8 
SYNOPSIS. 
leaf- like but without a midvein: clusters of capsules small near- 
ly circular seated on the reflexed bleached margin : no apparent 
involucre. 
Genus Adiantum, Linneus. Characters same as those of the 
family. 
1. Ad. Capillus- Veneris, 'fig. p. 83. Linneus^ Sp. PI. 1558, 
and Brit. aut. 
Family. — Pteride^. 
The ultimate divisions of frond sessile with a distinct midvein, 
the lateral veins branched united by a distinct marginal vein on 
which the capsules are seated in a continuous line, and are co- 
vered by the bleached reflexed epidermis. 
Genus Pteris, Linneus. Involucre forming a continuous line 
beneath the capsules. 
1. Pt. aquilina, fig. p. 93. Linneus.^ Sp. PI. 1533, and Brit. aut. 
Family. — Blechne^. 
The ultimate divisions of the frond sessile, having a distinct 
midvein, the lateral veins anastomose in a linear series on each 
side of midvein : capsules seated in a continuous line on that 
side of these anastomosing veins which is nearest the midvein, 
covered by a continuous linear lateral involucre which opens to- 
wards the midvein. 
Genus Lomaria, Willdenow. Characters as regards the Bri- 
tish species same as those of the family. 
1. Lo. spicant, fig. p. 89. Osmunda s. Linneus^ Sp. PI. 
1522. Blechnum boreale, Sm. Eng. FI. iv. 303. Hook. 
Br. FI. 444. Bab. Man. 390. 
Family. — Asplene^. Spleenworts. 
A large and varied group approaching very nearly to the last, 
but constantly differing : the capsules are seated in linear clus- 
ters on one side of lateral veins, whose direction is always at an 
angle with the median line of the pinnule, so that in no instance 
can two or more of these lines of capsules form a continuous 
