80 
occ’nr. In 2 Samuel, xxi, 20. mention is made of a man 
that had on every hand six fingers and on every foot six 
toes.” This we should consider an abnormal or unnatural 
appearance of man. Just so our Terns. Trom some 
particular position or injury, they assume unusual forms, 
which are commonly denominated monstrosities. The 
varieties generally occur, to a considerable extent, in a 
particular locality. Only single instances of monstrosities 
are found, and those only in one plant, and sometimes 
merely in part of a plant. With regard to varieties, we may 
also add that they continue constant in the same form as long 
they live. If, however, their spores (seeds) be thrown into 
the earth, especially when placed in a situation where the 
contrary form prevails, then the plant often becomes changed 
to its original type. How are those choice apples prized 
which are placed on the table for the dessert, and for which 
the gardeners charge an exorbitant price ! Yet the pips or 
seeds of these often produce a crab tree, whose fruit is most 
despicable, hardly fit to make the sourest vinegar. 
We will now proceed to describe some of these unusual 
appearances, or varieties of the species of Fern. 
The reader is requested to understand that all varieties 
to which the letter M is appended have been in a great 
measure, if not altogether, discovered as growing in the 
neighbourhood, by Mr. Moly of Hawkchurch. Through 
him many choice and curious plants have been found, and 
any person desirous of seeing the Ferns of this vicinity, 
cannot do better than repair to his house and behold in his 
garden, what our hedge-banks, walls, woods, and bridges 
have produced. Whatever place is named at the end of an 
article must be understood as the locality of the variety 
that has been described. 
ADDEESTOifGUE. OpMoglossum vulgatum. 
See 'page 18 . 
The fronds are sometimes furnished with two, three, or 
four spikes. These have been found in several parts of the 
district. 
