SPLEENWOETS. 



83 



The variety microdon has its leaflets so simple and un- 

 divided, and in character and habit so nearly approaches 

 to the Sea Spleenwort, that one is disposed to leap to the 

 conclusion at once, that this is a variety of the maritime 

 species, and not of the Bristly Spleenwort ; since, however, 

 it is always regarded as a variety of the latter, although 

 we don't know for what reason, we have so placed it. 



BLACK SPLEENWOET.^ 



The Black Spleenwort is a common fern, which grows 

 in tufts sometimes not more than 4 inches in height, and 

 sometimes as much as 18 or 20, but usually from 6 to 12 

 inches when growing on banks, and smaller when found 

 on walls. The stalk is a little more than half the entire 

 length. The leafy portion is of a long triangular shape 

 in the outline, and consists of a number of compound 

 leaflets on each side of the stalk, diminishing in size from 

 the base. The leaflets are also triangular, deeply cut 

 almost to the mid-rib, sometimes entirely so, into several 

 lobes, which are notched in a saw-like manner at the edges. 

 The stalks are of a purplish black colour, darkest at the 

 base. The spore-cases in their early stage may be seen 

 in distinct lines on the backs of the fronds, but in more 

 mature conditions they nearly cover the whole under 

 surface. This fern is sometimes called Black Maidenhair, 

 or Black Maidenhair Spleenwort, and in some districts it 

 is locally and erroneouslv named the Parsley Pern. (Plate 

 IX., fig. 2.) 



This is a common species on hedge banks, old walls, &c., 

 delighting most in a sandy soil. In sheltered situations 

 it is evergreen. Any one may cultivate it without trouble, 

 as it will accommodate itself to almost any conditions, 

 and whether in the open air, or the Wardian case, the 

 effect is always pleasing, and success equally sure. 



One of the handsomest varieties of this fern is the ' 

 narrow-leaved form called acutum, in which all the extre- 

 mities, whether of branches or leaflets, are more acutely 



*Asplenium adiantum-nigrunit Linn. 



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