174 
New Zealand Ferns 
This fern thrives better than almost any other in my 
fernery. It is a very variable species. The smaller, 
more delicate specimen figured 65a is of so constant a 
type, and so different from the large states of P. maci- 
lenta, that I think it is worthy of being classed as a 
variety. Although the two plants grew spontaneously 
on an earthen bank in my garden within 12 inches of 
each other, and are subject to exactly the same environ- 
ment, they have not in any way approached each other. 
It is confined to New Zealand. Since the above was 
written it has been described and named Var. saxatilis 
by Mr. H. Carse. 
