CHAPTER XI, 



DAYALLIA, Smith. 

 (Dav-ar-li-a.) 



Hare's-Foot Ferns. 



HIS large genus derives its name from Edmund Davall, a Swiss 

 botanist, to whom it was dedicated by Smith ; it is almost 

 entirely composed of Ferns having their headquarters in the 

 Tropics of the Old World. According to Hooker and Baker's 

 " Synopsis Fihcum," Tribe 4, the DavaUiea^, is composed 



exclusively of the genus Cystojjteris, already described, and of Davallia. In 

 the above-named work Davallia forms Genus 18, and we find side by side 

 in this genus plants with fronds varying in size and division, and also in 

 texture, being sometimes herbaceous (soft and papery), and at other times 

 coriaceous (of a leathery nature). 



The mode of fructification in Davallia is so thoroughly distinct that there 

 is very little difiiculty in identifying the species when once their most 

 distinctive characters are understood. In all Davallias the sori (spore masses) 

 are either marginal or sub-marginal (disposed quite upon or close to the outer 

 edge of the fronds) ; they are generally globose or roundish, but sometimes 

 elongated, either laterally or vertically. They are disposed in shortly- but 

 distinctly- stalked capsules, and are covered by involucres that are variable 

 in form, being sometimes reniform (kidney-shaped), sometimes nearly round, 

 always open at the summit, broadly fastened at the base, and generally 

 united, though occasionally open at the sides. The veins are always free, and 

 although there are a few exceptions, the majority of the species produce their 



