iSS 
European Ferns. 
BOTRYCHIUM SIMPLEX, Hitchcock. 
This is in some of its forms the smallest species of the genus, never exceeding six 
inches in height, and usually much smaller, the average height being from two to three 
inches. It has a slender stem, the sterile segment of the frond being usually towards 
the base, varying from nearly or quite simple in very small examples, to deeply lobed in 
longer specimens ; the shape also varying from roundish-ovate to somewhat triangular, or 
even ternate. The panicle or fertile segment is raised on a long peduncle ; in very small 
specimens this is quite simple, but it is subsequently more or less branched, in most cases 
resembling that of the common Moonwort. Several forms have been described, based upon 
the variations above indicated, especially in the fertile part of the frond. The example 
figured in the plate is one of the smallest of these. This species is a native of 
northern and central Europe, as well as of California, British North America, and the northern 
United States. 
BOTRYCHIUM VIRGINICUM, Sw. 
This is the handsomest and largest of the Moonworts. It differs in texture from the preceding 
species, being thin and membranous when mature, although in its early stage it is of a thick 
fleshy texture, resembling that of the other species. It is very variable in size, sometimes attaining 
as much as two feet in height and sixteen inches in breadth at the base of the sterile branch. This 
branch is sessile above the middle of the stipes, and ternate ; the fertile portion is from two to three 
times pinnate. In general appearance the leafy portion of the frond resembles the foliage of 
some umbelliferous plants. This extends from Norway to Austria ; it is found in many parts of 
Asia and North America, extending to Mexico. 
