POLYPODIUM. 



105 



from five to fifteen — of horizontal, entire, but undulated leaflets, 4in. 

 to 9in. long, about lin. broad, and separated from each other by more 

 or less rounded and open sinuses, leaving a wing or border of about ^in. 

 along each side of the rachis (midrib of the leafy portion). The two lowest 

 leaflets are sometimes distinctly separated from the rest and are usually 

 slightly decurved. Eaton, referring to the rhizome from which these fronds 





Fig, 35. Polypodium aureum 

 (much retluced). 



are produced, says (vol. i., p. 166) : "As in all true Polypodia, the rootstock 

 bears scattered prominences, or knobs, to which the separate stalks of the 

 fronds are articulated, and from which they fall away when finally withered." 

 The popular appellation of "Golden Polypody," under which this handsome 

 Fern is commonly known, may be derived from the shining nature and bright 

 brown colour of the scales with which the older portions of its rhizomes are 



