876 
CR^PTOGAMIA. 
Class XXIV. 
by an elast.c furrowed ring, when they are called Annulatce (c), or they are destitute of such a ring, in which 
case they are termed Exannulatce {d). They contain the minute powdery matter, which is that by which ferns 
are reproduced ; the constituent parts of this matter are called sporules {e), and are analogous to seeds in 
more perfect plants. 
Tribe I. POLYPODI ACE.E. 
ThectB 1-celled, with an articulated, elastical, longitudinal ring, bursting across in an irregular manner. 
2168. Tolybotrya. Thecae closely covering the whole surface of the pinnules of an altered frond. Indusium 
none. 
2169. Acrostichum. Thecse scattered, occupying all the lower surface of the frond, or a part of it. Indusium 
none. 
2170. Tlemionitis. Thecae seated on the reticulated veins of the frond. Indusium none. 
2171. Gymnogramma. Thecae seated on the forked veins of the frond. Indusium none. 
2172. Meniscium. Sori linear, lunulate, somewhat parallel, placed across the spaces between the veins of the 
fronds. Indusium none. 
2173. Xiphopteris. Sori oblong, oblique, placed on the reflexed points of the frond. Indusium none. 
2174. Ceterach. Sori linear, transverse, concealed under paleae. Indusium none. 
2175. Polypodium. Sori in little round scattered convex spots. Indusium none. 
2176. Tccniiis. Sorus linear, longitudinal, placed between the midrib and margin of the frond under the end. 
Indusium none. 
2177. Nothochlcena. Sori almost marginal, continuous, covered by the scales, setae, or hairs of the frond. 
Indusium none. 
2178. Onoclea. Sori globose, inserted upon columnar receptacles, inclosed within the berry-like pinnules. 
Indusium double : common placed on the edge of the pinnule, and united into the form of a berry ; proper 
membranous enwrapping the sori. 
2179. Struthiopteris. Sori linear, crossing, inserted upon crested receptacles, included in a double row within 
the somewhat articulated pinns. Indusium double: common marginal opening inwards in a rugged manner; 
proper membranous, and resembling a partition. 
2180. Allosorus. Sori placed on the transverse forked veins of spike-like pinnules, finally becoming confluent. 
Common indusium very narrow, arising from the revolute margin which is rolled inwards. 
2181. Ellebocarpus. Thec£e globose, irregularly attached to the longitudinal veins of the frond. Indusium 
transparent, discolored, arising from the revolute edge of the frond, continuous, and opening by a longitudinal 
suture. 
2182. Lomarii. Sori linear, continuous, occupying the surface of the linear pinnae of a particular frond. 
Indusium marginal or submarginal, conniving, involute. 
2183. Blechnum. Sori linear, contuiuous, (sometimes interrupted) contiguous to the midrib. Indusium 
membranous, superficial, continuous, opening inwards. 
2184. Woodwardia. Sori oblong, distinct, in rows, parallel, contiguous to the midrib. Indusium membranous, 
superficial, vaulted, opening inwards. 
2185. Doodia. Sori lunulate, distinct, parallel with the midrib. Indusium membranous, superficial, flat, 
separating inwardly. 
2186. Asplenium. Soli linear, placed upon lateral veins. Indusium membranous, flat, separating inwardly. 
2187. Allantodia. Sori oblong, oblique witli respect to the midrib. Indusium membranous, vaulted, cylin- 
drical, adhering to a vein, opening inwards, finally spreading outwards. 
2188. Scolopendrium. Sori linear, oblique, opposite, double, parallel. Indusia membranous, opening in 
opposite pairs. 
2189. lyiplaziuni. Sori linear, double alongside the veins. Indusia double, narrow, placed between the sori, 
fixed lengthwise by the middle, with their exterior margin separate. 
2190. Pteris. Sori continuous, linear, marginal. Indusium from the inflexed edge of the ftond, opening 
inwards. 
POLYPODIACE^. 
21f)S. POLYBO'TRYA. H. ^.5. Polybotrya. Sp.l—Vl. 
14442 cervina Kaulf. hart's-tongue j£ 123 or f ap.my Br Jamaica 1823, D l.p Petiv.fil. t. 8. f. 3 
History, Use, Propagation, Cidture, 
2168. Polybotrya. So called in allusion to the numerous bunches of the fertile divisions of its frond; from 
troKv?, many, and ^orgvi, a bunch. Handsome species of West Indian and South American ferns. The genera 
of ferns are not very dissimilar in habit, so that it will be seldom that any remarks upon that subject will be 
found in these notes, which must necessarily consist chiefly of the etymology of the names. The medical 
properties are probably the same in all the genera ; such as appear of any consequence are, however, inserted 
in the proper places. We will here take occasion to remark, that the cultivation of ferns is nearly the same in 
all cases, and that the soil best adapted for their growth is light peaty earth with a little loam. They are 
propagated by division of the roots, or by seeds or sporules. The latter plan has been practised at Liverpool, 
