witt tlieir strongly -marked veins, are narrow at the base and 

 increase in breadth towards the extremity ; they are fan-shaped 

 and split into long narrow leaflets, which somewhat resemble 

 fingers projecting from the palm of a human hand. The sori 

 are urn-shaped, and situated at the base of the pinnae, on a 

 membrane that extends from them along the side of the raohis. 

 It is found in many parts of the British isles, in shady situa- 

 tions, and may be grown in close cases, in a compound of peat 

 and sandy loam. Its other botanical name is Triehomanes 

 Twnhridgense. 



2. "Wilson's Fiimy Febn {Hymenophyllmn, Wilsom). Pl. 4. 



A fern very like the former in general character, but its 

 colour is dark green, and the leaflets of the pinnae are curved 

 in a downward direction. The sori are also more distinct 

 from the membrane at the base of the pinnae. It is found in 

 Westmoreland, but is by no means a common fern in the 

 British isles. It may be grown in the same manner as the 

 Filmy fern. Its synonym is SymenophylT/um Umlaterale. 



3. Bbistle Fekn (Triehomanes Breviseimm). Pl. 4. 



A fern with tri-pinnate fronds of brilliant green growing 

 from its creeping pendent rhizome. The pinnules are deeply 

 cut into leaflets of different forms, and the um-shaped seed- 

 vessels are situated in these deep clefts, and have a bristle 

 projecting from the centre. It is found in the south of Ireland 

 and in great abundance at the lakes of Killamey. It shouM 

 be grown in a case and watered frequently, but the soil should 

 be well drained. It is also known by the names of Triehomanea 

 Alculmm, EacUcans, Pyxidiferum and Speciosum. 



VIII. OPHIOGLOSSACBuB. 



1. MooNWORT {Botrychmm I/miaHa). Pl. 4. 



A fern of very singular appearance. Bach single stem 

 separates into two branches, one of which is thick and furnished 

 with a row of crescent-shaped indented pinnae on either side, 

 marked with a dark semicircle resembling a horse-shoe, while 

 the other is a thin spike devoid of leaflets, and bearing the seed- 

 cases clustered at the top. The frond is about six or eight 

 inches in length. It is fouK i in aU parts of England, Scotland, 

 and Ireland, but chiefly in Torkshire, Surrey, and Stafibrd- 

 sbire. It should be grown in peaty soil, in a dry situation, 

 and ID the open air. It is also called Osrmmda, Lwna/ria. 



