OPHIOGLOSSUM. 29 



This species appears to have produced several varieties, the most distinct 

 of which are as follow : 



O. Y. ambiguum — am-big'-u-um (ambiguous). 



This variety, for the name of which we can find no authority, is given 

 by Nicholson as a native of Orkney, Wales, &c., and appears to be similar 

 to the one described by Lowe as 0. minor ^ and found by Mr. Syme in Orkney. 

 It is a smaller form than the type, with narrow -oblong, shorter fronds, the 

 fertile portion of which is borne on a comparatively longer stalk. — Nicholson, 

 Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 500. 



O. Y. pedunculosum — ped-un-cul-o'-sum (stalked), Desvaux. 



In this variety the barren division is like that of the typical plant in 

 form and size, but it is thinner in texture and shows a distinct stalk. It is 

 a native of India. — Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 500. 



O. Y. polyphyllum — pol-yph-yl'-lum (having several leaves), J.. Braun. 



This North American variety usually produces at the same time three to 

 five fronds. The common stalk is generally a little shorter than the peduncle 

 of the fi-uiting spike, but this varies in proportion according to the habitat. — 

 Eaton, Ferns of North America, ii., p. 2Q2. 



