THE SOFT PRICKLY SHIELD FERN.* 
Polystichum angulare. — Presl. 
This species is not easily distinguished from P. 
aculeatum , though certainly distinct. The two may, 
however, be generally known from each other by the 
following differences : — P. angulare is less stout, less 
erect, and altogether less rigid in texture, normally 
lax and more herbaceous, while equally large or 
larger. 2 — P. aculeatum has its pinnules either 
confluent or decurrent (in which case there is no diffi- 
culty in distinguishing it), or when the pinnules are 
distinct, as in the most perfect plants, they are wedge- 
shaped at the base, the anterior side being truncate, 
and the posterior obliquely incised in straight lines, 
the two lines describing an acute angle, by the apex 
of which they are attached to the rachis ; while in 
P. angulare the truncated anterior base is more curved 
in outline and the two lines of the base describe a 
right angle or an obtuse angle, at the apex of which 
is a distinct slender stalk, by which they are attached. 
3 — P. aculeatum has its sori attached at a point 
along the middle part of the venule, the apex of which 
* Or Angular-lobed. Polystichum aculeatum, Aspidium 
angulare, A. aculeatum, Polypodium angulare, &c. 
