NEPHRODIUM. 



467 



a dull green colour. The spore masses are small and medial (disposed along 

 the midrib). — Hooker^ Synopsis FiUcum, p. 286. 



N. (Lastrea) aemulum — Las'-tre-a ; £em'-ul-um (rivalling), Baker. 



This handsome British species, with which Lastrea cemula of Brackenridge, 

 X. recurva of Newman, L. foenisecii of Moore, Sowerby, Babington, and 

 others, and Nephrodium foenisecii of Lowe, are synonymous, is commonly 

 called the " Hay -scented Buckler Fern " on account of the fragrance, much 



Fi^. 114. Frond of Nephrodium eemulum 



{\ nat. size). 



like that of newly-mown hay, which is emitted by the dried fronds when 

 crumpled between one's fingers. It is a very distinct species, which, through 

 its peculiarly crisped appearance, is readily distinguished from any other 

 comprised in the genus. Its pretty fronds, which are sometimes quite 

 triangular, but occasionally between spear-shaped and triangular, 1ft. to IJft, 

 long, 6in. to lOin. broad, and borne on tufted stalks 1ft. long, densely covered 



2 H 2 



