the extremity, and the leaflets are lobed. The stipes of the 

 frond is rough. The fronds grow from a tufted rhizome, which 

 appears just above the surface. The sori are circular, and on 

 the veins on either side of the midrib of the leaflets. It is 

 chiefly found in the limestone districts of the north of Engla.id : 

 it flourishes in ordinary soil, but requires moisture. It emits a 

 fragrant smell when bruised, like the Mountain Shield Pern. 

 It is also called Lastrea Rigida, and Lophodium Bigidtmn. 



8. Bkoab Shieij) Peen {AspiMum Spmulosum). Pi. 6. 



A fern that much resembles the Spreading Shield Fern. 

 The fronds are generally bi-pinnate, and vary from one to two 

 feet in length ; the pinnse are lobed or deeply indented, and in 

 some cases bi-pinnate, making the entire frond tri-pinnate. 

 The sori are circular, and scattered on either side of the mid- 

 rib of the pinnules ; the kidney-shaped indusia are plain instead 

 of being notched, as in the Spreading Shield Fern, and this is 

 one of the chief marks of difference between them, It is found 

 in the Midland Counties, and near London. It grows in peaty 

 soil, but requires shade and moisture. Its botanical names 

 are numerous — Lastrea Spinosa, and FcBnisecn, LaphodAwm 

 Uligmosum, and Aspidvum Recv/mi/m. Its chief variety is A. 

 8. Becurvum, the pinnulae of which have curved points along 

 the edges. 



9. Maush Fern {Aspidmm Theh/pteris). Pl. 6. 



This fern is distinguished by single, upright, pale green 

 pinnate fronds, growing from a creeping rhizome to a he%ht. 

 varying from six inches to three feet. The pinnaa are pinna- 

 tifid, and the margins perfectly plain. The sori are midway 

 between the midrib and edge of the lobes. The kidney-shaped 

 indasia are thin, and soon disappear. It grows in marshy soil 

 in almost every part of England. When transplanted it 

 should be placed in peat, or a Ught compost of leaf-mould and 

 charcoal, and kept very moist. It has been variously styled 

 by botanists Lastrea Theh/pteris, Hemestheum T., Polypodvu/mr 

 T., AcrosUcum T., and Poh/stichwm T, 



III. ASPLENIE^. 



1. Black Spieenwort {Asplemimn Adiantum Nigrum). Pl. 2. 



The height of the thick dark glossy green fronds of this fern 

 varies from six to twenty inches : they are either bi-pinnate or 

 tri-pinnate, and genftrally triangular in form. The stem is of 



812 



