466 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



rows near the edge, and are provided with an orbicular indusium (round 

 covering), which, as usual, is attached to the frond by its centre. — Hooker, 

 Species Filicum, iv., p. 10, t. 219. Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 25. 

 Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 127. 



Fig. 70. Asp id iu m munitum 

 (reduced). 



A. nephrodioides — neph-ro-di-o-i'-des (Nephrodium-like). Synonymous 

 with A. Hookeri. 



A. (Euaspidium) nicaraguense — Eu-as-pid'-i-um ; ni-ca-ra-guen'-se 

 (from Nicaragua), Baker. 

 This singular, stove species, of comparatively small dimensions, is of 

 dimorphous nature ; that is to say, its fronds assume different shapes according 

 to their being sterile or fertile. The sterile ones are oblong- spear- shaped, 

 entire (undivided), 6in. to 9in. long and 2 Jin. to 3in. broad, and end in 

 a long, tapering point, but are rounded or heart-shaped at the base ; they are 

 of a firm, parchment-like texture and bright green on both surfaces, and 

 are borne on stipes (stalks) 4in. to Gin. long and furnished with a few 



