THE FERN WORM) 
348 
the rachis are arranged, alternately, stalked wedge-shaped 
pinnse, which, like the stipes and rachis, are pale green in 
colour, seldom more than the eighth of an inch broad, and 
attached to the short stem which connects them with the 
rachis by their narrow wedge-shaped points. These pinnae 
are more or less deeply cleft or notched at the apices on 
their upper and broader ends. A vein enters each pinnae 
at its base — in continuation of the connecting stem from 
the point of attachment to the rachis — and is then twice or 
thrice branched into venules, which run towards the apical 
divisions of the pinnae, and bear upon them elongated clusters 
of spore cases, which are entirely covered when young by 
elongated and somewhat inflated indusia. As the spore cases 
develop and ripen, the covering cuticle or indusium is burst 
and thrown back, the brown spore cases are shown and soon 
become confluent, covering the entire under surface of the 
pinnae. There is only one recorded variety from the normal 
form of this species. 
Distribution. — The countries on the continent of Europe 
in which this Fern is found are Belgium, Croatia, Dalmatia, 
France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, 
and Switzerland. T11 England its named habitats are in the 
neighbourhood of Borrowdale and Helvellyn, in Cumberland, 
on the Ivyloe Iiocks in Northumberland, and near Culbone 
in Somerset. In Wales at Moel Lecliog, a steep rock at the 
pass of Llanberis, and between Capel Curig and Llanrwst. 
In Scotland it was gathered in 1857 , within two miles of 
Edinburgh. It has also been found in Fifesliire near Dun- 
fermline, 011 the Stenton Bocks near Duukeld in Perthshire, 
on the Minto Crags near Hassendean, Boxburghshire, and 
in the same county on rocks some two miles from Kelso 011 
the Biver Tweed. 
Culture. — It is necessary in cultivating this Fern to be 
careful that it is nol over-watered, that it is well drained, 
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