Gen. I. Species 1, 2. 
CHAPTER IV. 
OF SPECIES. 
Having fixed on the first or generic name of a fern chiefly 
y means of peculiarities in its fructification and venation, we 
3xt have to decide on its second or specific name ; and for this pur- 
3se we must observe many other characteristics such as the shape, 
ze, and texture of the frond, its manner of growth, whether tufted, 
•ect, creeping, or pendulous ; the shape of the rhizome, and the 
'esence or absence of scales, hairs, and tubercles. We have endea- 
red in the following descriptions to avoid confusing the enquirer 
7 any unnecessary prolixity, and, without pretending to any 
miplete description, to point out in each case some one peculiarity 
t which the fern may be distinguished from others in the same 
;nus. The habitats are those given by Dr. Hooker or known to 
ore recent collectors ; when the name of a district is mentioned 
wide range must be allowed. 
Gen. I. — Gleichenia. — § Eugleichenia. 
1. G. semi-vestita. Fronds 1J to 3 feet high ; stipes tall, smooth, 
lindrical, often shining below, woolly or chaffy above. Pinnae 
ining above, often covered with a light bloom beneath ; branches 
reading, forked, and pinnate ; rachis often chafly in the young 
ate, smooth in the old. 
Var. B. hecistophylla. The lobes of the pinnae concave 
stead of flat. Northern Island ; abundant in open fern-land. 
2. G. dicarpa. Smaller and more slender than the former ; 
e lobes are closed over the capsules like boxes with transverse 
ts. Foveaux Straits. Lake Taupo. 
Var. B. alpina. Stunted and very woolly. 
15 
