By contrasting the figure here given with our representation 

 of P. latifolia at Plate VIII., the difference between typical forms 

 of these plants will be readily seen, the present being characterised 

 by its dark colour, cuneate base, and more lanceolate general 

 outline. I wish it could be said that such characters admitted of 

 no approximation to their opposites. But though specimens may 

 be collected in plenty in which these peculiarities can clearly be 

 seen ; yet it must be admitted that other individuals are fre- 

 quently found which show them in a more or less weakened 

 state, and approach in greater or less degree to some of the forms 

 of P. latifolia, so that, on the whole, I am disposed to consider 

 these species as not permanently distinguishable from each other. 

 If we take merely the extreme forms of each, such an opinion 

 will appear strange, but it is not arrived at without consideration, 

 and a careful comparison of a great number of specimens from 

 different localities, and collected at different seasons of the year. 

 Nevertheless, as many botanists think differently, and among 

 them my accurate and experienced friend Mrs. Griffiths, I deem 

 it right to retain both species in this work, and to give, of each, 

 such figures as will clearly point out the characters severally 

 attributed to their typical conditions. 



Fig. 1. Punctaria plantaginea; plants: — of the natural size. 2. Portion of 

 the surface, with a sorus. 3. Portion, with antheridia ■? 4. Section of the 

 frond : — all magnified. 



