168 
BRITISH FERNS. 
Two varieties are sufficiently marked to deserve a 
notice. 
Var. obtusum is a dwarfed form lacking the tapering 
point, both in the general form of the frond and in that 
of each pinna ; it is altogether blunter, and more com- 
pact than the typical form. 
Var. acutum , on the other hand, is taller and more 
tapering, each pinna of greater length, less broad, and 
each leaflet partaking of the general drawing out to its 
very serratures. Obtusum prevails in dry, exposed, ste- 
rile places ; acutum in sheltered shady ones. 
This fern is a familiar inhabitant of rocky places and 
deep hedgebanks ; it grows erect at first, but soon 
droops, and where the position favours such a growth it 
becomes pendulous. The fronds attain perfection in 
September, and last through winter. The deep hue 
and glossy surface of the plant make it resemble the 
Ivy, and the similitude is increased by the verdure of 
both being in perfection when all deciduous foliage has 
gone to decay. In former days the Black Spleenwort 
was supposed to have medicinal virtues like others of 
its family, but these no longer obtain credit. 
This fern is abundant in woodland districts, upon 
rocks, old walls, and at the roots of trees. In the 
fernery it flourishes well, giving no anxiety to the fern 
grower. 
34. Asplenium fontannm, Bernh. Smooth Rock 
Spleenwort. 
Caudex short, thick. Stem slender, tufted. Fronds narrow- 
or broad-lanceolate, tapering above and below, bipinnate. 
Pinnae long, sessile, ovate, blunt. Leaflets ovate, minute, 
