PERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. 53 



are narrow and tapering, with oblong-pointed pinnules, 

 rather deeply notched at their margins, each serrature 

 being tipped with a fine hardened point. 



The mid-vein of the pinnules is somewhat winding, 

 with side-veins branching from it ; the lowest branch on 

 the side towards the apex of the pinnule bearing a cluster; 

 the clusters forming two lines down each pinna. 



7. L. spinuldsa (Narrow Prickly-toothed or Crested 

 Fern). — Fronds linear, nearly erect, lanceolate, twice 

 pinnate ; pinnules pinnatifid ; indusium persistent. This 

 fern is not unfrequent in weU- wooded districts, growing 

 beneath the green shadow of the trees, or in spots 

 rendered damp by the streams which wander through 

 the wood. It is about three feet in height, nearly erect, 

 and narrow. It is twice pinnate ; the pinnules nearest 

 the stalk being larger than the upper ones, and thus 

 giving a tapering form to the pinnae. The pinnules are 

 oblong, somewhat narrowing upwards, their edges 

 deeply cut, and the lobes serrated with spiny points. It 

 is, however, only the lowest pinnules on the lowest 

 pinnae which are thus lobed, those towards the top of 

 each pinna, as well as those nearest the base of the 

 pinnae at the upper part of the frond, being scarcely 

 lobed, or not lobed at all, though stiU serrated and 

 spinous. A few broad, roundish, almost transparent 

 scales clothe the stipes. The veining is very similar in 

 all these allied ferns. A slightly winding mid-vein runs 

 through the less divided pinnules, giving off branched 

 veins. The clusters of spore-cases are placed upon the 

 smaller veins, which issue from these branches about 

 half-way between the rib and the margin, generally 



