*55 



however (1916), come out as peculiarly distinct, and 

 seems to deserve a separate name (that of the raiser), 

 although it is still a gracillimum, and may, under some 

 circumstances, be difficult to distinguish from others. It 

 is marked by a somewhat more foliose character than the 

 rest, and the ultimate segments, especially near the tips of 

 the pinnae, are especially luxuriant ; so much so, that by 

 their weight they give the frond an elegant, drooping, 

 and ostrich feather-like appearance, which is well shown 

 in the illustration. 



The plant was raised by Mr. Cranfield some years ago 

 and given as a small seedling to Mr. Henwood, who very 

 kindly gave me an early offset, from which in 19 16 the 

 illustration was taken. Of course, as soon as the distinct 

 character of the plant was recognised, a piece (the first 

 division, in fact) was sent back to the raiser, who has 

 every reason to be proud of his bantling. 



F. W. Stansfield. 



Eeading, January, 1917. 



POLYSTICHUM ACULEATUM GRACILLIMUM CRANFIELD. 



This peculiarly beautiful variety represents a further 

 example of the diversity of forms which can be evolved 

 from spores of one and the same variety when once a 

 species has broken away from its normal type. For 

 further remarkable exemplifications of this capacity we need 

 only refer to our previous illustrations and articles in our 

 "Gazettes," Vol. 1, Nos. 1 to 12, pp. 4, 24, 50, 119, 133, 

 226, 227, 271, 288; Vol. 2, Nos. 13 to 24, pp. 159, 200, 

 2 57> 285; and Vol. 3, No. 30, p. 123. The simple fact 

 that so many references have been made constitutes a fair 

 proof of exceptional merit, while the photo (285) displays 

 a wide divergence of form in opposite directions, which is 

 entirely unique in our experience. 



The Editor. 



