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THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



pert to give them their correct labels. And why the variety 

 that, generally speaking, is longer, narrower and more finely 

 cut than any of the others should be called ''intermedium" is 

 not for me to say. Dilatatuni with its broadly ovate fronds is 

 much more distinctive and can generally be placed without 

 difficulty. 



This species may be distinguished from most of our other 

 ferns by its finely divided foliage, onhr two or three others 

 equalling it in this respect. The blade is nearly three times 

 pinnate but the cutting varies greatly and the secondary pin- 

 nules are not always completely pinnate. The pinnules on the 

 lower side of the pinnae are often elongated, especially in the 

 lowest pair, and this characteristic is very noticeable in dilata- 

 turn. The sori are rather small and are borne on the backs of 

 ordinary fronds. All have evergreen fronds which are much 

 used by florists at the present time for winter greenery. 



This group is among those most desirable for the fern 

 garden as all the varieties are easily transplanted and retain 

 their beauty throughout the season. In the woods the finest 

 specimens are often found nestled close to a decaying moss- 

 covered stump or a weatherbeaten rock and such environment 

 enhances their attractiveness, but they are charming in any 

 shady nook and those who wish to keep a bit of woodland 

 beauty close at hand cannot do better than to bring a group of 

 spinulose ferns (with their attendant fairies) to share their 

 gardens and their hearts. 



