POLYPODIUM VULGARE. 
Varieties — lobatum* acutum* crenatum* &c. 
Several varieties of the Polypodium are to be found 
in the neighbourhood of Sidmouth* but it requires 
sharp eyes to detect them amongst a profusion of 
other vegetation* and in the secluded nooks in which 
they generally hide themselves. However* if they 
are worth finding they are worth seeking* and a 
little trouble spent in the hunt* will enhance the 
gratification of procuring them. The Lobatum is 
not uncommon. The fronds have two* three* four* 
or more fingers* and are fertile in seed-spots* even 
on the divided lobes. This fingered peculiarity 
should seem in a great degree to result from a lux- 
uriance of growth* for it may be remarked that it 
occurs mostly in those plants which are the largest 
and most vigorous in appearance. I once gathered 
some in the high hedge on the left hand side of the 
Exeter road about a quarter of a mile beyond Stow- 
ford Gate* measuring nearly a yard from the root 
to the tip of the leaf. Specimens also used to grow 
in the left hand hedge 120 yards beyond the Broad- 
way four-cross-way towards Bulverton. Also in most 
of the lanes on the east side of Bulverton Hill. Also 
two miles off towards Harcombe* from 100 to 200 
paces in the left hand hedge beyond Snogbrook. 
Acutum. — Nor is this variety uncommon. Indeed* 
it is easily detected amongst a wilderness of other 
plants in a hedge bank. The tapering points of the 
lobes of the frond are so obvious a feature as to 
render them discernible at the first glance : and 
there is a lightness and an elegance about the out- 
line which is very pleasing to the eye. This variety 
is likewise fingered* and hence becomes* not only 
acutum, but moreover lobatum . In the hedges of 
most of the upper lanes on the east flank of Bulver- 
ton Hill* it will be seen in many places. Also 120 
yards beyond Broadway* with the lobatum . Also 
near Bickwell and up Stintway. 
Crenatum. — The example in the plate is not so 
good as some which have been found near Sidmouth* 
