52 
Family III. The Spleens. Aspleniece, 
The English and Classical names have been applied to 
this family, because the plants were supposed to be effica- 
cious in curing diseases of the spleen. Modern practition- 
ers ascribe to them no such virtues. Under this group are 
contained all Ferns having linear covers not parallel to the 
side of the leaflet, and opening lengthwise on one side. 
Many are found growing on rocks and walls, as well as on 
hedge-banks and in woods. The species indigenous to this 
country, are generally small evergreen plants, of a rigid 
texture, with polished stalks. The Lady Ferns are an ex- 
ception to this rule, and partake in this respect more of the 
character of the Shield-worts (Aspidiese). There are many 
exotics of this family. Specimens of these are frequently 
introduced to adorn our greenhouses. 
Genus 1. 
Lady Ferns. AtJiyria, This genus is a connecting link 
between the Shield-worts, (Aspidieae) and the Spleens 
(AspleniesB.) The cover is linear, not in a straight, but 
curved line. Sometimes it is very slightly crescent-formed, 
and sometimes as much curved as the circumference of a 
semicircle. In this case, when the cover is removed, it not 
unfrequently happens, that the cluster of spores seems to be 
round. The name Athyrium is of Greek origin, and 
signifies without door or inclosure.” It was doubtless so 
called, because the masses of spores burst open the bonds 
that confine them, and present tokens of their escaping 
captivity in the fringe, which remains on the margin of the 
cover. This.fringe is best seen through a microscope. The 
first upper pinnule is nearly of the same size as the next 
and under one, and herein difiers from the Feathered Shield 
Ferns (Lophodia.) 
