SCOL OPENDRIUM. 



319 



comparatively narrow, rarely rises erect, but is usually decumbent. The 

 wings of the stalks widen out into a wedge-shaped base which is sunk between 

 two basal auricles (ear-like appendages). These auricles are scantily developed 

 in small fronds, but in larger ones they are more or less prominent, making 

 the base of the frond either heart-shaped or halbert- shaped. In some specimens 

 the auricles are drawn out into slender points as much as 4in. long. The 

 upper part of the frond is scarcely wider than the stalk and commonly 

 produces at the extremity a proliferous bud, which very frequently takes root 

 and develops into a new plant (Fig. 89). The fronds are of a leathery 



f/^, 89. Rooting Frond of Scolopendn'um rhizophyllum 

 (nat. size). 



texture, deep green in colour, with the midrib a little paler than the rest and 

 prominent on the under- surface. The short, irregular, linear-oblong spore 

 masses are disposed on the marginal veinlets. — Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., 

 p. 4. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iii., p. 393. Lowe, Ferns British 

 and Exotic, v., t. 14a. Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 8. 



S. (CamptOSOrus) sibiricum — Camp-tos-o'-rus ; sib-i'-ric-um (Siberian), 

 Hooker. 

 This hardy species, native of Western Siberia, Kamtschatka, Tsus-Sima, 

 and Japan, is a singular plant, producing two totally distinct kinds of fronds. 

 Both are of a somewhat leathery texture arid borne on stalks that are 2in. 

 to Sin. long, naked, green upwards, and dark brown below. The barren ones, 

 only lin. long and barely ^in. broad,, are egg-shaped and sharp-pointed, while 

 the fertile ones. Gin. or more in length and Jin. broad, have their extremity 

 lengthened and rooting like that of S. rhizophyllum, but they are gradually 



