100 
CHAPTEE XIII. 
Athteixjm PiLix-rcEMiNA. Drooping Lady Fern. 
Eronds lance-stiaped, twice divided ; pinnules dis- 
tinct, deeply cleft and serrated, of tlie same size 
both above and below the midrib. Sori generally 
of the shape of a new moon, sometimes varying to 
oblong, occasionally, when they reach maturity, 
round and confluent. 
Frond soft in texture, drooping and decaying 
early in the Autumn. One of our loveliest ferns, 
presenting great variety in its lace-like fronds; 
common in all parts of the country. 
Var. molle is broad egg-shaped, dwindling at the 
base ; pinnules simply toothed and cut ofi* square, 
joined at their base ; sori in two lines, not crowded 
irregularly as in the normal form. 
Var. furcatum is a variety of molle, which we 
found near Ilfracombe, and which Mr. Moore has 
named. It has the apex of the frond and of each 
