on British Ferns. 
v 
capsules form a continuous line : each cluster is covered 
more or less completely by a linear lateral involucre. 
Genus. — Notolepeum, Newman. 
Mid-vein of pinnules present, lateral veins alternate, 
branched, branches anastomosing among themselves and 
with the branches of the next lateral vein : clusters of cap- 
sules on the first anterior branch of each lateral vein, and 
all of them directed towards the apex of the pinnule, ex- 
cept in the first lateral veins, both branches of which bear 
clusters, the anterior cluster directed as usual, but the pos- 
terior towards the midrib of the frond, these are therefore 
placed back to back : each cluster is accompanied by a 
narrow and nearly erect involucre, occupying the same 
position with regard to the capsules as that of a true As- 
plenium : the back of the frond is densely clothed with 
pointed overlapping scales. 
Obs. — This genus has long been noticed as distinct, but I have seen 
no description in which the characters are correctly given. A new 
name seemed needful ; the names of Scolopendrium, Grammitis, and 
Gymnogramma, successively employed, have been severally restricted 
to very different genera, and that of Ceterach seems objectionable, as 
belonging of right to the species. A mode of overcoming the difficulty 
certainly exists in a repetition of the name, as Ceteracli Ceterach, and 
this plan has been largely followed in the nomenclature of fishes, but 
I t hink it has not hitherto found its way into the science of Botany. 
Whenever it shall he introduced, there can be no doubt that the name 
of Notolepeum must give way. 
Notolepeum Ceterach. 
Asplenium Ceterach, Linn. Sp. PI. 1538 ; Light/. FI. Scot. 
661 ; Finds. FI. Ang. 452 ; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 20, t. 12 ; 
With. Arr. 767. 
Scolopendrium Ceterach, Sm. E. F. iv. 315, E. B. 1244. 
Grammitis Ceterach (Swartz), Mack. 337. 
Ceterach ofhcinarum ( Willd .), Newm. N. A. 28, F. 293 ; 
Hook, and Am. 566 ; Bab. 415. 
Notolepeum Ceterach, Newm. F. 9. 
