ASP ID I UM. 



429 



auricled (eared) and sharply dented all round, ending in a very sharp point. 

 — Lowe, Our Native Ferns, L, p. 77, fig. 45. 



A. a. alatum — al-a'-tum (winged), Moore. 



This extraordinary variety, which was originally found in Somersetshire, 

 and also in Devonshire, is of comparatively small dimensions, for its fronds 

 seldom exceed ljft. long and 6in. wide. These are borne on scaly, short 

 stipes (stalks) ; they are lanceolate (spear-shaped), and their pinnaj (leaflets), 

 deeply cut nearly to the midrib, are furnished with pinnules (leafits) more 

 pointed and tapering than in the normal form, the anterior or lower side 

 being most developed ; their margin is cut into rounded teeth, which 

 terminate in a bristle-like point. This variety is remarkable on account of 

 its pinnules being all joined together by a well-developed wing, or continuous 

 leafy attachment, on either side of the rachides (midribs) of the secondary 

 divisions. — Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 119, t. 19b. 



A. a. aristatum — ar-is-ta'-tuni (awned), Wollaston and Moore. 



This distinct and pretty variety was found wild in Sussex, also near 

 Burnley, in Lancashire, and later on in Shebden Dale, near Halifax, and 

 near Marwood, in Devonshire. It is of slender habit, and its chief distinc- 

 tion from the typical A. angulare consists in the bristly points of the 

 divisions being much more developed than usual, and turning upwards. 

 These long, hair-like points, which greatly resemble the beard of the corn, 

 give the plant a peculiar and bristly appearance. It is also remarkable 

 for the proliferous character of the stalks of its fronds. — Lowe, Our Native 

 Ferns, i., p. 80, fig. 48. 



A. a. Bayliee— Bayr-i-£e (Miss Bayly's). 



The plant commonly known under this name in the trade is one of 

 the numerous forms of A. a. grandidens — A. a. g. Baileyanum of Lowe. 



A. a. biserratum — bis-er-ra'-tuin (twice saw-toothed), Moore. 



This remarkable form, which is common in Jersey, has also been found 

 in Devonshire, Somersetshire, and other parts of England, as well as near 

 Dublin. It bears a great resemblance to A. aculeatum. The large, spreading 

 fronds, which are borne on very long stipes (stalks), measure from ljft. 



