902 II. OPHIOGLOSSB^. 



throughout the series of geological formations, and Ferns are without doubt one of the most interesting of 

 orders if looked at from this point of view. In fact, this family, so numerous and so widely spread over the 

 surface of the globe at the present time, presents, in the most ancient of those strata which contain vege- 

 table remains, specif.s which appear almost identical, in many cases, with those now living. It predomi- 

 nates even in those ancient strata composing the coal formation ; upwards of two hundred species being 

 now koown to be scattered for the most part tlirough the coal measures of Europe and of some parts of 

 North America.' ^ 



The numerous species of the tribe of Polypndiacete possess similar principles ; their frond is muci- 

 laginous, slightly astringent, and sometimes sub-aromatic; the rhizome is usually bitter, astringent, 

 and somewhat acrid. Some species contain an adipose waxy matter, fixed and volatile oils ; others 

 yield by analysis a principle analogous to manna. The rhizome and stem of a large number abound in 

 starch. 



The rhizome of the Male Fern (JNephrodium Fitix-mas), which grows in the forests of Central and 

 South Europe, is much used as an anthelmintbic. The various European species of Aspidium have the 

 same property but in a less degree. Several American and tropical Asiatic species of Asplenium, Poly- 

 podium, Diplazium, &c., are used in the same way as our Male Fern. The rhizome of Polypodiuni Cala- 

 guala is much valued in Peru as an astringent and diaphoretic. From the Maidenhair {Adiantwn 

 CapiUus- Veneris), which grows in the south of Europe, a bechic syrup is prepared ; Asplenium Tricho- 

 manes, Adiantum-^iigrum, Pnta-muraria, from North Europe, possess analogous properties, as do the 

 Canadian Maidenhair (Adiantmn pedatum) and other exotic congeners. Scolopendrimn officinale, Hemionitis 

 and Ceterach officinarum, all European plants, are employed as astringents and mucilages. 



The herbage of Aspidium fragrans, which has the scent of raspberries, is much esteemed in the 

 North of Asia as an antiscorbutic, and the Mongols use it as tea. The rhizome of Aspidium Baromez, 

 commonly named Scythian Lamb, is clothed with golden yellow hairs, whence perhaps was obtained the 

 famous byssus of the ancients, with which they manufactured stuffs which fetched an extraordinary pri(!e ; 

 its red and viscous j uice is an esteemed astringent in China. The hairs which clothe the stem of some 

 Polypodiums are renowned in the Antilles as a styptic, and English doctors use them as hsemostatics, as 

 well as the hairs of several Gyatheas from the Moluccas, which have been of late years prescribed under 

 the name of Penjuvur Yambi. [Those of several Polynesian species of TrecT-fern (Cibotium) are extensively 

 imported into Australia, and used to stuff pillows, &c.] 



The young mucilaginous shoots of several Ferns are eaten as a salad, especially in North Europe. 

 Ceratopteris thalictroides is in tropical Asia considered a pot-herb. The rhizoilie of Pteris esculenta, a New 

 Zealand species very near our Common Fern, serves as food to the natives, as do the tubers of Nephrodium 

 esculentum in Nepal. Cyathea medullaris, of New Zealand, contains in the lower part of its stem a reddish 

 glutinous pith, which when baked acquires the taste of the radish, and is much liked by the natives. 

 The stem of Qleiclienia Hermanni is starchy) somewhat bitter, sub-aromatic and edible. 



Aneitnia tomentosa, with the odour of myrrh, Moliria thurifrnga, of the Cape, which smells of 

 benzoin, as well as Lygodium mierophyllum and circinatum, have incisive and bechic properties. 



Marattiets inhabit America, Asia and Polynesia, but are not numerous ; they are very rare in south 

 temperate latitudes. Some species are arborescent. The bruised fronds of Angiopteris evecta, a species 

 spread over the Pacific Islands, communicate an agreeable scent to cocoa-nut oil ; its young shoots are 

 edible. 



II. OPHIOGLOSSE^, Br. 



0;phioglossew are separated from true Ferns by the nature of their rhizome, and 

 the development and texture of their fronds, which are not rolled into a crozier in 

 vernation, and by their sporangia being arranged in a longitudinal series on a sort 



' Ad. Brongninrt, Dictionnahe universel dliistoire naturelle. 



