ScMzcea pusilla. 77 



The genus Sbizsea was established by Dr. James Edward Smith. 

 The term is derived from the Greek, *•#<£*, to cleave asunder, in 

 allusion to the cloven appearance of its aggregate fan-like spikes. 

 The genus, which is very distinct and well-marked, contains about 

 ten species, of which number one inhabits Cape of Good Hope, one 

 Cape Van Diemen, one South America, two New South Wales, 

 one Ceylon and Tranquebar, one East Indies, one Society Isles, 

 one the Island of Trinidad, and the tenth the state of New Jersey, 

 in North America — the plant here figured. 



This delicate little Fern was first detected by Dr. Eddy of New 

 York. It is exceedingly rare, never having been found any where 

 in the United States, but at one spot, near Quaker-Bridge, Burling- 

 ton county, New Jersey. Its minuteness, together with its rarity, 

 render it difficult to be detected even when in pursuit of it in the 

 place where it grows. 



Table XX, fig. 2. Represents a large specimen of the plant in 

 flower, its natural size. 

 vol. i. 21 



