TEEi^T COMBES. 
77 
PoLTPOBiUM Detopteeis. The Oah-Fern, or 
Tender Three-hranched Polypody. 
(Plate VII. Pig. I.) 
This slender and elegant fern is divided into 
three branches ; the branches are again twice di- 
vided. At the point where the three branches 
unite, there is an enlargement of the stem ; and 
the central branch, when growing, turns backwards, 
which gives the whole plant a peculiar appearance. 
The root is creeping, about the thickness of a quill, 
sending up at intervals tender green fronds, which 
before they are fully developed resemble three balls 
suspended ; the masses of sori are small, and placed 
near the edge of the pinnule ; the stem is usually 
three times the length of the frond, and is dark- 
coloured. 
This pretty little plant, being easy of cultivation 
and small in size, is well suited for a Pern-case. It 
is not common in Devon ; indeed, until found by 
ourselves, it was positively stated by high autho- 
rities to be absent from this county. But two 
years ago, botanizing among the glens on the De- 
vonshire side of Exmoor, we obtained a few fronds, 
and on paying a visit to the moor last summer 
found it abundant, but have not yet seen it in a 
second locality. 
