274 
ASPLENIACE^. 
certainly the case as regards the apical portion of the frond, is 
not so with the basal portion. In a foot-note on the preceding 
page I have quoted Roth’s observation on this structure, think- 
ing that botanists will be interested in perusing it. 
This fern is so very different from every other British species, 
that there is not the slightest danger of any confusion occurring 
in this way. On the other hand, its similarity to the Buck’s-horn 
Plantain [Plantago Co7'onopus) is so great, that a superficial ob- 
server might well be excused for mistaking it for that plant. Al- 
though occasionally established in lofty and exposed situations, 
it can scarcely be considered a hardy species, since it is very 
susceptible of cold, its young fronds being injured by a slight 
frost, as noticed by Mr. Watson. 
The vignette below is from a hasty sketch of Conway castle, 
a building which, by situation, is somewhat associated with the 
principal British locality of this curious little fern. 
