DICTYOXIPHIUM. 



191 



somewhat erect in habit ; the barren ones are 2in. to Sin. broad, the fertile 

 ones Jin. to lin. broad, and they are narrowed gradually from the middle 

 downwards. Both kinds are produced from a stout, erect, fasciculate (bundle- 

 like) rhizome, and are of a leathery texture ; their midrib is strong, prominent, 

 and conspicuously scaly. The spore masses are disposed m an uninterrupted, 

 marginal line, and when the involucre is rolled over them they appear as if 

 placed on the upper surface of the frond. — Hooker^ Species Filicum, i., p. 224. 

 Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 471. Lowe, Ferns British and 

 Exotic, viii., t. 69. 



