gg FILICES 



genus Pblytomium of Desvaux, which embraces only one known 

 species, the P. (Antrophyum) lineatum of Kaulfuss. To this, our 

 plant bears a striking similarity in the size and outline of its fronds, 

 thus proving to some extent, that the genus JPolytcenium differs little 

 from Antrophyum, either in habit, or in the nature of its sori. 



24. HEMIONITIS, Linn. 

 1. Hemionitis elongata, Sp. Nov. (Tab. 8.) 



H. rhizomate repente; stipite semitereti basi setoso ; fronde coriacea glabra 

 simplici ternata vel pinnata; pinnis (5-7) lineari-lanceolatis attenu- 

 ates basi oblique cuneatis margine cartilagineo leviter undulatis ; soris 

 interruptis vel reticulatis. 



Hab. Feejee Islands : terrestrial, at an elevation of 3,000 feet. 



Rootstock short and creeping, of a dark brown colour, setose ; the 

 rootlets tomentose. Stipe about the thickness of a crowquill, 6 to 15 

 inches in length, semiterete, smooth and shining, slightly scabrous and 

 setose at the base. Fronds usually about the same length as the stipe, 

 either simple, ternate, or pinnate. Pinnce 5 to 7 in number, ascending, 

 about 8 lines broad, linear-lanceolate, attenuated into rather an obtuse 

 point, the inferior ones seated on a short petiole, the superior sessile 

 and decurrent, smooth and coriaceous, with a hard, thickened, slightly 

 undidate and partially recurved margin. Costa thick and prominent 

 beneath. Areoles unequal, elongated, and angular; those nearest 

 the costa the largest. The lines of sori are frequently interrupted, 

 but in some of our specimens they unite and form a short crescent or 

 full areole. Sporangia mixed with articulated hairs. 



This interesting Fern differs somewhat in habit from other species 

 of Hemionitis; but the character of its reticulated venation, and the 

 superficial sori are in strict conformity with that genus. We do not 

 think the slight interruption of the lines of sori (which may not under 

 all circumstances be constant) is sufficient ground on which to esta- 

 blish a new genus. 



