Pteris. ] 
FERNS. 
40 
PTERIS, Linn. BRAKES. 
(ffTfp.j, a Fern, from imp!-, a Feather.) 
PLATE OF GENERA, FIG. IX. 
A very extensive genus, comprising no less than 120 species, most of them from 
warm climates. One s'pecies only is British. The f ructification is borne in a 
continued line along the margin of the frond, which being turned over forms a 
continued indusium ; an inner indusium is also present in ours and some other 
species, which many Botanists consider a necessary character of a Pteris, and 
that its absence or presence might serve to divide the genus into two. 
PTERIS AQUILINA. 
BRAKES. BRACHEN. FEMALE FERN. 
(Plate 3, fig. 12.) 
Ciia. — Frond thrice pinnate. Larger pinnules pinnatifid, smaller 
entire. Rachis smooth. 
Syn. — P teris Aquilina, Linn, and all modern Authors . — Filix foemina, Bay, 
Ger . — Asplenium aquilina, Bernh .~ — Pteris caudata /3, Schk. 
Fig .—E. B. 1679 .—Ger. 1128 .—Bolt. 10, (all bad). 
Des. — Root long and creeping. Rachis smooth, shining, without 
pinnae on the lower half, tapering and black near its junction with 
the root. Fronds deciduous, erect, rigid, repeatedly divided, 2 to 
5 feet high. Pinnae opposite, more and more divided downwards, 
the smallest entire, the next pinnatifid, still lower ones pinnate, 
pinnato-pinnatifid, and twice-pinnate. Pinnules opposite below, 
alternate above, oblong, blunt, connected to the midrib by their 
whole base, that terminating the pinna much larger than the others 
near it. Sori in a continued line around every sinuosity of the pinna. 
Cover the margin of the frond reflexed, within which, according to 
Mr. T. Smith, F.L.S., and Mr. Brown, is another cover, contrary or 
opposite to the outer one, and in like manner fringed. When the 
young fronds first uncoil themselves, they are densely downy. 
If the stem be cut across near the root, it exhibits the bundles of vessels 
very plainly, in the form of an oak tree, or, as Linnreus thought, a spread 
eagle, hence its name Aquilina. Y oung plants of this species are extremely 
delicate and beautiful, very different in character and appearance to the full- 
grown plant. 
Vir. — T his Fern is useful for many purposes independently of the anthel- 
mintic and astringent properties the herbalists attach to it. It is the favorite 
haunt of the deer tribe. As it is very long before it rots, and docs not harbour 
insects, it is excellent as thatch ; it docs not hold moisture so much as straw, 
and is therefore better as litter for cattle, and as a cover to preserve plants 
from frost. It is also very excellent to lay fruit upon, or to pack it in, as it 
does not communicate any mustiness. Containing tannin, it is useful in the 
