CRYPTOGRAMME AND PTERIS. 
29 
crested variety (cristata, Dri/cry), that was found at Seathwaite, in 
1874, by the Right Hon. R. A. Cross, which has retained its moss- 
like cresting. Of it Mr. Druery remarks : ‘‘This variety is more 
tender than the normal form.” 
THE COMMON BRACKEN. 
Pteris aquilina. — -Linnaeus. 
This is a well-known fern, 
growing up in single stems 
like a tree from its creep- 
ing subterraneous caudex. 
No other fern is like it. 
The fronds vary, accord- 
ing to favourable or un- 
favourable circumstances. 
It is only 4 inches on the 
summit of Hellvelyn ; and 
I have measured it 12 feet 
on Longridge Fell. Usually 
it is from 3 to 5 feet. De- 
ciduous, and fructification 
marginal. 
Fig. 9. — Portion of pinna of mature frond, 
under side, of Pteris aquilina. 
The most abundant British fern, and also very common through- 
out Europe, as far north as Lapland. 
There are a few distinct varieties : — 
1. attenuata, Moly. Found in North Devon, in 1870, by Mr. J. 
Moly. Length of frond, 2 feet 6 inches. 
Found in Lancashire, 
feet. An 
2. Barnesii, Lowe (cristata, Wollaston). 
in 1874, by Mr. J. M. Barnes. Height, 3 
crested variety. 
3. congesta, Wollaston. A congested form 
moreland, in 1872, by Mr. Hindson. 
Found at Arnside, by Mr. J. M. Barnes. 
interesting 
Found in West- 
Found in Derbyshire, in 1872, by Mr T. 
4. crispa, Barnes. 
The pinnules crisped. 
*5. cristata, Moore. 
Glover ; at Langdale, by Mr. J. M. Barnes ; and recently at The 
Hendre, by Mr. Comber. Height, 3 feet. Branch crested. 
6. furcans, Lowe. Found near Birmingham, by Mr. F. A. 
Fdelsten, with irregular pinnae and pinnules. A portion furcate, 
and the apex multifid. 
7. glomerata, Barnes (flexuosa, Wollaston ; incurva, Moore). 
Found in Westmoreland, in 1864, by the late Mr. Jacob J. Jones. 
A conglomerate form. 
*8. grandiceps, Moore. Raised from spores by Mr. A Clapham, 
Mr. J. E. Mapplebeck, Mr. Forster, and others. This capitate 
variety is raised from cristata , but grandiceps is sterile. A singular 
variety. Length, 2 feet. 
9. Hartfieldii, Lowe. Raised by Mr. J. E. Mapplebeck. A good 
cross between incurva and cristata. 
