VIII. ATHYRIUM. 147 
rachiform segments. The pinnae are small, unequal, and 
irregularly lacerated, with a bluntly-toothed margin. The 
sori are small, and are chiefly con fined to the pinnae, 
not occupying the rachiform segments of the apex. It 
was found in Ireland by Dr. J. T. Mackay. 
The variety crispum is a dwarf and very distinct-look- 
ing plant, having the appearance of a dense tuft of curled 
parsley. The fronds are slender, from six inches to a foot 
long, and have no definite form, the rachis being irregu- 
larly and unequally branched with the apex of the divi- 
sions densely tasselled or tufted. It does not usually bear 
fructification, but when it does so, small and imperfect 
sori are scattered throughout the entire under surface. 
This form was first met with by Mr. A. Smith on the hill 
Orah, Antrim, Ireland, and has since been found in Brae- 
mar in Scotland, by Sir W. C. Trevelyan. 
Another monstrous fern, usually referred as a variety 
to Athynum Filix-faemina, and known in gardens under 
the name of pramorsum, I have not ventured to include 
in the foregoing enumeration, in consequence of its not 
having, as far as I am aware, been known to produce 
fructification. It was found by Dr. Dickie on Ben-na- 
Muich-dhu, at an altitude of 2,700 feet, in 1846, and has 
since that time proved constant under cultivation. It 
grows about six inches high, with unequal pinnse, the 
pinnules decurrent, irregular in size and outline, and very 
irregularly lacerate-toothed. 
The species is abundant in most parts of Britain, and 
particularly so in Ireland. Warm moist woods and 
hedge-row banks, are its favourite localities ; but it is not 
confined to such situations, although hi them it attains its 
greatest luxuriance. 
" Supreme in her beauty, beside the full um, 
In the shade of the rock, stands the tall Lady Fern." 
The Lady Fern is recorded to grow also throughout 
Europe, and very closely related, if not identical, species 
are met with in Asia and North America. 
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