52 I rOLYPODIUM. 
describes it as resembling Cystopteris fragilis, but in all 
the more vigorous states it has much of the habit and 
aspect of Athyrium Filix-fcemina, on which account it 
has been so long overlooked in the Scottish highlands. 
In outline the fronds are narrow-lanceolate, the base being 
narrowed about equally with the apex ; they are bi- 
pinnate, the pinnae linear-lanceolate acuminate spreading 
at an obtuse angle with the stout rachis, and rather thickly 
set with oblong acute very shortly stalked pinnules, which 
stand at nearly a right angle with the rachis of the pin- 
nae, and are themselves deeply pinnatifid, the segments 
being notched with sharp coarse teeth. The venation is 
very distinct, and consists of a tortuous mid- vein to each 
pinnule ; this throwing off into each segment a pinnate 
branch, or venule, whose ramifications, the veinlets, are 
simple, and extend almost to the margin, bearing a sorus 
some distance below their apex. Either the lowest an- 
terior veinlet only bears a sorus, this occurring in the 
smaller pinnules, and the sori, then occupying a position 
just within the sinus of the lobe, form a single series on 
each side the mid-vein ; or, in the larger pinnules, two or 
more of the lower pairs of veinlets in each segment bear 
each a sorus, about four being the average number on 
each lobe : in this latter case the fructification soon be- 
comes confluent, but the sori are at first quite distinct, 
small, and circular. 
This fern, which inhabits the Alps of Europe, has 
lately been recognised as a common inhabitant of the 
highlands of Scotland, where it had heretofore been 
passed over as Athyrium Filix-f<Emina. It was first 
found by H. C. Watson, Esq., in 1841, but not then re- 
cognised. According to Mr. Backhouse, it occurs in com- 
pany with the Athyrium at from 2,000 to 3,000 feet 
elevation ; above which, at from 3,000 to 4,000 feet, the 
latter disappears, and P. alpestre becomes abundant. 
It is perfectly hardy and not inelegant, though not com- 
parable for delicacy with some states of the Lady fern. In 
the hardy rockery, or in pots, it will grow readily in any 
