52 
each other, nor should the plants be too old, for then the 
covers disappear, and the two lines of fructification are in 
one confused mass. In the intermediate state, the two 
covers are apparent to the natural eye, Plate II, fig. 17. 
By making a transverse section of the fructification when 
young, and by microscopical inspection, it will be observed 
that the two covers fold over each other, and that there are 
also two masses of fruit. This is a genus of which only a 
few species have been found throughout the whole world. 
“ This herb, if Pliny saith aright, 
Doth cure the Scolopendra’s bite : 
Prom this its name is taken. 
But, like the famed Mandragora, 
Its use and name have passed away 
From the Materia Medica — 
Time hath the fable shaken. 
Truth’s dicta time doth never shake — 
Thus when you observation take 
Of its elongate form and make, 
The Hart’s-tongue doth appear 
And when you note its sporules wide 
Arranged upon the under side. 
Like legs to centipede supplied. 
The Scolopendra’s clear.”— Glilbertus Cambrensis. 
Epigrams, No. 27. 
Plate II, fig. 17. 
Hart’s-tongue. Scolopendrium vulgare. This Pern is very 
abundant in this district, and grows profusely on neglected 
walls and hedge-banks, as well as in old wells. Those grow- 
ing on walls, and in exposed situations, are of a yellowish 
colour, much more stunted, stiff, and leathery, while those 
in damp and shady situations are of a darker and more 
polished verdure, drooping and spreading most gracefully 
in lengthened and elegant tufts. This is a very handsome 
Pern. In the summer months, whether in a wild or culti- 
vated state, what a lovely contrast is presented when the 
rich, glossy foliage of the Hart’s-tongue is blended with the 
soft, lax, drooping Prickly Pern, or with the light, elegant, 
finely and neatly divided Lady Pern. It is, however, quite 
