Ser. RHoposPERMER. Fam. Delesseriea. 
Pruate CCIII. 
NITOPHYLLUM PUNCTATUMS vars. 8. 7.8. 
(For description, see last folio.) 
I have thought it necessary, for the proper illustration of ito- 
phyllum punctatum to give two plates, showing some of the 
principal forms which this variable plant assumes. Some of 
these look so distinct that many authors regard them as separate 
species, and it is not without having carefully examined the subject 
and consulted a very extensive suite of specimens, that I have 
formed an opposite opinion. 
At Plate CCII. is represented what I regard as the normal or 
typical form of the species. This varies much in size, and some- 
times grows to the length of many feet, in which case the dicho- 
tomous lobes are often several mches in length, but their pro- 
portions, as respects the whole frond, are not much altered. 
Between this form and fig. 1. of Puare CCIII. which represents 
our var. 8, the Mitophyllum ocellatum of authors, there appears 
at first sight a considerable difference; the extreme and regular 
division of this variety, and the flatness of its margin, showing 
apparently well marked characters. But inumerable interme- 
diate forms connect the two; so that Dr. Greville and Mrs. 
Griffiths, who formerly recognised two species, now regard JV. ocel- 
latum as merely an extreme state of V. punctatum. 
Our var. y (PI. CCIII. fig. 2.) is in some degree an intermediate 
form, exhibiting the dichotomous division of one, with the curled 
margin of the other. At the same time, its thicker substance, 
dark colour, and the minute and close curling of the margin mark 
a distinct variety. This variety has a strong resemblance to 
NV. crispatum of the Flora Antarctica, but differs in fructification, 
the spots of granules in that species being as minute, as in 
NV. illie. 
Our var. 6 (Pl. CCIII. fig. 3.) is still another form. In this, 
the lobes, instead of being narrow and forked, are the widest 
VOL. II. x 
