38 
BRITISH FERNS. 
Cheilanthes hastata. Halbert-shaped Cassebeera. Better 
known by its former name of Pteris hastata, a taller- 
growing fern, one of the largest of the genus, attaining 
sometimes a height of two feet. Fronds bipinnate, the 
lower pinnse heart-shaped, the upper halbert-shaped ; 
stems dark brown ; sori on the margin narrow and con- 
tinuous. Easily increased by spores. A native of the 
Cape. 
The genus Onychium is so called from the divisions of 
the fronds resembling a claw, onychion . 
Onychium lucidum . Shining Onychium . Caudex creep- 
ing; fronds slender, triangular; fertile fronds 15 or 16 
inches long, barren ones 3 or 4 inches shorter ; all of a 
bright green colour, and very finely divided ; sori small, 
but when ripe they nearly cover the under side of the 
leaflets. A native of Japan, but sufficiently hardy for a 
greenhouse. 
The genus Woodwardia is called after the eminent 
British botanist Mr. Woodward. Its sori are sunk in 
the leaf, and covered with hollow involucres, and the 
veins form a network. 
Woodwardia radicans. Rooting Woodwardia. Fronds 
pinnate, irregular, bright green; pinnae of various 
breadth and length, cut at the margin into sharp seg- 
ments. At the apex of the frond a bulb is formed, 
which presently puts forth roots from which new plants 
spring. This is a fine bold fern, growing 3 feet high, 
the fronds spreading in every direction, and covering a 
considerable space. It is a native of North America. 
The genus Niphobolus is derived from nipholus , covered, 
with snow ; because the fronds are covered with short 
hairs, like snow-crystals; they are very useful in the 
greenhouse or hothouse to ornament baskets and rock- 
