THE ASPLENIA 



n 



Fig. 26. Asp. ad. itig. ramosum. 



Ramosum (Fig. 26). — Found 

 by the Rev. C. Padley ; is a 

 well-crested form at the frond 

 apex. 



asplenium ceterach 

 (Ceterach Officinarum) 

 The Scaly Spleenwort 

 (Plate V) 



This pretty and very distinct 

 member of the Spleenwort 

 family is found in many parts 

 of the country, sometimes in 

 great profusion on old walls in 

 the company of other Spleenworts. It grows in little tufts, 

 the thick, leathery fronds being usually four or five inches long, 

 .consisting of a short stalk and broad-based, blunt side-divisions, 

 as shown in Fig. 27. The colour is of a peculiarly dark olive- 

 green, and the frond -backs are densely clothed with brown 

 .scales, amid which the long, straight spore heaps of the Spleenwort 

 type are quite hidden. It is a remarkable Fern, since it prefers the 

 sunny sides of the walls it frequents, and is gifted with an ex- 

 traordinary power of resisting drought. We gathered a variety 

 known as crenatum in a village wall, near Smyrna, 

 in Asia Minor, put the plant into an envelope, 

 pocketed it, and forgot all about it until some 

 months later it was discovered, as shrivelled and 

 hopeless-looking as may be imagined. After a 

 night's immersion in watej, however, it appeared 

 as fresh as when gathered, and when potted up 

 started growing as if nothing had happened. It 

 is not easy to cultivate, but sometimes succeeds 

 in well-drained small pans, in well-lighted posi- 

 tions, if an open, porous, stony, limy compost 

 be given, and well-rooted specimens be secured 

 intact, not an easy task to start with. It has 

 afforded a few varieties. 



Fig. 27. 

 Asp. ceterach. 

 Part of frond. 



-Found repeatedly with the lobes cut into blunt 



Crenatum.- 

 "teeth. 



Cristatum, Grandiceps. — Both found in Ireland by Mr. O'Kelly, 

 representing various grades of cresting. 



