40 F I L I C E S. 



Unlike the two preceding species, this has large, pinnate fronds, 3 to 

 4 feet high, inclined to become black in drying; with alternate, 

 ascending, elongated-lanceolate, and acuminate pinnae, which are from 

 6 to 8 inches in length, and frequently an inch broad, the base decur- 

 rent on a rhachis which is very much channeled in front. Sori 

 small, distant, commonly in two, but sometimes in three, rows between 

 the costaeform veins. 



15. PHLEBODIXJM, U. Br., J. Sm. 



(PolstpodIi Spec, Auct. Pleopeltidis Spec, H. B. K., Presl. Synami^ Spec, Presl.) 



Mr. John Smith divides Plilebodium into two sections, which, he 

 observes, might with no great impropriety be considered as distinct 

 genera. The first embraces the genus Pleopeltis of Humboldt and 

 Presl, a large number of the species belonging to which, have simple 

 (or rarely pinnatifid), coriaceous, squamiferous fronds, with a very 

 obscure and sunken venation, and oval or oblong sori. In the second 

 section, which he denominates Plilebodium verum, the species have 

 usually large, smooth, pinnatifid or pinnate fronds, whose venation is 

 more apparent than in the preceding, and evidently of the same anas- 

 tomosing character. We retain these as divisions or sections, not 

 perceiving that any advantage would result in adopting them as dis- 

 tinct genera. 



§ 4. PLEOPELTIS, J. Sm. 

 1. Phlebodium percussum, J. Sm. 



Phlebodium percussum, J. Sm. in Hook. Jour. Bot. 4, p. 59. 



Polypodium percussum, Cav. ex Sw. Syn. Fil. p. 26; Willd. Spec. PI. 5, p. 151; 



Langsd. & Fisch. Ic Fil. p. 8, t. 6 ; Kaulf. Enum. Fil. p. 90; Raddi, Plant. 



Brasil. p. 14, t. 24, f. 1 ; Gaud. Bot. Freyc. Voy. p. 436. 

 Pleopeltis percussa, Hook. & Grev. Ic. Fil. t. 67 ; Presl, Tent. Pterid. p. 196, t. 7, 



f. 35. 



Hab. Organ Mountains, Brazil. 



