Prickly 

 Toothed, or Crested Fern, and its other botanical names are 

 Lastrea Dilatata, Aspid/mm Spmulosum, and Lophodi/um 

 Multiflorum. 



4. Male Shield Febu {A»pidmim Film Mas). Pl. 6. 



This is a strong, free-growing, pinnate fern, common in all 

 parts of England. The fronds, which grow from a rough 

 rhizome in the form of a coronal, are about five or si: in 

 number, and of the average length of two feet. The stalks of 



810 



