GENUS XIV. 
ADIANTTJM, Linnenu. 
MAIDENHAIR FERN. 
GBN. CIIAR 5ori transverse marginal, oblong or sub- 
globose. Indutium venose, formed of the membranous re- 
flexed apices of the lobes of the frond, and bearing the 
spore-cases on its under surface. Veins forked radiating ; 
venulet direct terminating in the axis of the indusium. 
The name is derived from the Greek adiantos, dry, uri - 
moistened ; the plant possessing the property of repelling 
water. 
1. Adi an turn Capillus Venerls, Linnaus. Com- 
mon Maidenhair. Fronds bi-tri-pinnate ; pinnules un- 
equally wedge-shaped, alternate, with capillary- stalks, 
lobed, the lobes of the fertile pinnules reflexed, bearing the 
transversely oblong subraarginal son, and prolonged into 
membranous indusia. 
CATILUJS-VKCEMS, Linnteug : Sm. Eng. Fl. i v., 307 : 
Eng. Bot. 1564: Hook and Arn. FL 576: Bab. Man. 416 : Florigr. 
Brit, tv., 49: Nevrm. 83: Franc. 59. ADIAXTUM CAPU.LUS, Link. 
The Common Maidenhair Fern has a black scaly 
slowly-creeping caudex, with dark-coloured wiry roots. 
The fronds, which are very delicate and graceful, appear 
